How To Create A Funeral Program

Have you recently suffered a loss? Are you making final arrangements for the burial? If so, you’re likely in the process of writing the obituary and creating a funeral program. Unfortunately, no one teaches you how to write either in school, which means these written memorials of your loved one’s life can become overwhelming.

Never fear! We can help you create a beautiful program for your loved one that you’ll cherish for years to come. 

 

What is a Funeral Program? 

Following a person’s death, a funeral is held in his or her honor. At this ceremony, a program will be distributed to those who attended. It’s typically designed by either the funeral director or a friend or family member of the deceased. This brochure is intended to outline key points in the funeral (or memorial) service and summarize the life of the deceased. Here’s how you can create one.

 

How to Make a Funeral Program  

 

  1. Gather all the information you need

The obituary and the funeral program will share a lot of the same information. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before making the program if you don’t already have it. 

  • Deceased person’s full name (including maiden name, if applicable)
  • Dates of birth and death 
  • Time, place, and date of funeral and burial 
  • Names of surviving family members 
  • Names of pallbearers
  • Name of officiant 
  • Name of the person delivering the eulogy 
  • Title and artists of the songs being played or sung 
  • Titles and references to any reading or poems 

In a funeral program, you also have the option to include additional information. This type of information may include: 

  • Photographs of the deceased 
  • Brief biography
  • Favorite songs, poetry, TV shows, books, etc. 
  • Hobbies
  • Dates and places of employment
  • Names and pictures of pets
  • Time and place of reception
  • Sentiments of gratitude from family to guests 
  1. Select your layout and style 

Funeral programs can be created using a variety of layouts and styles. First, you’ll need to decide whether you want a bifold or trifold pamphlet. The main difference between these two is whether you want the funeral program to open like a booklet (bifold) or a brochure (trifold). You may decide this based on personal preference of appearance or the way you want the information to be laid out within the funeral program. 

After you’ve decided on the layout, you’ll want to choose from one of the following designs. Both bifold and trifold offer the same style options. This choice will likely depend on the interests of the deceased during their life.

Style options: 

  • Military 
  • Religious
  • Hobby themed 
  • Occupation themed 
  • Floral 

Tip: Be sure to include all information in the order in which it’s relevant. You want your program to read in the same order as the funeral service. Reach out to the officiant if you’re unsure! 

  1. Personalize your design 

With Memento Tributes, you’re able to design and personalize your funeral program even further. For personalization, you have three options. 

  1. You can personalize your design using the easy online design studio
  2. You can create an all-new custom design product 
  3. You can upload your own design in a print-ready file (great for graphic designers!)

If you’re looking for a simple, easy, and quick funeral program option, we recommend using option A. Our online design studio allows you to input all the information you need effortlessly and efficiently.  

 

Final Thoughts 

 

Don’t fret over writing your obituary or funeral programs! Memento Tributes is here to help. All orders received by 12 PM EST are printed and shipped the same day! Visit here to learn more about all your options.