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What to Include in a Funeral or Memorial Program (Complete Checklist + Free Template)
One of the most common questions families ask when planning a service is simple: “What should I put in the funeral program?”
It can feel overwhelming when you’re already grieving. You want the program to feel personal and meaningful, but you also don’t want to forget something important or make it too long.
This guide gives you a clear, complete checklist of what to include in a funeral program, memorial program, or celebration of life program. You’ll also find explanations for each section, helpful examples, design tips, and access to free templates so you can create something beautiful without starting from a blank page.
Why the Contents of the Program Matter
A funeral or memorial program serves two purposes:
- It guides guests through the service so they know what is happening.
- It becomes a keepsake that people take home and often keep for years.
When the content is thoughtful and well-organized, the program feels like a true reflection of the person you’re honoring. When key pieces are missing, guests can feel a little lost and the family may later wish they had included certain details.
Complete Checklist: What to Include in a Funeral or Memorial Program
Here’s a clear list of the elements most families include. You do not have to use every single item — choose what feels right for your loved one and the type of service you’re having.
1. Front Cover
This is the first thing guests see. Typical elements include:
- A favorite photo of the person
- Full name (and nickname if they preferred it)
- Birth date and date of passing
- A short phrase such as “In Loving Memory,” “Celebrating the Life of,” or “A Life Well Lived”
Optional: Service date, time, and location if you want it on the cover.
2. Order of Service (or Order of Gathering)
This is the heart of the program. It tells guests what will happen and in what order. Common items include:
- Prelude or gathering music
- Welcome or opening remarks
- Opening prayer, reading, or reflection
- Musical selection(s)
- Eulogy or main tribute
- Additional speakers or personal reflections
- Scripture, poem, or reading
- Open sharing (especially common at celebration of life events)
- Closing prayer or words
- Recessional
- Information about a reception, graveside service, or continued gathering
List the names of speakers, readers, and musicians when possible.
3. Obituary or Life Tribute
A short written summary of the person’s life. This can be a formal obituary style or a warmer, more personal tribute. Most programs use 150–300 words.
Include:
- Place and date of birth
- Family background
- Education and career highlights
- Passions, hobbies, and personality
- Surviving family members
4. Photos
Most programs include:
- One strong photo on the cover
- One or two additional photos inside (these can be candid or from different stages of life)
5. Poems, Scriptures, or Meaningful Quotes
A favorite poem, Bible verse, song lyric, or personal saying adds emotional depth. Choose something that truly reflects the person or brings comfort to the family.
6. Acknowledgments / Thank You
A short note from the family thanking guests for their love and support. This can also include thanks to caregivers, hospice staff, or others who helped.
7. Donation or Memorial Information (Optional)
If the family prefers donations in lieu of flowers, include the charity name and any relevant details.
8. Pallbearers or Participants (Optional)
Some families list honorary pallbearers, active pallbearers, or other people who have special roles.
9. Back Cover
The back cover is often used for:
- A final quote or poem
- A simple “Thank you for being here”
- Reception or graveside details
- A small photo or decorative element
Funeral Program vs. Memorial Program vs. Celebration of Life Program
The core elements are very similar across all three. The main differences are tone and emphasis:
- Traditional funeral program — Often more formal in language and design.
- Memorial program — Used when the body is not present (common after cremation). Content is nearly identical to a funeral program.
- Celebration of life program — Usually warmer in tone, more personal stories, and sometimes brighter or more colorful design.
You can use the same checklist for all three and simply adjust the language and style to match the feeling of the gathering.
Free Template to Make This Easy
If you don’t want to design everything from scratch, start with a free template.
Download the free Farewell Files / Funeral Essentials Kit.
It includes ready-to-use funeral and celebration of life program templates, an obituary template, and a fill-in-the-blank eulogy helper. Everything is designed to feel warm and personal.
Prefer a more polished design or want professionally printed copies?
You can browse customizable funeral and memorial program designs in my Zazzle Texas2Step store. Upload your photos, adjust the text, and have the finished programs shipped to you.
Design Tips for a Polished Look
- Stick to two fonts maximum
- Leave enough white space so the program doesn’t feel crowded
- Use high-resolution photos
- Keep margins at least half an inch
- Choose soft, respectful colors unless the person’s personality calls for something brighter
- Proofread carefully — have at least two people check names, dates, and spelling
Printing Recommendations
- Home printer: Use good quality cardstock (80–100 lb)
- Local print shop or office supply store
- Online printers
- Zazzle (convenient if you used one of the designs from my store)
Print a test copy first before ordering a large quantity.
Helpful Supplies
A few practical items that make the process easier:
- High-quality cardstock or invitation paper
- A reliable color printer (if printing at home)
- Simple frames if you want to display a larger version of the cover photo at the service
Final Checklist Before You Print
- 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 ordered a few extra programs for family members who cannot attend
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pages should a funeral program be?
Most families choose a bi-fold (4 panels) or an 8-page booklet. Both work well.
Do I have to include an obituary?
No. Some families prefer a shorter personal tribute or skip a written bio entirely and focus on the order of service and photos.
Can I include a QR code?
Yes. Some families add a QR code that links to a memorial website, photo album, or video tribute.
How many programs should I print?
Most families print 50–150, depending on expected attendance. It’s better to have a few extras than to run short.
Where can I get a free funeral program template?
You can download free templates as part of my Farewell Files / Funeral Essentials Kit.
Ready to Create Your Program?
You don’t have to figure this out alone or start from a blank page.
Start here:
Download the free Farewell Files kit and use the templates and checklist to guide you.
Want a design that already looks polished?
Browse the funeral and memorial program collections in my Zazzle store.
If you need extra support — whether with the program itself or simply someone to walk alongside you during this time — you can also reach out about custom design or my Funeral Friend support service.
You’re doing something meaningful. One step at a time is enough.
