What to put in a funeral program

For families making a funeral or memorial program, often with only a day or two to spare. You will get the parts every program needs, sample wording for each one, three sample orders of service and a checklist before you print.

A funeral program (also called an order of service, memorial folder or funeral booklet) does two jobs. It helps guests follow the service, and it becomes a keepsake many people hold on to for years. Families are often asked to make one in the same few days they are planning everything else, so it helps to keep it simple.

Below are the parts most programs include, with wording you can copy, change or leave out.

The four parts of a funeral program

1. The front cover

The cover usually has a favorite photo, the person's full name, their dates, and a short heading. Choose a photo where they look like themselves. A clear, well-lit photo prints better than a dark one, even if it is less formal.

• In loving memory of
• Celebrating the life of
• A celebration of life for
• Forever in our hearts
• Remembering
• Home with the Lord
• A life well lived

Some families add a small line under the dates, such as "Sunrise March 2, 1946 / Sunset October 10, 2025" or the place and time of the service.

2. The order of service

This is the main reason guests open the program. List each part of the service in order and name the people taking part. Ask the officiant or funeral director for the final order before you print, since it often changes in the last day or two.

3. The life story

Most families include a short obituary or a few paragraphs about the person's life: where they were born, the people they loved, their work, faith and the things they will be remembered for. If you have already written the obituary, you can use it here, shortened if needed. Our guide on how to write an obituary can help if you are starting from scratch.

4. The back page

The back usually holds a thank you from the family, a short verse or reading, the names of pallbearers, and where guests should go after the service, such as the burial, a reception or a meal.

Three sample orders of service

Use these as a starting point. Every family, church and funeral home does things a little differently.

For a religious service, ask the church office whether they print their own order of worship. Some do, and you can make the program a keepsake with the photo, life story and family thank you instead.

Wording for pallbearers and family

List pallbearers by full name. Honorary pallbearers are people the family wants to honor who will not carry the casket, such as older friends, a church group or coworkers.

Thank you wording for the back page

A short acknowledgment thanks everyone at once. Choose the one that sounds most like your family, or combine two.

• The family thanks you for your prayers, cards, food and every kindness during this time.
• Your love and support have carried us. Thank you for being here today.
• We are grateful for each of you who came to remember and celebrate Mom's life.
• The family would like to thank the staff of [hospice or care home] for the loving care they gave.
• Thank you for sharing this day with us. She would have been so happy to see you all here.

Readings and verses that fit on one page

Many programs include a short scripture or reading. Psalm 23, John 14:1 to 3 and Ecclesiastes 3:1 to 8 are traditional choices that are free to print. If you want to use a modern poem or song lyrics, check that it is in the public domain or that you have permission, since many are still under copyright. A line the person loved, or a short paragraph written by a grandchild, can mean even more.

Details guests will look for

• Date, time and full address of the service
• Burial or interment location, and whether guests are invited
• Reception or meal: place and time
• Memorial donations: the full name of the organization
• A way to share memories later, such as a link or QR code to an online memorial

Before you print: a final checklist

• All names spelled correctly, including people in the order of service
• Dates and ages match the obituary and death certificate
• Order of service confirmed with the officiant or funeral director
• Photo looks clear when printed at actual size
• Print a test copy and read it on paper
• Plan for more copies than expected guests, since people take extras for family who could not come

Make a program in about 15 minutes

If you would rather not start from a blank page, you can make a free funeral program with Turning Hearts. You add the photo, the order of service and the life story, and you get a printable PDF with no watermark, usually in about 15 minutes. It can include a QR code guests scan to share their own memories and photos.

Many families also use the service as the start of a lasting memorial page, where the stories shared that day can be saved and added to over time.

Common questions