What goes in a funeral program
Most programs follow the same shape, whatever the tradition:
- Front cover: their full name (and the name people called them), a photo, the birth and death dates, and the place, date and time of the service.
- Inside: the order of service, with who leads each part. Many families add the obituary or a short life story here.
- Hymn words and readings: printed in full if you want guests to sing or read along.
- Back cover: pallbearers, honorary pallbearers, the burial or reception details, a short thank-you from the family, and a poem or verse.
Step by step
1. Gather the facts first
Confirm the spelling of every name, the dates, the venue and the start time with the funeral home or church before you design anything. Names are the most common mistake on a printed program, and they can't be fixed after printing.
2. Get the order of service from the officiant
The pastor, priest, rabbi or celebrant sets the order. Ask for it in writing, along with the readings and hymns they plan to use, and who will do each part. If you are not sure what usually happens, see the order of service for each tradition.
3. Choose the photo
Pick a clear photo where the face is sharp and they look like themselves. Use the original file, not a screenshot, so it prints cleanly. Our guide to choosing a memorial photo has more tips.
4. Write the words
- Life story: a few short paragraphs. Where they were born, who they loved, what they did, what people will remember.
- Family thank-you: one or two sentences, for example: "The family thanks you for your prayers, your kindness and for being here today."
- A verse or poem: one that meant something to them or to the family.
5. Send a draft for review
Send the draft to the officiant and to one family member who knows the names well. On H Memorials you can send the pastor or funeral director a review link. They suggest changes and the family approves them.
6. Print, or share it on phones
Download the print-ready file and print it double-sided at home or at a print shop. The usual program is a letter sheet folded to 5.5 by 8.5 inches. A booklet holds a long Mass or a homegoing service with every hymn. A large-print edition helps older guests. Put one entrance sign with a QR code at the door, and anyone without a paper copy opens the same program on their phone.
Common mistakes to avoid
- A misspelled name or wrong date. Read the names aloud to someone before printing.
- A low-resolution photo that prints blurry.
- An order of service that doesn't match what the officiant planned.
- Leaving the burial or reception details off, so guests don't know where to go next.