Losing a loved one is difficult, and planning a service can leave little room for design decisions. A funeral program provides a clear order of service while creating a personal keepsake for family and friends.

Choose a template below, then personalize it with service details, photos, an obituary or life sketch, readings, and a message from the family.

Need a starting point? Explore these funeral and memorial service program templates, or browse letter-size funeral program options.

A funeral program is a printed pamphlet or booklet shared with guests at a funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life. It may also be called a memorial program, funeral bulletin, or order of service program.

It has two simple purposes: helping guests follow the ceremony and preserving memories of the person being honored. Programs are often kept long after the service.

• Cover: Name, birth and death dates, a photo, and a title such as “In Loving Memory.”
• Order of service: Welcome, music, readings, eulogy, tributes, and closing remarks.
• Obituary or life sketch: A short tribute that reflects important relationships, milestones, and interests.
• Photos: A cover image, additional photos, or a small collage.
• Poems, quotes, prayers, or scriptures: Words that offer comfort or reflect the person’s beliefs and character.
• Acknowledgments: A brief thank-you message from the family.

The right format depends on how much you would like to share and how you plan to print it.

• Bifold letter-size program: An 8.5” × 11” sheet folded in half, with a cover and inside pages. A practical choice for service details and a tribute.
• Half-letter program: An 8.5” × 5.5” format for a shorter order of service or smaller gathering.
• Tri-fold brochure: Three panels that can separate the service order, obituary, and readings.
• Multi-page booklet: Useful when you have a longer obituary, many photos, or several tributes.
• Prayer cards and bookmarks: Smaller keepsakes that can accompany a program or be shared on their own. View prayer card options.

A program can be simple and still feel deeply personal. Choose a design that suits the service and the person being remembered, whether that means a faith-based design, military elements, a nature scene, or a contemporary celebration-of-life style.

You can also add a favorite saying, meaningful colors or symbols, family messages, or a digital PDF to share with people who cannot attend. For more options, see personalized funeral programs.

1. Gather the essentials. Collect the full name, dates, service details, selected photos, obituary or life sketch, and any readings, poems, or thank-you message.
2. Select a template and format. Choose a layout with enough room for your content and a theme that feels appropriate for your loved one.
3. Personalize the wording. Replace the template text with the order of service, tribute, acknowledgments, and other details.
4. Add photos and meaningful touches. Include a cover photo and any additional images, quotes, scriptures, or symbols you wish to share.
5. Review carefully. Check names, dates, spelling, service times, layout, and page order with another family member if possible.
6. Print a test copy. Review one printed copy before producing the remaining programs, especially for folded formats.

You may print programs at home, take a PDF to a local print shop, or use professional printing for larger quantities or booklet formats. A test copy can help you confirm margins, folding, paper choice, and readability.

Consider printing enough for most expected guests, with a few extras for family members and those who may wish to take one home. Learn more about printing funeral program cards.

If you need a program with more room for stories and photos, explore a tribute booklet. You can also view memorial service programs and funeral and memorial program options.