10 Sample Funeral Program Templates
In charge of planning a funeral? You may find yourself faced with the task of coming up with the funeral program outline. The purpose of the funeral program is to let folks know of a service and to give them a general idea of what to expect at the service. Creating your own funeral program is easy to do and can be done in most text editing programs (such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word). Here’s how to get started.
What is the order of service?
The order of service for a funeral typically follows a structured sequence to honor the deceased and provide comfort to mourners. It generally begins with a welcome or opening remarks by the officiant, followed by a prayer or scripture reading. Next, there may be musical selections or hymns, leading into tributes, eulogies, or personal reflections shared by family and friends. A sermon or message of hope from a religious leader or speaker often follows. Additional readings, poetry, or another musical piece may be included before the closing remarks and final prayers. The service concludes with a committal or benediction, and if applicable, the procession to the burial site for a graveside service or interment. When reading through sample funeral programs, the order of service will often vary widely, giving you a lot of opportunity for customization.
Is it common to think of poems and songs for the ends of funeral programs?
Yes, it is common to include song lyrics or poems in a funeral program. Many families choose meaningful hymns, inspirational songs, or comforting poetry to honor their loved one and provide solace to attendees. These can be printed in full or as excerpts, often placed alongside tributes, scripture readings, or photos. Including such elements adds a personal and emotional touch to the program, making it a cherished keepsake.
How to write a funeral program
Writing a funeral service program can be much easier than you’d expect, even if you’ve never written a program before. Here’s what a typical funeral service program outline would contain:
- The full name of the person who passed away
- Their date of birth and date of death
- The date and time of the service
- The order of service
- A photo of the individual
- A small quote or message from the family
Once you’re finished creating a funeral program, you can include it directly on your memorial website by uploading it to the Events tab. Uploading the program to your memorial website will let guests know what to expect and when, which lets them prepare for the upcoming service.
Funeral service program template
The following free examples of programs for funerals will follow a similar pattern once you begin reading them. Funeral programs are often a single piece of paper with information on the front and the back of the program. If you’re unsure what’s included in an order of service, here is what a sample funeral service program:
Opening Prayer
Led by Pastor Upton
Acknowledgements
Led by Percy Morano
Eulogy
Read by Bryan Terry
Scripture Reading
Read by Pastor Upton
Closing Remarks
Led by Morano Family
Funeral services are typically relatively short, lasting around 45 to 60 minutes and funeral programs typically are short in length as a result. When you read through funeral program examples, samples and templates, you're likely to realize there isn't too much of a difference between one sample funeral program and another. The purpose of the funeral program outline is to let guests know the order of the service and what to expect when they attend the funeral. It also reminds people who said which remarks and gives credit where credit is due. When altering any sample funeral program wording, you can change the order of events, the type of events, and the number of events that are going to happen at the funeral service you’re designing the pamphlet for.
How to make programs for a funeral
Funerals come with a lot of moving parts and pieces that need to be organize4d. Printing out funeral programs is just one of those moving parts. Before you jump into figuring out which scripture to include for your funeral program or what the perfect template for the funeral program is, it's helpful to know what your options are. When it comes to funeral programs, you'll find lots of free templates online. But simply reading through sample funeral programs and funeral program examples is not enough to get you to having physical (or digital) completed programs -- you need to figure out how to create a funeral program and what kind of funeral program you want. In general, there are four options when it comes to funeral program design:
Each funeral program option has different levels of convenience, cost, and customization. Here’s how they compare:
1) Free digital funeral program
- You design and create a digital funeral program yourself using software like Microsoft Word, Canva, or Adobe InDesign.
- You also have the option to simply create a memorial website and include the funeral service program's details on the memorial website.
- The funeral service program can be shared electronically via email, social media, or a website.
- Pros: No printing costs, instant distribution, highly customizable.
- Cons: Requires design skills and time, not ideal for in-person services. Requires you to use the website and share the website with friends and family.
2) DIY Physical (Printable) Funeral Programs
- You choose the funeral program format based on examples or templates.
- You pay for funeral program printing and have it printed at home, at work, at a library, or at a local print shop.
- Typically created in formats like folded brochures or booklets.
- Pros: Cost-effective, allows full creative control, immediate access. You can easily find free sample funeral program templates online, making it easy to design one on your own.
- Cons: Requires a good printer or a print shop, time-consuming to design and assemble.
3) Purchased digital funeral program
- You buy a professionally designed funeral program template or have one custom-designed.
- The final product is provided as a digital file (PDF, Word, etc.) for you to print or share electronically.
- Pros: Professional design without the effort, cost-effective if you only need a digital version.
- Cons: You still need to arrange printing if physical copies are required.
4) Purchased printed funeral program
- You order fully printed programs from a professional printing service or online vendor.
- Programs are typically shipped to you or directly to the funeral venue.
- Pros: High-quality prints with no DIY effort, professional design.
- Cons: More expensive, requires time for production and shipping.
5) Funeral Programs provided by the funeral home
- Many funeral homes offer in-house funeral program design and printing.
- They may be included in funeral packages or available for an extra fee.
- Pros: Convenient, professionally handled, may match other funeral materials.
- Cons: Limited customization, potentially more expensive than DIY options.
