Funeral Program Template and Printing Guide

When you need to make a funeral program, you are usually operating on two or three days of sleep and a hard deadline. The service is Friday morning, family is arriving from out of state, and the funeral home needs fifty to two hundred printed booklets stacked on the welcome table by 9:00 a.m.

A funeral program serves two distinct purposes. In the sanctuary or chapel, it is an itinerary that tells people when to sit, when to stand, and who is speaking. Afterward, it becomes a physical keepsake that relatives slip into Bibles, place on refrigerators, or keep in photo boxes for decades.

The most reliable, time-tested format is the standard single-fold booklet (a bifold). It uses one sheet of standard letter paper folded in half, creating four distinct panels. This guide covers what goes on each panel, provides fill-in-the-blank wording for every section, explains paper choices, and walks through printing options.

Choosing Your Format and Size

Before writing copy, select your physical page size. Sticking to standard sizes avoids expensive custom cutting fees and prevents layout headaches.

• Standard Letter Bifold (8.5 x 11 inches flat): This is the industry standard. When folded in half, it creates four panels measuring 5.5 by 8.5 inches each. It fits inside hymn books, runs through standard home printers, and is supported by every copy shop in the country.
• Legal Size Bifold (8.5 x 14 inches flat): Folds into four taller panels measuring 7 by 8.5 inches. Choose this format if your loved one had a long list of surviving grandchildren, an extensive order of service with multiple musical performances, or several large photos you want to display alongside the text.
• Letter Trifold (8.5 x 11 inches flat): Folds into three vertical panels (roughly 3.6 by 8.5 inches each) like a brochure. While common, trifolds offer narrow text blocks that make reading an obituary difficult for older guests. A traditional bifold is generally preferred for funerals.
• Multi-Page Booklet (8 or 12 pages): Created by nesting two or three folded sheets together and stapling the spine (saddle-stitch). Reserve this format for large memorial services with long biographies, tributes from civic organizations, or multi-page photo collages.

For most services, a four-panel standard letter bifold strikes the right balance between simplicity and depth.

The Four-Panel Layout

Think of the four panels of a folded program in the order a guest encounters them: the cover, the life story on the inside left, the service schedule on the inside right, and the closing notes on the back.

Panel 1: Front Cover

The front cover sets the tone for the day. Keep it uncluttered and legible. You need five core elements:

1. A Header Line: Common choices include "In Loving Memory of," "A Celebration of Life for," "Homegoing Service for," or "In Remembrance of."
2. Full Legal Name: Include maiden names or preferred nicknames in parentheses or quotation marks if that is how people knew them (for example, Eleanor Mae "Ellie" Vance).
3. Dates of Birth and Death: Displayed as full dates (Month Day, Year to Month Day, Year) or simply the birth and passing years (1942 to 2024).
4. A Prominent Portrait: A high-resolution photograph where the person looks like themselves. A recent portrait works well, as does a favorite photo from their prime.
5. Service Logistics: The day, date, time, and location of the gathering (for example, Saturday, October 14, 2024 | 11:00 AM | Hope Memorial Chapel, Denver, Colorado).

Panel 2: Inside Left (The Obituary and Tributes)

When open flat, the left side is dedicated to your loved one's story. This can be the same obituary submitted to the local newspaper, or an expanded version tailored for close family and friends.

A typical inside-left panel includes:

• Biographical Sketch (250 to 400 words): Where they were born, their parents, their schooling, their military service, their career, their hobbies, and their community ties.
• Surviving Family: Spouse, children, siblings, grandchildren, and dear friends, followed by predeceased family members.
• A Secondary Photo: A candid snapshot, wedding picture, or photo with grandchildren gives warmth to the page.
• A Favorite Scripture, Poem, or Quote: If space permits at the bottom of the column, insert a brief stanza or passage that reflects their beliefs.

Panel 3: Inside Right (The Order of Service)

The inside right panel directs guests through the ceremony. It lists what happens, the title of any songs or scriptures, and the names of the people leading each part.

A typical order of service follows this sequence:

• Musical Prelude: Soft background music as guests are seated.
• Processional: The entrance of the family, clergy, and pallbearers.
• Opening Words / Invocation: A prayer, welcome, or opening statement by the officiant.
• Scripture Readings or Poetry: Specific passages read by designated relatives or friends.
• Musical Selection / Solo / Congregational Hymn: Title of the song and the performer's name.
• Obituary Reading: A reading of the biographical text printed on the opposite page.
• Reflections and Tributes: Two to three speakers sharing personal memories (often timed at 2 to 3 minutes each).
• Eulogy: The main address, usually delivered by a pastor, close family member, or lifelong friend.
• Closing Prayer or Benediction: Final blessing.
• Recessional: Music played as the family and casket exit.

