What a funeral program template is and why it saves time
A funeral program template is a pre-designed file created specifically for funerals, memorials, and celebrations of life. It includes the panel structure and spacing needed for printing and folding, plus organized areas for the most common sections families include. Most templates provide a cover layout for a name, dates, and a headline, and interior areas for the order of service, an obituary or life tribute, acknowledgments, and photo placement. Because the file is designed for print, margins are already safe, headings are aligned, and the panel order is set so the program reads correctly after folding.
Templates are helpful because they reduce decision fatigue. Grief can make even small choices feel heavy, and planning can create a constant stream of “quick questions” that never feel quick. A good template gives you a reliable framework so you can focus on what matters: accuracy, clarity, and words that feel true. The goal is not to create something flashy. The goal is to create something guests can read easily and keep with respect.
Choose your format before you start editing
Your format should match your content. A bifold is the most common option because it is familiar, quick to print, and usually provides enough space for the essentials. A bifold uses one letter-size sheet printed front and back and folded in half. It generally fits a cover photo, the person’s name and dates, a clear order of service, a short obituary or life tribute, a few photos, and an acknowledgments message. If your service is traditional and your content is moderate, a bifold is often the best balance of simplicity and meaning.
If you have multiple readings, song lyrics guests will follow, several speakers, a longer tribute, or many photos, a booklet format may be a better fit. Booklets prevent the most common design problem: shrinking text to make everything fit. Readability matters during a service, especially in dim lighting or from a distance. If you find yourself compressing paragraphs, reducing font sizes, or stacking text tightly, that is usually a signal to move to a format with more room or to shorten content.
Trifolds can look beautiful when content is short, but they require careful proofing because panel order matters. If you choose a trifold, print one proof copy early and fold it exactly how it will be handed out. Confirm the cover panel is correct, the inside panels follow the ceremony sequence, and the back panel contains the closing information you want guests to see.
Gather your content in one place first
Collect the exact spelling of the full name, dates of birth and passing, service date and time, venue name and address, officiant name, and the complete order of service (readers, speakers, songs, musicians). Draft the obituary or life tribute in a separate document so you can edit it without disturbing the layout. Choose one clear cover portrait and two to five supporting photos. Keeping everything in one folder reduces errors and last-minute searching.
Video guidance
Format comparison
Use the table below to match your content to the format that keeps everything readable. In most cases, the best program is the one that looks calm on the page. Guests should be able to scan it quickly and follow the service without squinting or searching.
| Format | Best For | Typical Inclusions | Helpful Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bifold | Most funerals and memorial services | Cover, order of service, short tribute, a few photos, acknowledgments | Classic, familiar, and quick to print; best for moderate content and tight timelines. |
| Trifold | Short services with minimal text | Condensed schedule, brief tribute, quote or verse, small photo set | Panel order matters; always print and fold one proof copy before producing multiples. |
| Booklet | More readings, lyrics, photos, or longer tribute content | Extended tribute, multiple photos, lyrics, prayers, expanded acknowledgments | More space prevents tiny fonts; best when you want a keepsake-focused program. |
What to include so guests feel supported
Guests usually look for a few core sections. The cover typically includes a name, dates, and a phrase like “In Loving Memory” or “Celebrating the Life.” Many families add a short scripture, a quote, or one line of poetry. Inside, the order of service lists each part of the ceremony in the sequence it will happen. This is more helpful than many people realize. In grief, guests may feel uncertain about when to stand, when to sit, or what comes next. A clear order of service creates gentle structure.
The obituary or life tribute is where the program becomes personal. Some families prefer a traditional obituary with biographical details and family names. Others prefer a warmer tribute that focuses on the person’s character, relationships, and the way they made others feel. If you are unsure how long it should be, aim for two to four paragraphs that read naturally. You can mention where the person was born, what mattered to them, what they enjoyed, and what people will remember most. You do not need formal language. You need honest words.
An acknowledgments section is a simple way to thank guests for support. If you include donation information or a memorial fund, keep the wording clear and short. Optional items may include pallbearers, honorary pallbearers, clergy, musicians, or a closing message. The most important goal is consistency and accuracy, because names and dates are the details families want preserved correctly.
Design choices that keep the program clean and readable
A program looks polished when it stays readable. Keep body text at a comfortable size, and avoid pushing paragraphs into tight spaces. If you need room, shorten the text instead of shrinking the font. Use consistent headings and spacing. Avoid switching fonts multiple times. Even if the template offers several styles, selecting one heading style and one body style creates a calmer look.
Photos should be chosen with printing in mind. A clear cover portrait helps guests recognize the person immediately. Inside photos can show different seasons of life: family gatherings, milestones, hobbies, and everyday moments. When cropping, keep faces centered and avoid cutting off important features. If a photo is darker, consider placing it inside rather than on the cover, because covers are printed larger and darkness becomes more noticeable.
Proofing: the step that protects your family from preventable errors
Names and dates are where mistakes happen most, and that is normal when the timeline is short and emotions are high. Build a simple proof routine. Print a draft copy early, fold it, and read it slowly from start to finish. Then ask one other person to read it too. Fresh eyes often catch a missing initial, swapped digits in a date, or a venue address typo that you may miss after staring at the page for hours.
Printing with confidence
After your final proof, export a print-ready PDF. PDFs preserve layout so the program prints the way it looks on your screen. Print one proof copy before printing the full quantity. Fold it exactly how it will be handed out. Confirm the cover is correct, the inside panel order matches the service flow, and nothing important sits too close to the fold line. Look at the proof under normal indoor lighting, because that is how guests will see it.
Paper choice depends on time and budget. Standard paper works for home printers and quick turnarounds. Heavier stock feels more like a keepsake and holds up better over time. If using heavier paper, fold carefully to reduce cracking along the fold. If you are using a local print shop, provide the PDF and request one proof before the full run. That simple step prevents costly reprints and last-minute stress.
Digital sharing for relatives who cannot attend
Many families share a digital version so relatives can participate from a distance. Export the program as a PDF and share it via email, text, or a private family group. The benefit of templates is that your printed and digital versions match. Everyone sees the same order of service, photos, and wording, which creates unity even when people cannot be in the same room.
Digital copies also help after the service. People misplace paper programs, but a saved PDF can be shared again, printed later, and kept in a family archive. Save the final file in a clearly labeled folder with the full name and service date so it is easy to find later.
Audio guide
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Audio transcript: Funeral Program Templates (updated for this audio)
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Helpful links
These links take you to key resources, including the main website, the funeral programs collection page, and Google Maps for directions and planning.
Coordinated styles and practical support from The Funeral Program Site
DIY templates are most helpful when they are easy to edit and still look polished when printed. The Funeral Program Site provides designs in a wide range of styles, including traditional, floral, scenic, modern, and faith-based options. Families can choose a look that matches the tone of the service, then focus on what matters most: accurate details, readable text, and photos that feel like the person being honored.
If you feel stuck near the finish line, return to three priorities. First, keep the text readable. Second, verify every name and date. Third, choose a cover photo that feels warm and recognizable. When those three things are right, your program will feel meaningful to guests, even if you created it quickly. Save the final PDF in a safe place, because many families later print extra copies for relatives or keep one clean copy for a memory box.