Funeral Program Template: What to Include and How to Word It

Most funeral programs get put together in the two days after a death is confirmed -- while you are also coordinating the venue, notifying family, and trying to function on almost no sleep.

A funeral program (sometimes called an order of service or memorial bulletin) is a folded sheet or booklet that tells attendees what will happen and in what order. Standard format is a single letter-size sheet folded in half to create four panels. Print roughly the expected headcount plus 20 percent extra. This guide covers every section with ready-to-use wording and full templates for traditional, non-religious, and celebration-of-life services.

If you are still deciding on the service format, see our funeral planning guide. For the eulogies and speeches themselves, see how to write a eulogy and celebration of life speech examples.

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What Is a Funeral Program?

A funeral program is a simple printed document -- typically a single sheet folded in half (creating four panels) or a multi-page booklet. It serves several purposes:

• Guides attendees through the sequence of the service
• Introduces speakers so the audience knows who is speaking and their relationship to the deceased
• Provides words for any hymns, prayers, or responsive readings so the congregation can participate
• Preserves information -- many families keep the program as part of the memorial record

Programs range from a single folded sheet printed at home to professionally designed multi-page booklets. Either is appropriate. What matters is that it has the right information in a clear order.

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What to Include in a Funeral Program

Cover

The cover is the front panel of the folded sheet. It typically includes:

• Full name of the deceased
• Birth and death dates (or birth and death years)
• A photograph
• An optional brief line: a favorite quote, a line of scripture, or a single word like "Beloved" or "In Loving Memory"

Cover wording examples:

[Full Name] [Birth Year] -- [Death Year] "She believed she could, so she did."

In Loving Memory of [Full Name] [Date of Birth] -- [Date of Death]

[Full Name] Beloved [husband / father / friend] [Birth Date] -- [Death Date]

Celebrating the Life of [Full Name] [Birth Year] -- [Death Year]

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Welcome or Opening Words

This short paragraph (two to four sentences) sets the tone for the service and appears just inside the cover or at the top of the inside panels.

Wording examples:

We gather today to celebrate the life and mourn the passing of [Full Name]. Thank you for being here to share in this time of remembrance and farewell.

Welcome, and thank you for joining us to honor the life of [Full Name]. [He/She/They] was loved by many, and your presence here is a comfort to the family.

We are grateful you are with us today as we remember and celebrate [Full Name]. This service is a time to grieve, to give thanks, and to share in the memories that [he/she/they] left with each of us.

Today we come together not only to mourn the loss of [Full Name], but to celebrate a life well lived. We welcome you warmly and thank you for being here.

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Order of Service

This is the core of the program -- the sequence of what will happen during the service, in order. List each element with its title and, if applicable, the name of the person leading it.

Standard format:

Prelude Music [Song title] -- [Performed by / Musician name]

Welcome and Opening Words [Officiant name], [title: Pastor / Celebrant / Family Friend]

Opening Hymn / Song "[Song title]" -- [Congregation / Soloist name]

Scripture Reading [Reader name] [Scripture reference, e.g., Psalm 23]

Eulogy [Speaker name], [relationship: daughter / lifelong friend / colleague]

Musical Tribute "[Song title]" -- [Performed by]

Remembrances / Open Sharing [Facilitated by: officiant name or note "All are welcome to share"]

Poem or Reading [Reader name]

Closing Words [Officiant name]

Recessional "[Song title]"

Committal / Graveside Service (if applicable) To follow at [Cemetery Name]

Reception [Location, e.g., Fellowship Hall / Family Home / Restaurant name]

Adjust this list to match your actual service. Not every element is required. A graveside service may have only four or five items; a formal funeral Mass will have more.

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Biographical Section (Optional)

Many programs include a brief biography or life summary -- the same information as an obituary, condensed to fit the program format. This is optional but meaningful, especially for services with many attendees who did not know the deceased personally.

Wording example:

[Full Name] was born on [date] in [city] to [parents' names]. [He/She/They] grew up in [area] and spent [his/her/their] career as [role or profession]. [He/She/They] is survived by [spouse name], [children's names], and [other survivors]. [He/She/They] was preceded in death by [names]. [Name] will be remembered for [one or two qualities or passions].

For a full guide to writing this section, see how to write an obituary and obituary examples.

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Hymns and Readings (with words)

If the service includes congregational participation -- hymns, responsive readings, or a prayer said in unison -- print the words in the program so attendees can follow along. This is especially important for guests who may not be familiar with the tradition.

Example: Lord's Prayer (for Christian services)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Example: Responsive reading

Leader: We gather to remember. All: We carry [him/her/them] with us.

Leader: We give thanks for the life shared. All: We are grateful for every moment.

Leader: We release what we cannot hold. All: And we trust in what endures.

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Closing Words

A brief paragraph at the end of the program, often inside the back panel or at the bottom of the final page. It acknowledges the gathering and sometimes includes a note about the reception or other follow-up.

Wording examples:

The family thanks you for your presence and your love today. A reception will follow at [location]. All are welcome.

Thank you for honoring [Name] with your presence. [His/Her/Their] family is grateful for every kind word, every prayer, and every memory shared today.

Please join the family for a reception immediately following the service in [location]. Light refreshments will be served.

The family invites you to share a memory or leave a message on [Name]'s memorial page at [link or QR code]. Your words will be treasured.