Funeral program samples
When you’re ready, you can choose from the following funeral service program templates. Simply copy one of these funeral program examples, fill in the blanks and print it out using a professional printing service or from your very own computer. If you’re looking for professionally made funeral programs, you can order them here.
Example 1
Order of service
Remembering
[Full name of decedent]
Welcoming remarks
[Full name of host]
Prayer
[Passage number]
Read by [Name]
Eulogy
Read by [Name]
Closing remarks
Read by [Name]
Stay connected at our memorial website: [link]
Example 2
Remembering [Name]’s life
Welcome
Led by [Name]
Opening poem
Read and written by [Name]
Eulogy
Read by [Name]
Slideshow
Final farewell
Led by [Name]
Closing song
[Title of song]
[Artist name]
Our family thanks you for joining us in remembering [Name]’s life. Please share any favorite memories at the memorial website: [link]
Example 3
In memory
[Full name of decedent]
[Date of birth] - [Date of death]
[Photo]
"[Quote]" - [Author's name]
Services will take place at [time] on [date] at [location].
Order of service
Welcome and introductions
Led by [Name]
Opening prayer
Read by [Name]
Eulogy
Read by [Name]
Lantern release
Led by [Name]
Reflections from friends and family
Closing prayers
"[Passage or prayer]"
Example 4
Remembering the life of [Name]
[Photo]
[Full name of decedent]
[Date of birth] - [Date of death]
Services will take place at [time] on [date] at [location].
Order of service
Welcome and introductions
Led by [Name]
Opening reading
Read by [Name]
Eulogy & slideshow
Read by [Name]
Open floor for memories and comments
We invite everyone to comment or share a few words about [Name]'s life.
Closing thoughts Led by [Name]
"[Quote]" - [Author's name]
Example 5
The incredible life of [Name]
[Photo]
[Full name of decedent]
[Date of birth] - [Date of death]
Services will take place at [time] on [date] at [location].
Order of service
Welcome and introductions
Led by [Name]
Opening reading
Read by [Name]
Eulogy & slideshow
Read by [Name]
Lantern release
Led by [Name]
Reflections from friends and family
Closing thoughts
"[Quote]" - [Author's name]
Example 6
In loving memory
[Full name of decedent]
[Date of birth] - [Date of death]
[Photo]
Services
[Date] - [Time] - [Location]
Please join us in remembering [his/her] beautiful life.
Order of service
Welcoming remarks
Led by [Name]
[Title of song]
Sung by [Name]
Eulogy
Read by [Name]
Open remarks We welcome anyone to share a brief memory or remark at this time.
Closing thoughts
Led by [Name]
Please give the memorial website we set up for [Name] a visit: [link to memorial site]
Example 7
Honoring the life of
[Full name of decedent]
[Date of birth] - [Date of death]
Services
[Date] - [Time] - [Location]
Order of service
Welcoming remarks
Led by [Name]
Poem
Read by [Name]
Eulogy
Read by [Name]
Poem Read by [Name]
Closing thoughts
Led by [Name]
Please keep in touch at the memorial website we set up for [Name]: [link to memorial site]
Example 8
In Memoriam
[Full name of decedent]
[Date of birth] - [Date of death]
Service information
[Date] - [Time] - [Location]
Order of service
Welcoming prayer
Led by [Name]
Hymn
Led by [Name]
Passage
Read by [Name]
Eulogy
Read by [Name]
Closing prayer Led by [Name]
Closing thoughts
Led by [Name]
Our family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please keep in touch at the memorial website we set up for [Name], here: [link to memorial site]
Example 9
In Loving Memory
[Full name of decedent]
[Date of birth] - [Date of death]
Service information
Date: [date]
Time: [time]
Location: [location]
Order of service
Welcome and introductions
Led by [Name]
Eulogy
Read by [Name]
Reading
Read by [Name]
Slideshow
Reflections from friends and family
Closing thoughts
Led by [Name]
Thank you so much for joining our family in remembering [Name]’s life today. Please share your memories, photos, and condolences by posting to our memorial website: [link]
Example 10
[Full Name]
Date of birth - Date of death
[Photo]
[Date], [time], [location of service]
Welcome and introductions
Led by [Name]
Opening reading
Read by [Name]
Opening song
[Name of song]
Sung by [Name]
Reflections from friends and family
Closing thoughts
"[Quote]" - [Author]
Thank you so much for joining our family in celebrating [Name]’s life today. We would love to see any and all photos you have of [Name]. Please share them by posting to our memorial website: [link]
Example 11
[Full Name]
Date of birth - Date of death
[Favorite quote]
[Photo]
Please join us to celebrate the life of [name] at [location] on [date] at [time].
Order of service:
Welcome and introductions
Opening reading
Read by [Name]
Eulogy
Read by [Name]
Reflections from friends and family
Lantern release
Closing thoughts
"[Quote]" - [Author]
Thank you so much for joining us in remembering the life of [Name], forever in our hearts.
Now that you've learned how to make a funeral program and have read through these samples of funeral programs, you should feel more confident when writing one on your own. Whenever it's needed, feel free to come back to these examples of funeral service programs for inspiration or guidance on formatting.
When you’re ready to share your funeral program with friends and family, it’s a good idea to start a memorial website. Memorial websites let you post the program, share event information, collect condolences and photos, raise donations, and much more.
