In the wake of loss, a funeral service offers a space to gather, grieve, and celebrate the life of a loved one. A well-crafted funeral program becomes a cornerstone of this experience.

It serves not only as a guide for the ceremony, but it’s also a cherished keepsake that captures the essence of the deceased and the love they shared with those around them.

But in the midst of everything that’s going on, you may not find the time or headspace to devote to this task –– and we understand. That’s why we’ve compiled these examples and templates to help you make the perfect funeral program.

By dedicating time and thought to crafting a meaningful program, you can create a lasting tribute that honors their memory and brings comfort to those who mourn.

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What Does a Funeral Program Include?

A funeral program serves as a touching tribute to the deceased, providing essential details about their life and the service. Here are the key elements it should include:

• Full name of the deceased: Ensure the name is clearly stated to honor their identity.
  
  
• Dates of birth and death: These dates mark the beginning and end of their life's journey.
  
  
• Obituary or biography: A brief summary of their life, highlighting significant achievements, relationships, and memories.
  
  

Components of a Funeral Program

Creating a comprehensive and thoughtful funeral itinerary involves several key components. Each part contributes to honoring the memory of the deceased and guiding attendees through the service. Here's a detailed breakdown with examples:
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Cover page

The cover page is the first thing attendees see, setting the tone for the service.

• Title: Choose a respectful and heartfelt title, such as "Celebrating the Life of [Name]" or "In Loving Memory of [Name]."
  
  
• Photo of the deceased: Include a clear, high-quality photo that reflects the personality and essence of the deceased. For example, a candid photo capturing a joyful moment or a formal portrait.
  
  
• Dates of birth and death: Clearly display these dates below the photo, e.g., "January 1, 1950 – June 15, 2023."

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Order of service

This section outlines the sequence of events, helping attendees follow along and participate meaningfully.

• Welcome message or introduction: Start with a warm welcome message from the officiant or a family member. Example: "Thank you for joining us today to honor the life of [Name]. Your presence means a great deal to us."
  
  
• Musical selections: List the songs that will be played or sung, along with the names of performers. Example: "Amazing Grace" performed by [Name] or "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by [Artist].
  
  
• Prayers and readings: Include the texts of any prayers, scripture readings, or poems. Example: "The Lord’s Prayer" or a poem like “A Psalm of Life.”
  
  
• Eulogies and tributes: Identify the speakers and the order in which they will present their eulogies or share memories. Example: "Eulogy by [Name], friend" or "Tribute by [Name], grandchild."
  
  
• Closing remarks: Conclude with final thoughts or a blessing from the officiant. Example: "Thank you all for coming. Let us go forth in peace, cherishing the memories of [Name]."

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Acknowledgments and thank you notes

Express gratitude to those who have supported the family during this difficult time.

• Recognizing those who contributed: Mention individuals or organizations that provided significant help or services. Example: "Special thanks to [Funeral Home Name], [Officiant’s Name], and the staff at [Venue]."
  
  
• Expressions of gratitude from the family: A personal note from the family thanking attendees for their support.
  
  Example: "The family of [Name] wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks for your presence, prayers, and kind words during this time of sorrow. Your support has been a great comfort to us."

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12 Template Designs for Funeral Programs

Adding personal touches to a funeral program or a memorial service program can transform it from a set of instructions into a cherished keepsake that truly reflects the unique life and personality of the person. Here are some ways to personalize the program:

Photos

Photos capture memories and celebrate the life of your loved one. You can create a photo collage on one of the inner pages featuring pictures from different stages of the person’s life.

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Meaningful quotes

Incorporate quotes that were significant to the deceased or that captured their spirit.

• Favorite sayings: Include quotes or sayings that the deceased often used or that held special meaning for them.
  
  
• Inspirational quotes: Select quotes that offer comfort or reflection, like "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."

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Scriptures

Adding scriptures that offer comfort and hope can be particularly meaningful.

• Comforting scriptures: You can include passages like John 14:1-3: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me."
  
  
• Favorite verses: If the deceased had favorite Bible verses, incorporating these can make the program even more personal, such as Psalm 23.

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Personal messages

Adding personal messages from family members or close friends can make the program feel more intimate.

