Funeral Program Checklist (Templates + Order of Service)

A funeral program is more than a printed handout it is a guide through the service, a keepsake for guests, and a document that honors a life. In moments of grief, families often feel overwhelmed trying to get everything right. This checklist will walk you through what to include, design tips, and how to make the program both functional and deeply meaningful.

Why a Funeral Program Matters

Programs serve multiple purposes. They provide structure to the service, help guests follow along, and offer a physical memento to keep after the ceremony. Many families treasure funeral programs years later, revisiting the order of service, favorite hymns, and the portrait chosen for the cover.

• Guidance: Helps attendees know what’s next, reducing confusion.
• Commemoration: Highlights the person’s life and legacy.
• Connection: Provides a shared text for readings, prayers, or songs.
• Keepsake: Becomes a lasting piece of family history.

Essential Sections to Include

1. Cover Page

• Full name of the deceased
• Dates of birth and passing
• Portrait photo or symbolic image
• Optional: favorite quote, scripture, or short poem

2. Order of Service

The heart of the program, the order of service lists events in the sequence they will happen. Keep it clear and easy to follow.

• Welcome or opening statement
• Opening hymn, song, or prayer
• Scripture or reading
• Eulogies and tributes
• Special music or performance
• Committal or closing prayer
• Announcements and acknowledgments
• Recessional or final hymn

3. Obituary or Life Story

A condensed version of the obituary or biography, written warmly. Focus on personality, passions, and values, not just dates and accomplishments.

4. Tributes and Acknowledgments

Thank caregivers, friends, or communities who supported the family. Keep it brief but heartfelt.

5. Closing Details

• Place of burial or reception
• Invitation to join for refreshments
• QR code linking to a Tribute page

Design Tips for Clarity & Beauty

• Readable fonts: Choose classic serif or clean sans-serif fonts. Avoid ornate scripts for body text.
• High contrast: Black text on white or light paper is easiest to read.
• Portrait placement: Ensure the photo is sharp and cropped respectfully.
• Margins: Leave generous space around text; avoid crowded layouts.
• Paper quality: Matte cardstock feels dignified and prevents glare in photographs.

Optional Additions

• Favorite hymns, poems, or quotes
• Photos across different life stages
• List of pallbearers or honorary pallbearers
• Charity or memorial fund details
• Family tree diagram or timeline

Templates You Can Reuse

Creating a program from scratch can be daunting. Tribute and many community resources provide templates you can adapt:

• Classic bi-fold: One sheet of paper folded once; cover on front, service inside, obituary on back.
• Multi-page booklet: For larger services with multiple tributes, hymns, or readings.
• Digital PDF: Easily shared by email or WhatsApp; cost-effective when printing isn’t possible.

Integrating Digital with Print

Increasingly, families use hybrid programs. Print a short physical program and add a QR code linking to a full digital tribute with photo albums, guest messages, and videos.

• Guests receive the essentials in hand and can explore richer content later.
• Saves printing costs while preserving memories in a permanent archive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until the last minute design early to reduce stress.
• Using low-resolution photos scan at 300+ DPI for print clarity.
• Forgetting acknowledgments people value being remembered.
• Overcrowding pages simplicity is elegance.
• Skipping proofreading always have two sets of eyes check details.

Sample Order of Service (Template)

1. Musical Prelude
2. Processional
3. Welcome & Opening Prayer
4. Scripture Reading
5. Family Tributes
6. Community Tributes
7. Special Song
8. Eulogy
9. Message of Hope
10. Closing Prayer
11. Recessional

How Tribute Helps

With Tribute, you can upload a digital version of the program alongside albums, messages, and the timeline of your loved one’s life. QR cards printed on the program connect attendees directly to the online page, where they can leave notes and continue sharing long after the service.

Conclusion

A funeral program doesn’t need to be complicated. By following a checklist, using templates, and blending physical with digital, you create a guide that honors your loved one and supports attendees. More than paper, it becomes a keepsake something that family members will hold onto, revisit, and treasure.

Next step: Download a template or sketch your own program layout today. Gather one portrait photo, key service details, and a short biography. Within an hour, you’ll have the foundation of a dignified, meaningful program.