What to Include in a Funeral Program: A Complete Guide
A funeral program (also called an order of service or memorial program) is the small booklet guests hold during the service. It guides everyone through the ceremony, and it's often kept as a keepsake for years. If you've been asked to put one together, this guide covers what to include, in what order, and how to fit it all on the page.
Key takeaways
- Every program needs a name, dates, a photo, service details, an order of service and an obituary.
- Most families choose an 8-page booklet, with room for photos, tributes and a poem.
- Proofread every name and date twice, then print 10–20% more copies than you expect guests.
1The essentials every program needs
Whatever the length or style, nearly every funeral program includes these six elements:
Full name
Include a middle name or nickname if that's how friends knew them, e.g. Robert "Bobby" James Carter.
Dates of birth & death
Written in full ("March 4, 1948 – September 12, 2026") or as "Sunrise" and "Sunset".
A photograph
Usually on the cover. Choose a clear, well-lit photo that shows them as family remembers them.
Service details
Date, time, venue name and address, and the name of the officiant.
Order of service
The running order of the ceremony so guests can follow along.
Obituary
A short life story celebrating who they were and the people they loved.
2Front cover
The cover sets the tone. Keep it simple: the photo, the full name, the dates, and a short heading such as "In Loving Memory", "Celebration of Life" or "Home Going Service". Many families also add the date and location of the service to the cover so it doubles as a keepsake.
3Order of service
This is the heart of the program. A typical order of service looks like this. Adjust it to your faith tradition and the family's wishes.
- Processional & family viewingFamily enters and is seated
- Opening hymn or songCongregation or soloist
- Opening prayerOfficiant or clergy
- Scripture readingsOld and New Testament
- Musical selectionA favorite song of the deceased
- Reading of the obituaryRead silently or aloud
- Reflections & tributesAbout two minutes each
- EulogyDelivered by the officiant or a family member
- Closing prayer & benediction
- Recessional
List the name of each participant beside their item. Guests appreciate knowing who is speaking, and it's a quiet way to honor those who helped.
4Obituary and life story
The obituary usually fills a full page. A simple structure makes it much easier to write:
- Where and when they were born, and to whom
- Education, career and military service
- Marriage and family life
- Faith, church membership or community involvement
- Hobbies, passions and what people will miss most
- Those who preceded them in death and those they leave behind
Warm, specific details ("she never missed a Sunday dinner") say more than general statements.
5Photos and a photo collage
A page or spread of photos from different stages of life is often the part guests linger over most. Aim for 6–12 photos that mix childhood, family, milestone and candid moments, and scan older prints at a high resolution so they print sharply.
6Poems, scripture and favorite quotes
A short poem or verse on the back cover or an inside page gives the program a gentle close. Popular choices include Psalm 23, John 14:1–3 and Ecclesiastes 3:1–8, or a favorite saying of your loved one.
7Acknowledgements
A brief thank-you from the family recognises the kindness of friends, church members and caregivers. Something as simple as this is enough:
"The family wishes to thank you for your prayers, cards, calls and many acts of kindness during this time. Your love and support will always be remembered."
8Pallbearers, flower bearers and interment
List the pallbearers and honorary pallbearers by name, then add burial or interment details (cemetery name and address). Include any repast or reception information so guests know where to go after the service.
9How many pages do you need?
This depends on how much you'd like to include:
| Format | What fits | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 4 pages | Cover, order of service, obituary, back cover | Simple, shorter services |
| 8 pages | Everything above plus a photo collage, tributes, a poem and acknowledgements | Most families (the most popular choice) |
| 12+ pages | Long obituaries, several tributes and multiple photo pages | Large families and full home-going services |
| Trifold | The essentials on one sheet folded in three | Compact, budget-friendly printing |
10A quick checklist before printing
- Spell-check every name, and ask a second family member to proofread
- Double-check dates, times and addresses
- Confirm the order of service with the officiant
- Print one test copy before the full run
- Print 10–20% more copies than the number of guests you expect
Save time with an editable template
Designing a program from scratch while grieving is a lot to take on. An editable template gives you a professional layout with every section above already in place, so all you add is the photos and words. Every CraftPik template opens in your free Canva account, where you can change the text, photos and colors, then download a print-ready PDF.
You'll also find matching pieces to complete the service:
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a funeral program and an obituary?
An obituary is the written life story, often published online or in a newspaper. A funeral program is the printed booklet handed out at the service. It usually includes the obituary alongside the order of service, photos and acknowledgements.
Who usually makes the funeral program?
It's often a family member or close friend, sometimes with help from the funeral home. Using an editable template means anyone comfortable with basic editing can create one in an evening.
How far in advance should the program be ready?
Aim to finish the design at least two to three days before the service. That leaves time for proofreading and printing without last-minute stress.
What size is a standard funeral program?
The most common size is a letter-size sheet (8.5" × 11") folded in half to make a 5.5" × 8.5" booklet. Larger 11" × 17" sheets fold into a full letter-size booklet.
Create a beautiful program in minutes
Browse 240+ editable funeral program templates. Personalize them in Canva, then print at home or at any local print shop.