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Back Cover

The back panel is often left simple. Common options:

• A second photograph
• A favorite poem or quote
• A short verse of scripture
• The phrase "In Loving Memory" with dates
• A QR code linking to the online memorial page (see how to add a QR code to a funeral program)

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Full Program Templates by Service Type

Traditional Funeral (Religious)

Cover:

In Loving Memory [Full Name] [Birth Date] -- [Death Date] "[A line of scripture or a short quote]"

Inside:

Welcome and Introduction -- [Pastor/Priest/Minister name] Opening Hymn -- "[Hymn title]" Scripture Reading -- [Reader name] -- [Reference] Prayer -- [Officiant name] Eulogy -- [Speaker name] Musical Selection -- [Performer/Song] Words of Comfort -- [Officiant name] Closing Hymn -- "[Hymn title]" Benediction -- [Officiant name] Recessional

Interment to follow at [Cemetery Name] Reception to follow at [Location]

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Memorial Service (Non-Religious)

Cover:

Celebrating the Life of [Full Name] [Birth Year] -- [Death Year]

Inside:

Prelude Music Welcome -- [Speaker or family member name] Opening Remarks -- [Celebrant or officiant name] Remembrance -- [Speaker name, relationship] Music -- "[Song title]" Remembrance -- [Speaker name, relationship] Open Sharing -- All are welcome to share a memory Closing Words -- [Speaker name] Recessional

Reception to follow at [Location] [Name]'s memorial page: [link or QR code]

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Celebration of Life

Cover:

Celebrating [Full Name] [Birth Year] -- [Death Year] "Live well, laugh often, love much."

Inside:

Welcome and Gathering Music Opening Words -- [Host name] Life in Pictures -- Slideshow / Photo display Toast and Remembrances -- [Speaker names] Music -- "[Song title]" Stories and Sharing -- Open to all Closing Toast -- [Host name]

Please stay and share memories. Food and drinks are available. Share your memories at [Name]'s memorial page: [link]

See our celebration of life planning guide for help with the full event.

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Graveside Service

A graveside service is typically brief -- 15 to 30 minutes. The program may be a single sheet rather than a folded booklet.

Example:

Gathering Opening Words -- [Officiant name] Scripture or Reading -- [Reader name] Eulogy or Remembrance -- [Speaker name] Committal Words -- [Officiant name] Moment of Silence Closing Prayer or Words

The family thanks you for your presence. A reception will follow at [Location].

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Wording for Specific Situations

When the person's faith is unknown or mixed among attendees

Keep the language open. Instead of explicitly religious or non-religious phrasing, use language that works across traditions:

We gather in gratitude for [Name]'s life, in comfort for one another, and in hope that love is stronger than loss.

When the death was sudden or the person was young

Acknowledge it briefly without dwelling on it:

[Name]'s passing came too soon. We gather not because we are ready, but because we love [him/her/them] -- and because being together is what [he/she/they] would have wanted.

When the service is private

If the program will be shared digitally or sent to those who could not attend:

This service is being held privately by the family. We are grateful for the love and support of all who knew [Name]. A memorial page where friends can share memories is available at [link].

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a funeral program be?

A single folded sheet (four panels) is the most common format and works for most services. Multi-page booklets are appropriate for longer services or when you want to include a full biography, many photos, or complete hymn lyrics.

Can I make a funeral program at home?

Yes. A word processor or free design tool (Canva has funeral program templates) is all you need. Print on standard letter paper, fold in half, and you have a four-panel program. For a more polished result, print on heavier paper stock at a local print shop.

What size paper should a funeral program be?

Standard letter size (8.5 x 11 inches), folded in half, gives you four panels each measuring 5.5 x 8.5 inches. This is the most common format. Half-letter (5.5 x 8.5 folded to 5.5 x 4.25) works for shorter graveside services.

How many programs should I print?

Print roughly the number of expected attendees plus 20 percent extra. Families often keep a copy as a keepsake, and extras can be mailed to those who could not attend. It is better to have too many than too few.

Should I include the deceased's photo on the cover?

Yes, if possible. A photo on the cover personalizes the program immediately and gives attendees a connection to the person being honored. A portrait or candid shot both work -- choose one that reflects who the person was.

What is the difference between a funeral program and an obituary?

An obituary is a published announcement and tribute, typically appearing in a newspaper or funeral home website. A funeral program is a printed guide for attendees at the service. They often share similar biographical content, but the program also includes the order of service, speaker names, and song titles. See online memorial vs obituary for more on the differences.

Should I add a QR code to the program?

A QR code on the back cover that links to the online memorial page is a meaningful addition. It gives attendees an easy way to visit the memorial page on their phones during or after the service, and it extends the tribute beyond the physical event. See how to add a QR code to a funeral program for the setup steps.

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A Lasting Tribute Beyond the Program

The program is a keepsake, but it is also temporary -- easily lost or worn with time. An online memorial page gives the family a permanent place to preserve photos, share memories, and let friends and family revisit the tribute whenever they want to. You can link to it directly from the program with a QR code, making it easy for every attendee to find.

Creating one takes about five minutes. You can add it to the program before printing so attendees have the link from the moment they walk in.

Funeral homes and celebrants who create programs for families regularly can also offer memorial pages for funeral homes as part of their services -- a lasting digital companion to the printed program, with no subscription required.