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DIY Funeral Program: How to Make One Yourself (Free Template + Guide)

Creating a DIY funeral program is one of the most personal ways to honor someone you love. You don’t need graphic design skills or expensive software. With a clear process and a good template, you can make a beautiful, professional-looking program at home.

This complete guide walks you through exactly how to create a DIY funeral program from start to finish. You’ll get a free template, a simple checklist of what to include, design tips that look polished, and practical printing advice.

Why Make a DIY Funeral Program?

Many families choose the DIY route because:

• It feels more personal
• It can save money
• You have full control over the design and wording
• It can be completed quickly when time is limited

A well-made DIY program still serves as both a practical guide for guests and a keepsake they can take home.

What You’ll Need for a DIY Funeral Program

Gather these items before you begin:

• Full name of the person (and any preferred nickname)
• Birth and death dates
• High-resolution photos (at least one strong photo for the cover)
• Order of service details (speakers, music, readings)
• A short life tribute or obituary
• Favorite poems, scriptures, quotes, or song lyrics
• Names of people participating in the service
• Any donation or memorial information

Having everything ready makes the design process much smoother.

Step-by-Step: How to Create a DIY Funeral Program

Step 1: Choose Your Format

The easiest DIY formats are:

• Bi-fold (half-fold) — One 8.5″ × 11″ sheet folded in half. Creates four panels. This is the most popular and simplest to print at home.
• Single-page (front and back) — Good for very simple services.
• 8-page booklet — Possible at home but requires more careful printing and assembly.

For most DIY projects, the classic bi-fold is the best choice.

Step 2: Start with a Free Template

Starting from a blank page is harder than it needs to be. A good template gives you structure and professional spacing.

Download the free Farewell Files / Funeral Essentials Kit.
It includes ready-to-use DIY-friendly funeral and celebration of life program templates, an obituary template, and a fill-in-the-blank eulogy helper. These are designed specifically for people creating programs at home.

If you prefer more design options, you can also browse customizable templates in my Zazzle Texas2Step store. Many families use those designs as a starting point and then print at home or order professionally printed copies.

Step 3: Design the Cover

Keep the cover clean and meaningful. Include:

• A favorite photo
• Full name
• Birth and death dates
• A short phrase such as “In Loving Memory,” “Celebrating the Life of,” or “A Life Well Lived”

Design tip: Use soft, respectful colors and keep the layout uncluttered. One strong photo works better than several small ones on the cover.

Step 4: Create the Order of Service

This section helps guests follow along. A typical DIY order of service includes:

• Prelude or gathering music
• Welcome or opening remarks
• Reading, prayer, or reflection
• Musical selection
• Eulogy or personal tribute
• Additional speakers or open sharing
• Closing words
• Information about a reception or graveside service

List the names of speakers and musicians when possible.

Step 5: Write a Short Life Tribute

Aim for 150–300 words. Include:

• Where and when they were born
• Key family relationships
• Work or life passions
• Personality and what people loved about them
• Surviving family members

Write in a natural, warm voice rather than formal newspaper style.

Step 6: Add Photos, Quotes, and Acknowledgments

Most DIY programs include:

• One or two additional photos inside
• A favorite poem, scripture, or quote
• A short thank-you message from the family
• Optional donation information

Step 7: Proofread Carefully

Have at least two other people review the entire program. Check every name, date, and spelling. Errors feel especially painful on a funeral program.

Step 8: Print Your DIY Funeral Program

Options for printing at home or locally:

• Home printer with good quality cardstock (80–100 lb recommended)
• Local print shop or office supply store (Staples, Office Depot, FedEx Office, etc.)
• Online printing services
• Zazzle (if you used one of the designs from my store)

Always print a test copy first before making a large batch.

Design Tips for a Professional-Looking DIY Program

• Stick to two fonts maximum
• Leave enough white space
• Use high-resolution photos only
• Keep margins at least 0.5 inches
• Align text consistently
• Avoid overcrowding the pages

Free vs. Paid Templates for DIY Projects

Free templates are perfect when you want full control and are comfortable editing in Canva, Word, or Google Docs.
Paid or customizable templates (such as those on Zazzle) give you a more polished starting point and the option to have professional printing handled for you.

Helpful Supplies for DIY Funeral Programs

A few practical items that make home printing easier:

• High-quality cardstock or invitation paper
• A reliable color printer
• A paper cutter or sharp scissors for clean folds
• A simple bone folder (optional) for crisp creases

Final DIY Checklist

• All names and dates are correct
• Photos are clear and high resolution
• Order of service matches the actual plan
• Spelling and grammar have been checked by more than one person
• You have printed a test copy
• You made a few extra programs for family members who cannot attend

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a DIY funeral program appropriate?
Yes. Many families create beautiful, meaningful programs at home. What matters most is that it feels true to the person you’re honoring.

How long does a DIY funeral program take?
With a good template, most people finish the design in 2–4 hours. Allow extra time for gathering photos and writing the tribute.

Can I make a digital DIY funeral program instead?
Yes. Many families create a PDF version to email or display on a screen, especially for hybrid or virtual services.

How many programs should I print?
Most families print 50–150, depending on expected attendance.

Where can I get a free DIY funeral program template?
You can download free templates as part of my Farewell Files / Funeral Essentials Kit.

Ready to Create Your DIY Funeral Program?

You don’t need to be a designer to create something beautiful and meaningful.

Start here:
Download the free Farewell Files kit and choose a template that feels right.

Want more polished design options?
Browse the funeral and memorial program collections in my Zazzle store.

If you need extra support during this time, you can also reach out about custom design help or my Funeral Maid support service.

You’re doing something meaningful. One careful step at a time is enough.