The loss of a loved one is a difficult and emotional time. In the midst of grief and making arrangements, it's important to also think about how you want to honor and celebrate their life. One meaningful way to do this is by creating a funeral program that captures their spirit and legacy.
But what exactly should be included in a funeral program? What's the best format and structure to follow? In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about crafting a beautiful and memorable funeral program.
What is a Funeral Program?
A funeral program, also known as an order of service, is a printed booklet or pamphlet that is handed out to attendees at a funeral or memorial service. It serves as a guide to the service, outlining the schedule of events, who is participating, and any readings, songs, or other tributes.
More than just an itinerary though, the funeral program is an opportunity to share memories, photos, and details about your loved one's life. It becomes a treasured keepsake for those in attendance.
Some common elements found in funeral programs include:
- A photo of the deceased
- Their full name, along with nicknames
- Dates of birth and death
- Names of close family members
- Obituary or life story
- Order of service (prelude, postlude, prayers, readings, eulogies, musical selections)
- Poems, quotes, or scripture that were meaningful to them
- Memorial donation information
The exact contents will vary based on the type of service, religious or cultural traditions, and the individual's wishes and personality. The key is to make it personal and reflective of how you want them to be remembered.
Cover Page: Setting the Tone
The cover page is the first thing people will see when handed the program, so it's important to design it with care. Most include a photo of the deceased, their full name, dates of birth and death, and the time and location of the service.
Consider the overall tone you want to convey - do you want it to be elegant and traditional or more modern and celebratory? This can guide your choices in terms of color palette, fonts, and any motifs or symbols to include.
Some ideas for personalizing the cover:
- Use their favorite color as an accent or background
- Include a beloved quote or lyric
- Add a military seal, cross, Star of David, or other insignia if appropriate
Inside Pages: Telling Their Story
The inside pages are where you really get to delve into your loved one's life story and share what made them so special. While the exact layout and sections will vary, here are some key components to consider including:
Obituary or Life Story
The obituary gives an overview of the person's life, including key milestones, accomplishments, hobbies, and qualities. Some families choose to print the exact obituary that was published in the newspaper, while others write a more personal tribute.
Focus on capturing their spirit and sharing anecdotes that illustrate who they were. But be sure to also include the biographical details that people expect, such as:
- Date and place of birth
- Parents' names, including mother's maiden name
- Education and degrees earned
- Career and work history
- Military service
- Membership in organizations
- Hobbies and interests
- Names of surviving family members
- Predeceased family members (spouse, parents, siblings, children)
Order of Service
The order of service outlines the actual events that will take place during the funeral or memorial. It's essentially a program or itinerary for the service.
A typical order of service includes:
- Prelude music as people are seated
- Processional (often accompanied by music)
- Welcome and opening remarks by the officiant
- Opening prayer
- Readings, such as poems, scripture, or literature excerpts
- Musical interludes, solos, or congregational hymns
- Eulogy or remembrances by family and friends
- Closing prayer
- Recessional
Be sure to list the names of those who are part of the service, such as the officiant, musical performers, pallbearers, and anyone doing a reading or giving a eulogy. You may also want to print the text to any prayers, song lyrics, or readings, especially if they will be recited.
Poems, Quotes, and Scripture
Including poetry, quotes, or scripture is a lovely way to further honor your loved one and share wisdom that resonates with their life. Choose selections that capture their essence or that they themselves found meaningful.
Some popular choices include:
- "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Mary Elizabeth Frye
- Psalm 23
- "If" by Rudyard Kipling
- Excerpts from the Book of Ecclesiastes
- "Love" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
- "Crossing the Bar" by Alfred Lord Tennyson
Other sources for inspiration include song lyrics, speeches, letters, or even things your loved one said themselves. A well chosen quote can be a powerful addition to the program.
Photos and Memories
Photos give people a tangible way to connect with memories of the deceased. Consider adding a photo collage, slideshow, or photo board to the funeral program.
Choose photos that capture your loved one's personality and depict them in happy times. Images can span from their childhood through the various phases of their life - wedding, travels, candid family photos, etc.
Intersperse the photos with captions, memories, or funny stories to paint a fuller picture of who they were. Encourage others to contribute their own photos and remembrances as well.
Memorial Donations
If you are requesting memorial donations in lieu of flowers, include that information in the program. Specify the preferred organization or cause, and provide clear instructions for how people can make contributions.
Some popular memorial donation options include:
- Medical research organizations for specific diseases
- Hospice and palliative care programs
- Educational institutions they attended or supported
- Veterans organizations
- Animal rescues and shelters
- Environmental conservation groups
- Arts and cultural institutions
Think about causes and charities that mattered to your loved one and that align with their values. Memorial donations are a meaningful way to create a living legacy.
FAQs
To help you get started with creating your funeral program, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long should a funeral program be?
Most funeral programs are 4-8 pages long, depending on how much content you choose to include. A typical format is a folded 8.5x11 sheet printed on both sides.
Should I print in color or black & white?
Either option is appropriate. Color adds visual interest but will be more expensive to print. Black and white can look clean and elegant. Consider using a heavier card stock if possible.
How many copies should I order?
Plan to print enough programs for each guest, plus some extras.
What if I don't have much time to put it together?
There are many free and low-cost funeral program templates available online, like FuneralFolio that you can easily customize.
Can we still do a program for a memorial service later on?
Absolutely. Programs for memorial services, life celebrations, or anniversary events are very common. You may even have more time to gather content and memories after the funeral is over.
What other mementos can we create?
In addition to a printed program, you may want to create a digital version that can be shared online, using FuneralFolio, bookmark-style keepsakes with a photo and dates, memorial slideshow, prayer cards, etc.
Key Takeaways
- A funeral program is a guide to the service and a keepsake in memory of your loved one
- Include key components like an obituary, order of service, photos, and poems or quotes
- Design the program to capture your loved one's personality and share their life story
- Print enough copies for each guest plus extras, in either color or black & white
- Online templates or funeral home assistance can simplify the process if needed
Creating a funeral program is a beautiful way to celebrate your loved one's life and legacy. While it may feel daunting during a time of grief, know that you don't have to do it alone. Enlist help from family and friends to gather content, proofread, and handle the printing.
The most important thing is that the program feels authentic to your loved one and will be a meaningful tribute for years to come. So take a deep breath, collect your memories, and know that whatever you create will be cherished.