Funeral program template

A printable order of service template, plus what each section is for and how to adapt it to a religious or secular memorial.

A funeral program (sometimes called the order of service) is the printed handout people receive when they walk in. It tells the room what is going to happen next. Most are a single folded sheet, four panels, printed on cardstock. They are cheap to make and meaningful to keep. This page is a plain template you can adapt.

The four-panel template

A standard folded program has a front cover, two interior panels, and a back. Here is what each one usually holds.

Front cover

A photo of the person
Their full name
Years of life (e.g. 1942 to 2026)
The date and place of the service

Interior left, order of service

Prelude or gathering music
Welcome (by celebrant or family member)
Opening reading or scripture
Hymn or song
Eulogy or eulogies
Reflection, homily, or message
Second reading or song
Committal or closing prayer
Recessional music

Interior right, biography and family

A short biography (100 to 200 words) and a list of survivors. Many programs use the same biography that appears in the obituary. For phrasing, see how to write an obituary. If the family is asking that donations go to a cause instead of flowers, this is where that line goes; our piece on in lieu of flowers wording has gentle phrasings.

Back cover

A meaningful poem, prayer, or song lyric
An invitation to the reception, with address and time
A thank-you from the family

Adapting to tradition

For a Catholic Mass, slot in the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the rite of commendation in place of the generic readings and homily. For a Jewish funeral, the program is usually a simple announcement with the rabbi's name and the cemetery. For a celebration of life, replace the religious elements with an open-mic section or a photo slideshow cue.

Printing notes

80 lb to 100 lb cardstock prints crisply and folds well
Order 25% more than the expected attendance
Most local print shops can turn it around in 24 to 48 hours; ask in advance
Bring a few extras to the reception; people forget theirs and want to take one home

A small thing that helps

Print a slightly larger-text version (16 to 18 point) for the elderly guests who will struggle with the standard 11-point. Set five or six on the back row. People notice.

For the rest of the week, our funeral planning checklist is the plain-order list.

When you are ready, Stillwith helps you draft yours.