How to make a beautiful funeral program
A funeral program outlines the activities that will take place at a funeral or memorial service. As well as serving a practical purpose on the day, a beautifully designed and printed funeral program becomes a lasting keepsake — something people tuck into a drawer and return to long after the service has passed.
What is a funeral program?
A funeral program, sometimes called an order of service or funeral pamphlet, is a printed document provided to everyone who attends a funeral service. It outlines what will happen so that those gathered can follow along and know what to expect. It typically includes a list of the key activities of the service, and often also features a photograph of the person who has passed, along with favourite funeral poems or quotes.
Why use a funeral program?
A funeral program serves several purposes. It honours the person who has passed by giving the occasion a considered, personal shape. It becomes a keepsake for those who attended — and can be shared with those who couldn't. And it gives everyone in the room a clear sense of what will happen next, which can bring a quiet sense of comfort during an otherwise uncertain time.
How to distribute funeral programs
There are two common approaches. If someone is greeting guests as they arrive, they can hand out programs at the door. If the service is being held at a funeral home, a staff member may do this for you. Alternatively, placing a program on each seat before guests arrive means everyone has one ready without any coordination on the day.
Types of funeral programs
Funeral programs are most commonly prepared on a single sheet of paper, folded in half to create a booklet. The cover typically features a photograph of the deceased, while the inside lists the order of activities. A less traditional option uses a single card, half the size of a standard sheet, printed on one or both sides. Both formats work equally well — the right choice depends on how much content you want to include.
Parts of a funeral program
There are no fixed rules about what a funeral program must contain. Most will include a listing of the main parts of the service — eulogies, prayers, readings — and the names of the people delivering them. There will usually be a list of music or songs to be played or sung. The back cover might feature additional photographs, a favourite quote or poem, or a thank-you note from the family.
Funeral program design
If you are working with a funeral home, they may take care of the funeral program for you. If you prefer to create your own, the Memories Order of Service Builder is designed specifically for this purpose — with funeral-appropriate templates, photo options, and the ability to pull in content already written in the platform. It produces a print-ready file without requiring any design experience.
For those who prefer a general design tool, Canva also offers free funeral program templates that can be personalised.
Funeral program cover design
The cover will typically include a photograph of the person who has passed, their full name, and dates of birth and death. Some programs also list the date, time, and location of the service on the cover. Whether you keep it simple and elegant or use colours and motifs that reflect the person's character, the cover sets the tone for everything that follows.
Funeral program back cover design
The back cover is often used for a poem or reading shared during the service, a thank-you note from the family, or details of a reception afterward. Some families also include a QR code linking to the Memories Digital Guest Book or online memory book, so guests can leave messages and access shared photos after the service.
Funeral program formatting
You don't need to be a graphic designer to create something beautiful. When using an online tool, you can experiment with different colours, fonts, and styles. Common motifs include flowers, trees, stars, the sky, and the ocean. Clear formatting — consistent fonts, good spacing, and a restrained colour palette — tends to produce the most elegant results.
Preserve the funeral program in an online memory book
A funeral program is one of the most tangible things people take home from a service. It's also worth preserving digitally. The Memories Online Memory Book gives you a private, permanent space to archive the program alongside photos, videos, the tribute video, and messages from family and friends — all accessible to loved ones around the world, for as long as you need it.
Everything created for the service — the order of service, the eulogy, the tribute video — can live together in one place. Start for free — no credit card required.
