What a funeral program template is
A funeral program template is a ready-made document that contains page layouts, suggested headings, and reserved image spaces designed specifically for memorial services. Rather than constructing a design from scratch, you open a file that already knows where the name, dates, order of service, and main photo will appear. You then replace the placeholder text with your own details and drop in photographs that feel right for your loved one.
These templates follow familiar formats that guests recognize, such as a folded bulletin or a small booklet. Each layout typically includes room for essential elements: the full name of the deceased, birth and passing dates, the schedule of the service, a written life story or obituary, and a note of thanks from the family. Because the structure is already planned, it is easier to be thorough and thoughtful without needing design experience.
Why families choose templates
In the days surrounding a service, families often juggle phone calls, travel plans, and important decisions while also processing grief. Designing a polished program by trial and error can feel like one task too many. Templates relieve that pressure by providing a framework that has been tested for readability, balance, and print quality, allowing you to work with confidence from the very first draft.
Using a template also keeps your printed and digital materials consistent. The same layout can be printed as a handout, saved as a PDF to email, or linked from an online obituary for remote guests. When everything shares one cohesive design, it reinforces a sense of care and organization, whether someone is seated in the front row or watching a livestream from another location.
Choosing the right template format
Selecting a format begins with thinking about how much content you want to include. A brief gathering with a simple order of service and a short obituary can often fit comfortably into a bifold program. If you envision multiple readings, song lyrics, and several paragraphs of life story, a booklet layout with extra pages may feel more spacious and less crowded.
Before you commit to a particular style, it helps to gather your information in a plain document: names, dates, the sequence of the service, and any Scripture, poems, or quotes you are considering. Seeing everything in one place offers a realistic sense of length and helps you choose a format that will hold your material without forcing tiny type or cramped paragraphs. This simple step can prevent last-minute changes and make editing more relaxed.
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Funeral program template format comparison
The table below summarizes three of the most common funeral program layouts. While each family’s needs are unique, understanding how these formats are typically used can make it easier to match your content to the right structure. Thinking through folding, page count, and text length together will help you avoid rushed reformatting later in the process.
| Format | Best For | Typical Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bifold | Most funeral and memorial services | Order of service, obituary, single or small group of photos | Clean, traditional layout that prints easily on standard paper; ideal when the service is moderate in length and you want a familiar, classic look. |
| Trifold | Short services with minimal text | Condensed details, brief obituary, and a few meaningful highlights or quotes | Panel order and folding direction must be checked carefully; always run a test print to confirm that the front, inside, and back panels appear exactly where you expect. |
| Booklet | Services with more readings or photos | Extended obituary, multiple images, tributes, song lyrics, prayers, and acknowledgments | Provides generous room for storytelling without shrinking fonts; especially helpful for celebrations of life that include several speakers or keepsake-style content. |
Design and editing tips
After choosing a format, attention turns to colors, fonts, and images. A simple approach to typography—one primary font for body text and a complementary style for headings—often looks more refined than many competing typefaces. Soft background elements or borders can add warmth, but they should never compromise legibility, particularly in venues where lighting may be dim.
Photographs carry much of the emotional weight of a program. Consider selecting one strong portrait for the cover that clearly shows your loved one’s face, then adding smaller photos inside that reflect different seasons of life or special relationships. Cropping images so faces are centered and expressions are easy to see makes the design feel more intimate while still reading well at smaller print sizes.
Content to include in a program
While every service is unique, many programs follow a familiar rhythm. Most begin with the full name of the person being honored, dates of birth and death, and the date, time, and location of the gathering. An order of service then lists each major moment—welcome, readings, songs, eulogy, committal, and closing—so guests can follow along without uncertainty.
Families often include an obituary or life sketch that highlights meaningful milestones, family connections, and personal qualities. Favorite Scriptures, poems, or quotations may appear alongside this narrative or on a dedicated page. A closing acknowledgment section provides a place to thank those who have offered support, and some templates also include optional spaces for listing pallbearers, officiants, or special musicians.
Printing and paper considerations
Quality templates are created with printing in mind, whether you plan to use a home printer, office equipment, or a professional shop. Before ordering or printing the full quantity, it is wise to produce a single proof on the same paper you intend to use for the final run. This sample allows you to double-check margins, colors, and font sizes and to confirm that no important text is too close to the edge or fold.
Paper selection influences both appearance and feel. Standard copy paper can be suitable for simple services, while a slightly heavier stock lends a more keepsake-like character. For folded designs—especially thicker paper—scoring or pre-folding can prevent cracking and produce a smoother crease. Saving a high-resolution PDF of your finished program makes it straightforward to reprint later or to share the file with a print provider if you decide to outsource production.
Digital sharing and remote guests
Many families now share a digital version of the program in addition to printed copies. A template-based layout converts easily into a PDF that can be attached to an email, linked from an online obituary, or offered for download on a memorial website. Guests who join virtually can follow the same readings and songs that appear in the printed program, creating a more unified experience across distances.
Offering both printed and digital formats is also helpful for accessibility. Some people prefer to enlarge text on a tablet or phone, while others appreciate the tactile comfort of a physical program tucked into a Bible, journal, or memory box. Because the design comes from a single template, there is no need to maintain separate versions for different formats—one careful edit serves everyone.
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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 many coordinated designs so families can select a style that reflects personality, faith, and preferred colors while still working within a clear, printable structure. From traditional, formal styles to soft florals, scenic landscapes, and modern layouts, each template is crafted to balance visual warmth with readability and ease of editing. Once a design is chosen, attention can shift fully to telling the story of a unique life through words, images, and the thoughtful details that will mean the most to guests who attend.