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When you’re planning a funeral or memorial service, creating a funeral program can feel like one more overwhelming task in an already emotional time. But this small booklet—also called a funeral or order of service booklet—can be a comforting way to guide guests through the ceremony while honoring the life of someone deeply loved.
Whether you’re keeping it simple or adding personal touches like photos, poems, or a short tribute, there’s no one “right” way to do it. In this post, I’ll walk you through what to include in a funeral program, with examples and tips to help you create something meaningful and easy to put together. I also offer a range of flat and folded templates in my Zazzle store to make the process a little gentler, whatever your style or needs.
What Is a Funeral Program?
A funeral program—sometimes called a funeral booklet or order of service booklet—is a printed handout shared with guests at the memorial or funeral service. It helps guide everyone through the ceremony by outlining what will happen, who will be speaking, and any special moments planned.
More than just a schedule, it’s also a way to honor and remember your loved one. Some families choose to keep it very simple, while others include favorite photos, a short obituary, or a message of thanks. However you design it, it becomes a keepsake that many guests hold onto long after the day is over.
Essential Information to Include
No matter the style or format, most funeral programs include a few key details. These help guests follow along and feel connected throughout the service.
Full Name of the Deceased
Include their full name as they were known and loved. You might choose to add a middle name or nickname if it feels right.
Example: Margaret Mary Anderson
Birth and Death Dates
Displayed in a way that feels natural to you—either numeric or written out.
Examples:
- 09.09.53 – 10.10.32
- September 9, 1953 – October 10, 2032
A Cover Photo
Choose a clear, high-quality photo that reflects their personality. It could be formal or casual, old or recent—whatever brings a smile when you see it.
Order of Service
This is the heart of the funeral booklet. It gives guests a quiet sense of structure and lets them know what to expect.
Example format:
- Celebrant: Pastor Smith
- Opening Music: Somewhere Over the Rainbow
- Welcome and Opening Words
- Hymn: Jerusalem
- Eulogy by Elizabeth Johnson
- Poem: Remember
- Prayer: Psalm 23
- Closing Hymn: Amazing Grace
- Final Words and Farewell
You don’t need to list everything in great detail—just enough to gently guide guests through the ceremony.
Optional Elements You Might Include
Once the essentials are in place, many families choose to personalize their funeral program with a few additional touches. These extras aren’t necessary, but they can bring warmth, comfort, and a deeper sense of connection for everyone attending.
A Message of Thanks
Often included on the back or inside page, this is a short note from the family expressing gratitude to those who’ve offered support or attended the service.
Example:
There are no words to express how grateful we are for your kindness during this time. Your love and support will always be remembered.
An Obituary or Life Tribute
Some order of service booklets include a written obituary that shares your loved one’s story—their background, passions, milestones, and what made them special. This can be a beautiful way for guests to learn more about their life, especially for those who didn’t know them well.
A Favorite Poem, Quote, or Bible Verse
Including something meaningful—whether it’s spiritual, poetic, or a simple saying—can bring comfort to those reading it.
Examples:
- “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell
- Psalm 23
- “Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”
Extra Photos
Folded funeral booklets often have space for one or two additional photos. Some families include a collage of special memories, childhood snapshots, or more recent images that reflect their loved one’s joy.
All of these additions are optional—you can include as much or as little as feels right.
Choosing the Right Layout: Flat or Folded?
When creating a funeral program—or order of service booklet—one of the first decisions is whether to go with a flat or folded layout. Both are beautiful and meaningful options, and the choice really depends on how much information you’d like to include.
Flat Funeral Programs
Simple and elegant, flat programs work well when you’re keeping things short and sweet. They’re perfect for listing the order of service, sharing a photo, and adding a short tribute or thank-you message. These are especially popular for smaller or more traditional services.
Folded Funeral Booklets
If you’d like to include more personal touches—like an obituary, extra photos, a longer message of thanks, or a poem or prayer—a folded layout gives you the space to do that. These are often used for celebration of life services or when the family wants to include more storytelling and keepsake elements.
All of my templates are editable and available through Zazzle, where you can order them with professional printing and delivery for added ease during this difficult time. Some of the templates are available as digital files you can print at home or locally if you prefer.
Printing Tips and Ideas
Once your funeral program is complete, it’s time to think about printing and how you’d like to share it with guests. Whether you’re keeping things simple or creating something more detailed, here are a few tips to make it easy.
Printing at Home
If you have a home printer and you’re using a flat program or smaller booklet, printing at home can be a quick and affordable option. Use good-quality card stock or matte photo paper for a professional feel. Be sure to print a test page first to check alignment and color.
Local Print Shops
For folded booklets or larger quantities, local printers or office supply stores like Staples or Office Depot can be a helpful option. They can usually print, fold, and trim the programs for you, saving time and stress.
Zazzle Professional Printing
If you order one of my templates through Zazzle, you can have your programs professionally printed and delivered straight to your door. It’s an easy way to ensure everything looks polished without needing to worry about formatting or paper choices. Many families find this to be the most convenient option during a busy and emotional time.
Sharing Digitally
Another option is share your funeral booklet as a digital file via email, especially for friends and family who are unable to attend the service in person. A PDF copy can be a meaningful way to include them from afar.
A Gentle Final Thought
Creating a funeral program—or order of service booklet—is a small act of love during a difficult time. It brings structure to the service, offers comfort to guests, and becomes a keepsake that helps preserve the memory of someone deeply missed.
Whether you’re putting together something simple or including extra personal touches, there’s no perfect formula—only what feels right for your family. My editable templates are designed to make this part of the process a little easier, with space for everything that matters most, and the flexibility to print at home, locally, or through professional printing.
However you choose to create it, your program will speak from the heart—and that’s more than enough.