What is a Funeral Program

The funeral program (sometimes called a memorial service bulletin or funeral order of service booklet) is the printed document that outlines events in the funeral or memorial service and summarizes the life achievements of your deceased loved one. The family of the deceased usually prepares the information for the funeral program. The family may work with the funeral home or church to design the funeral program template, or they may use a company such as Elegant Memorials to create a customized funeral program template that can also serve as a keepsake.

The Funeral Program Template Layout

Funeral Program Cover:
The cover of the funeral program sometimes has a picture of the deceased, as well as their full legal name, date of birth, date of death, location and time of service, and a title for the funeral program (ex. “In Memory”, “Homegoing Celebration, etc.” "In Remembrance").

Order of Service:
The Order of Service is the next key section of the funeral program. This is the part of the funeral program that outlines the order of events for the service. The information in this section of the funeral program will be greatly effected by the cultural and religious beliefs of the deceased. If the service will is run by religious clergy, it may be best to contact your religious officiates. The funeral director will also have information, and may be able to provide you with a “typical” service outline for your funeral program. A typical Order of Service in a funeral program will contain the Prelude, Processional, Prayer, Song (Hymn of Comfort), Reading (Scripture, Poem, Prayer, Old Testament, and New Testament), Acknowledgments, Cards & Condolences, Obituary Reading, Eulogy, Final Viewing, Benediction, Recessional, and Interment location.

Obituary:
The funeral program will also contain a written obituary. The Obituary details the biographical highlights of the deceased person’s life. The obituary in the funeral program will detail where the person was born, where they lived, any information about their spouse, children and other information such as hobbies, and personal stories will be shared. It is important that the information in the obituary is reviewed to include accuracy of dates and names.

Surviving Family Members:
The immediate family members mother, father, sisters, brothers, should be listed first. Secondly, the immediate family, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, In-laws, Grandparents, and Grandchildren should be listed. Predeceased family members may also be included in the funeral program to establish genealogy or relation of the person to an extended family.

The Back of the Funeral Program:
The back of the funeral program may include a poem, favorite song or prayer. The final section of the program may also include a personal quote from a family member, listing of pall bearers (men that carry the casket), flower bearers (women traditionally carry flowers and place them on the alter) or special acknowledgements (short thank you from the family).

When designing a funeral program, it is important to remember that the funeral program is a keepsake that represents the life of your loved one. The funeral program should be detailed and share the unique personality traits of your loved one.