• Letters or notes: Include short letters or notes written by family members, expressing their love and memories.
  
  
• Tributes: Feature tributes from friends and family, highlighting the impact the deceased had on their lives.

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12 Sample Funeral Program Templates To Choose From 

Traditional and elegant templates

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Template #1

This template is ideal for a traditional, detailed program that includes essential information about the order of service and timings.

‍Try it here.

Template #2 

This template has a subtle and elegant color scheme and can be customized to fit the funeral program text that you need. It’s best suited for an older family member.

‍Try it here.

Template #3

This simple beige template with floral corners fits traditional funeral program requirements. This is best suited for an older relative or someone who would like a more understated style of program.

Try it here.

Template #4

This subtle, understated template design is perfect for an elegant or outdoor funeral service. The colors can be customized to meet your needs, and the clean design gives you lots of room for customization.

Try it here.

Themed templates

Template #5

This religious-themed, minimal, and elegant funeral program has lots of empty space for additional text and customization.

Try it here.

Template #6

Choose a floral-themed template if your loved one liked pastel colors, gardening, or the outdoors. The elegant design is eye-catching and beautiful.

Try it here.

Template #7

This classy and timeless funeral program design can be edited to suit different color schemes if you’re going with a themed funeral based on colors. 

Try it here.

Modern and minimal templates

Template #8

This clean design is an elegant choice for a funeral program, focusing on the visuals and the key messages.

Try it here.

Template #9

Use this classy and timeless template if you want a design that leaves lots of room to add more text or include a longer order of service.

Try it here.

Template #10

This gray, minimalistic design focuses on large images and text so that the person being remembered is highlighted above everything else, making it a wonderful option to consider.

Try it here.

Template #11

This bold, modern-looking design is eye-catching and sharp, with large heading text at the borders and a big image with the key information up front and center.

Try it here.

Template #12

A modern and timeless design like this will suit just about any funeral service program, and it has space for text and design customization.

Try it here.

Printing and Distribution

Deciding how to print and distribute the funeral programs is an important step. Here are some options to consider:

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Pick a printing method

Choose between professional printing and DIY printing. Professional printing ensures high-quality results and can handle large quantities efficiently, while DIY printing is more cost-effective and offers greater control over the final product, suitable for smaller services.

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Paper quality and binding options

Select a sturdy, high-quality paper like cardstock or matte for a polished look. Depending on the size of your program, consider different binding methods such as stapling, spiral binding, or simple folding for an elegant appearance. 

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Distribute the programs at the service

Distribute the programs by either handing them out to attendees as they arrive or placing them on seats before the service begins. This ensures everyone receives a program and feels welcomed.

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Digital Funeral Programs

In addition to printed programs, digital versions can be a convenient and inclusive option. Digital programs are easily accessible on smartphones, tablets, or computers, making them convenient for attendees who cannot be physically present.

Use design platforms like Canva to create a digital version of your program and share it by emailing a PDF version or post it on social media or memorial websites.

This ensures the program reaches a wider audience and provides a meaningful way to honor the memory of your loved one.

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Next Steps: Let Meadow Help You Plan a Meaningful Memorial

We hope this helps you with everything you need on how to design a funeral program with limited time and resources. Here at Meadow, we specialize in compassionate and meaningful memorial planning.

Our comprehensive packages and support help you create a memorial service to reflect your loved one's spirit. We allow you to honor their memory on your terms.

• We’re with you at every step. A brief call allows us to understand your needs and preferences. We'll then pair you with a professional memorial planner who will be your dedicated guide throughout the process.
  
  
• We focus on what matters. Our planner will handle all the logistics, from venue selection to vendor coordination, so you can focus on what matters most — spending time with loved ones.
  
  
• We take care of the details. Your dedicated planner will manage everything from food and flowers, sending invitations, booking catering, and managing your photo slideshow for the event.
  
  
• We customize. Tell us about your loved one's personality and interests. We create unique events to reflect their life for a truly personal celebration.

• We’re transparent. Our cremation services start at $995 with clear and upfront pricing so that you can plan with confidence. You can add on a memorial service package starting at an additional fee of $1,970.
  
  

Let us help you create a beautiful and lasting tribute to your loved one.

‍Explore our personalized memorial services.