What a funeral program template is
A funeral program template is a ready-made document created specifically for services such as funerals, memorials, and celebrations of life. The file arrives with page layouts, sample headings, and clearly marked spaces for photos, so the placement of key elements is already thoughtfully arranged. You simply replace placeholder text with your own names, dates, and service details, and drop in images that reflect your loved one’s personality.
Templates usually follow familiar formats, such as a folded bulletin or small booklet, that guests instantly recognize and feel comfortable holding. Within those layouts, there is room for essentials like the full name of the deceased, dates of birth and passing, the location and time of the service, and a short or extended life story. Many designs also reserve space for favorite verses, songs, poems, and a closing message of gratitude from the family, helping you stay organized as you write.
Why families choose templates
During the days just before a service, most families are managing calls, travel arrangements, and many decisions in a compressed amount of time. Building a printed program from the ground up—experimenting with columns, spacing, and folds—can quickly become stressful. Templates ease that burden by supplying a proven design that has already been checked for clarity and print readiness, which means every edit you make moves you closer to a finished keepsake.
Templates also provide consistency between printed and digital formats. The same carefully arranged layout can be shared as a stack of programs at the venue, as a downloadable PDF attached to an email, or as a file linked on an online obituary page. When everyone sees the same structure and wording, whether they are seated in the front row or joining from another city, the service feels more coordinated and thoughtful.
Choosing the right template format
One of the earliest decisions is how much space you will need. If the service will be fairly simple, with a brief order of service and a concise obituary, a basic bifold program printed on a single sheet of paper may be sufficient. When you plan to include multiple readings, song lyrics, several photos, and longer written tributes, a booklet-style design with additional pages usually offers more breathing room and prevents text from feeling crowded.
Before committing to a format, it often helps to gather your content in a plain document, even if it is just a draft. List the names of speakers, outline the order of events, paste in scriptures or poems you are considering, and type a preliminary version of the life story. Once everything is in one place, you can better judge how many panels or pages will feel comfortable, and you can avoid the frustration of shrinking the font at the last minute just to make everything fit.
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Funeral program template format comparison
Different program formats lend themselves to different types of services. The table below outlines how three of the most common layouts—bifold, trifold, and booklet—are typically used so you can decide which one best fits your plans. Thinking about fold style, page count, and how much content you expect to include will help you choose a format that feels comfortable for both you and your guests.
| Format | Best For | Typical Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bifold | Most funeral and memorial services | Order of service, obituary, single or small group of photos | Simple, classic layout that prints easily on standard letter-size paper; ideal when your content is moderate and you prefer a traditional, church-style handout. |
| Trifold | Short services with minimal text | Condensed service details, brief obituary, and a few highlighted quotes or scriptures | Requires attention to which panels appear on the outside and inside; always test-fold a sample to ensure the cover, inside sections, and back panel are in the correct order. |
| Booklet | Services with more readings or photos | Extended obituary, multiple images, song lyrics, prayers, and acknowledgments | Offers more space for storytelling without reducing font size too far; useful for celebrations of life where you plan to share stories, timelines, or additional keepsake pages. |
Design and editing tips
Once you have chosen a format, you can refine the visual style to match your loved one’s personality and the tone of the gathering. A calm, readable font for body text paired with a slightly more decorative heading font usually creates a professional appearance without distracting from the words themselves. Soft colors, borders, or background elements can add warmth, but it is best to avoid anything that makes text difficult to read under softer lighting.
Photographs are often the emotional centerpiece of the program. Many families like to feature one strong portrait on the cover, which offers an immediate sense of recognition as guests arrive. Inside pages can hold additional photos—perhaps from different ages, family events, or meaningful places—that together paint a fuller picture of a life well lived. When cropping images, keep faces centered, avoid cutting off important details, and ensure expressions remain clear at the final printed size.
Content to include in a program
Most programs follow a familiar structure, which can be reassuring when you are unsure what to include. The front often displays the name of the person being honored, along with dates of birth and passing, and sometimes a short phrase, scripture, or quote that feels especially fitting. Inside, you will usually find the order of service in clear, simple language so guests know what is happening next, whether that is a hymn, reading, eulogy, or moment of silent reflection.
Many families also include a written life story or obituary that highlights important relationships, achievements, and character traits. This section does not have to be long to be meaningful; a few well-chosen paragraphs can communicate warmth and personality. Additional space may be used for scriptures, prayers, poems, or song lyrics that will be part of the service. A closing note of thanks is a thoughtful way to acknowledge the support of friends and relatives, and some templates include dedicated spaces for listing pallbearers, officiants, or special music contributors.
Printing and paper considerations
A high-quality template is designed with printing in mind, so margins, folds, and image placements line up correctly on standard equipment. Before printing a full stack of programs, it is wise to create a single proof copy on the same type of paper you plan to use for the final run. This check gives you a chance to confirm that colors look right, fonts are large enough to read comfortably, and no important details fall too close to the edges or along the fold.
The paper you choose can subtly change how your program feels in the hand. Regular copy paper works well for simple services and home printers, while a slightly heavier stock adds a more substantial, keepsake quality. For folded pieces, especially on thicker paper, pre-scoring or carefully folding along a straight edge can prevent cracking and keep edges neat. Saving your file as a high-resolution PDF ensures that what you see on screen is what a printer—at home or at a shop—will reproduce for your guests.
Digital sharing and remote guests
In many families, not everyone can be physically present for the service. A template-based program adapts easily to digital sharing, giving distant relatives a way to participate from afar. Once your layout is complete, you can save it as a PDF and send it by email, upload it alongside an online obituary, or share it in a private family group where people can download and view it on their own devices.
Offering both printed and digital versions can be especially meaningful for those with visual or mobility challenges. Some people appreciate being able to zoom in on text using a phone or tablet, while others prefer holding a printed copy they can tuck into a Bible, journal, or memory box. Because both formats come from the same template, there is no need to maintain separate designs; one carefully edited file serves everyone, regardless of where they are.
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Helpful links
When you are ready to explore design options or need additional tools, these links provide quick access to core resources from The Funeral Program Site as well as directions for in-person gatherings.
Funeral Program Templates by The Funeral Program Site
The Funeral Program Site offers a wide range of coordinated designs so families can select a style that reflects personal taste, cultural traditions, and faith backgrounds while still remaining easy to edit and print. From simple, traditional layouts to scenic, floral, and contemporary looks, every template is crafted to balance visual beauty with practicality. Once you choose a design that feels right, you can focus fully on the names, stories, and images that best honor the life being remembered.