When someone we have parties away, arranging their last goodbye feels very difficult. One part of the service was that many families prepared the funeral program. The small booklet or paper helps guide guests through the service and also becomes a memory keepsake for family and friends.
But many people ask what is the right format for the funeral program? How do you write it? What should you add inside?
In this article, we will explain the format for the funeral program step-by-step. We will talk about the common parts included, give examples, and answer simple questions. By the end you will get to know how to make a clear and thoughtful program that shows love and respect for your dear ones.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat Is A Funeral Program?
A funeral program that is also called a memorial program. This is a paper that is given to the people at the funeral, the funeral program format usually includes the following things.
- The basic information about your loved ones like their name, their date of birth and death dates, also their short life story.
- The order of service the plan of reading music prayers and speeches
- Words of thanks from the family.
- Extra touches like photos favourite quotes or poem
Funeral Program Format: Key Sections
The format of the funeral program can be different and it is based on religion, culture, or what the family wants to do. Still, most programs follow a similar structure.
Here is the normal and most used funeral service program format
Cover Page
- The full name of the loved one
- The dates of Perth and depth
- A photo of a person
- A title such as in loving memory or celebration of life
Inside Pages
- A short life story or obituary
- A step-by-step outline of the funeral service
- Special readings, poems or scriptures
- A list of songs, all music, that are played
Acknowledgement/Closing Page
- Words of thanks from the family.
- Details about the ceremony or gathering after the service
- Information about memorial donations, if the family is requesting them.
Types Of Funeral Program Formats
Catholic Funeral Program Format
A catholic funeral usually follows mass. This includes Hymns, prayers, Bible readings, a homily, communion, and final blessings. The structure stays mostly the same as cremation is chosen.
Memorial Service Program Format
A memorial service often happens weeks later. It is flexible and personal. The programs may include welcome words, readings, photo slide shoes, and a closing thank you message from the family.
Celebration Of Life Program Format
A celebration of life is more joyful. It often includes favourite songs, inspiring quotes, happy photos, and stories from family and friends. The goal is to honour and remember joyfully.
How to write a funeral program format
Collect Information
You have to start by collecting the information like the full name of your loved ones, their bath and debate and the place where they were born and where they passed away. You have to collect the photos to include in the program and write down life highlights that can be used in writings.
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Choose The Funeral Order Of Service Template
Next, you have to decide how you have to organise the ceremony. You can use a funeral order of service template as a guide. This will help you set a clear flow for the service.
Select Music And Readings.
Choose the songs or the special reading you would like to include. Be sure to know the names of the performers.
Write An Obituary In The Funeral Program
Make sure to write a short obituary that shares your loved ones, life story, the important events from their life, and also their family.
Add Thank You Notes And Details
Finish the program with words of things from the family. You can also include details about the reception, gathering, or donation information if the family wishes to provide it.
Design Ideas For Funeral Booklets
The design of a funeral program format is just as important as the information inside it. There are a lot of families who are choosing the designs that reflect the personality and love of their loved ones. Some families use printable templates that can easily be edited on any editing app. Other people choose more detailed booklets with some borders and flowers with more details. It’s all about your choice. What do you want? It totally depends on how much details and design you want to add, it can be a simple page or a booklet.
Does The Word Have A Funeral Program Template?
Yes, Microsoft Word and Google Docs both have already made funeral program templates. So it can be very easy for you if you use these templates to make the writing all by yourself by changing the background and also the addition of any photos or poems.
Tips for creating a meaningful funeral program
Personalise It
You can change the colours to the favourite colours of your loved ones. You can also write about their favourite poem and also at the personal touch to make it more close to the heart.
Include Photos
Add photos that show different stages of their life, such as childhood, weddings, and family pictures. Photos help guests remember and celebrate happy memories
Keep It Organised.
Make sure the format of the funeral program is clear. A step-by-step funeral service program helps guests know what will happen during the ceremony.
Choose Quality Printing.
Even if you use a simple printable program, try to print it on thicker paper. This will make it look nicer and more lasting.
Add Keepsake Value.
Some families turned the format into a small booklet with extra pages. This gives space for gas to write down their memories or messages, making it a good thing to keep for the future.
Final Words
Whenever you are choosing the funeral format you have to make sure that what are your needs and what is your budget.A funeral program is something that has not to be complicated. No matter if you are using a simple funeral program format, creating in a word if you are choosing the catholic funeral program format, the most important thing is to keep it meaningful and well organised.
By adding the obituary, the order of service, the list of songs, and thank you notes, you can create a beautiful tribute for your loved ones. Family and friends will find the program helpful during the ceremony, and they will keep the booklet as a special memory for so many years.
Creating a meaningful funeral is one way to honour your loved ones. With Insure guardian life insurance plans you can make sure your family gets the best life insurance policy plans. Talk to an expert now and get a free quote.
FAQS
How do you format a funeral program?
You can use the funeral program for Matt template for this. You have to use a clear structure and write the details on the cover page and also the order of the service, keep it simple and respectful so that it will be easy for the people to follow.
What is a typical funeral program?
The program includes the photos, obituary, funeral order of service, music list, and closing thanks. So that it will guide the people who attend the ceremony and act as a keepsake
What is the full order of service for a funeral?
A standard order includes players, readings, songs, reflections, and closing words. Religious service can follow a more detailed liturgy.
Does Word have a funeral program template?
Yes, Microsoft Word provides free and paid templates. Families can edit them to fit their needs. Canvas and other design tools also offer options.

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