Funeral program

Funeral program: what to include

A funeral program, also called an order of service or memorial folder, is a folded sheet handed to guests. It usually has four panels: a cover with the name, dates and a photo; the obituary or a short life story; the order of service; and a back page with a poem, the pallbearers and the family's thanks.

Updated September 30, 2026

On this page

The examples on this page were written for TributePen. The people, names and details in them are invented: use them as a starting point, never as someone's real story.

The four panels

A single sheet folded in half gives four panels, which is enough for most services.

Panel	What goes there
Front cover	"In Loving Memory" or "Celebrating the Life of," full name, dates, photo, date and place of the service
Inside left	The obituary, or a shorter life story written for the program
Inside right	The order of service, with the names of those who read, speak or sing
Back cover	A poem or reading, pallbearers, the family's acknowledgment, reception or burial details

Longer programs (eight pages or more) add photos, a family tree, favorite recipes or messages from grandchildren.

You can make a four-panel program in your browser with the free printable funeral program template.

Cover wording

Traditional cover

traditional

In Loving Memory
Margaret Ann Ellis
March 3, 1942 – September 21, 2026
Saturday, October 4, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
Funeral Home Chapel, Tucson, Arizona

For a traditional cover · 23 words · 145 characters

Why it works: everything a guest needs, in the usual order. Make it yours: add a photo above or below the name.

Celebration cover

uplifting

Celebrating the Life of
Frank "Captain" DeLuca
1945 – 2026
"Pull up a chair."

For a celebration of life cover · 13 words · 77 characters

Why it works: a nickname and one of the person's own phrases set a lighter tone. Make it yours: use a phrase the family truly associates with them.

Homegoing cover

formal, Christian

A Service of Celebration for the Homegoing of
Mother Gloria Ann Washington
Sunrise: May 12, 1955
Sunset: September 26, 2026

For a homegoing cover · 20 words · 123 characters

Why it works: "sunrise" and "sunset" are common in many Black church programs. Make it yours: follow the conventions of your community and church.

The life story

The inside left panel usually carries the obituary. If it is too long for the panel, write a shorter version focused on the person rather than the facts; the formal notice is already in the newspaper. See how to write an obituary.

Acknowledgment wording

Family acknowledgment

warm

The family of Margaret Ellis thanks you for your prayers, cards, meals and many kindnesses. A special thank-you to the hospice nurses who cared for her with such gentleness. Your love has carried us.

For the family's thank-you on the back cover · 34 words · 199 characters

Why it works: it thanks everyone, and one group by name. Make it yours: name the people who made a difference.

Short acknowledgment

simple

Thank you for being here today and for being part of his life. Please join us for lunch in the fellowship hall after the service.

For a short acknowledgment · 25 words · 129 characters

Why it works: gratitude plus the practical next step. Make it yours: give the exact place of the reception.

Poems and readings

If you reprint a poem, choose one in the public domain or one you have permission to use, and credit the author if known; see funeral poems for classic and original verses. You can also print a few lines the person wrote, or a paragraph from a family member. Scripture verses are common in religious services; ask the officiant which translation they use.

Printing tips

Print on 8.5 × 11 inch paper, landscape, both sides, then fold in half.
Heavier paper (cardstock) feels more like a keepsake but check that your printer takes it.
Print one test copy and have a second person proofread names and dates.
Bring the programs to the funeral home early; ushers usually hand them out at the door.

For the order of service itself, see order of service examples.

Common questions

What is the difference between a funeral program and an obituary?

The obituary announces the death and is published before the service. The program is handed out at the service; it often reprints the obituary or a shorter life story, and adds the order of service, pallbearers and thanks.

How many funeral programs should I print?

Estimate the number of guests and add some extra for people who want to keep one or mail it to relatives who could not come. The funeral director can usually tell you how many people to expect.

Who makes the funeral program?

Many funeral homes offer programs as part of their services. Families can also make them at home with a template, or through a local print shop. Ask the funeral home what is included before you order elsewhere.