Panel 4: Back Cover

The back panel handles practical logistics and expressions of gratitude. It should contain:

• Words of Acknowledgment: A short paragraph thanking attendees, caregivers, medical staff, and neighbors for their visits, meals, prayers, and cards.
• Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers: Names of those carrying or escorting the casket.
• Interment Details: The name and address of the cemetery if a public graveside service follows.
• Reception Announcement: Location, address, and time for the repast or fellowship meal.
• Memorial Donations: Specific charities or memorial funds the family prefers in place of flowers.
• Closing Photo and Final Line: A smaller photo (such as a candid of them laughing or an older portrait) paired with a simple phrase like "Forever in Our Hearts."

Wording Examples by Section

Copy and adapt these text blocks directly into your design.

Cover Headers

• Traditional / Neutral: In Loving Memory of Robert James Miller
• Faith-Based / Christian: A Service of Thanksgiving and Hope for the Life of Pastor David E. Ross
• Homegoing (African American Church Tradition): Celebrating the Homegoing of Mother Sarah Louise Jenkins
• Secular / Modern: A Celebration of the Life and Laughter of Claire Bennett
• Brief: Remembering Thomas Howard Gale (1954 to 2024)

Order of Service Line Items

When listing items, use bold text for the liturgical action and regular text for the participant's name to make scanning easy:

Musical Prelude ........................................ Karen Diaz, Organist
Processional ........................................... Clergy and Family
Opening Remarks ........................................ Rev. Marcus Sterling
Scripture Reading: Psalm 23 ............................ Anthony Cole (Grandson)
Solo: "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" ..................... Brenda Hayes
Reflections (2 minutes each) ........................... Mark Evans, Colleague
                                                         Susan Vance, Niece
Obituary Reading ....................................... Rachel Vance
Eulogy ................................................. Pastor Marcus Sterling
Benediction ............................................ Pastor Marcus Sterling
Recessional ............................................ "Going Home"

Acknowledgment Notes

Option 1 (Traditional): "The family of Marcus Vance extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who reached out with prayers, food, flowers, and comforting messages during our time of sorrow. Your kindness will always be remembered."

Option 2 (Faith-centered): "We are deeply grateful for your presence, prayers, and words of encouragement. May God bless you abundantly for the grace and comfort you have shown our family during this season of loss."

Option 3 (Informal and warm): "Thank you for coming today to share stories, shed tears, and celebrate Marcus. Your love, home-cooked dishes, and steady friendship sustained him throughout his life and support us now."

Memorial Donations / In Lieu of Flowers

• "In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marcus's memory to the Rocky Mountain Nature Association at rmnp.org/donate."
• "If you wish to honor Marcus, please consider a donation to the Children's Hope Hospital or to the Denver Public Library Children's Literacy Fund."
• "Marcus was passionate about youth sports. Memorial gifts can be directed to the East Denver Little League Foundation."

Complete Worked Example: A Four-Panel Bifold Program

The following text shows how all four panels work together for a real-world service. In this example, the subject is Marcus Allen Vance, a retired civil engineer and grandfather from Colorado.

[PANEL 1: FRONT COVER]

A Celebration of the Life of Marcus Allen Vance March 14, 1951 - September 28, 2024

"A life measured by the bridges built and the people loved."

Saturday, October 5, 2024 10:30 AM

Grace Episcopal Church 2950 S. University Boulevard Denver, Colorado

Officiant: The Reverend Dr. Katherine Hughes

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[PANEL 2: INSIDE LEFT]

The Life of Marcus Allen Vance

Marcus Allen Vance, 73, of Lakewood, Colorado, died peacefully at home on September 28, 2024, surrounded by his family after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Grand Junction to Roy and Margaret Vance, Marcus grew up fishing the Gunnison River and tinkering with radio kits. He earned his civil engineering degree from Western State University in 1973 and spent thirty-four years with the State Department of Transportation, retiring in 2012 as a senior structural specialist.

In 1975, Marcus married his college sweetheart, Teresa Lynn Ortiz. Together they raised three children, planted an enormous backyard vegetable garden every April, and spent summers camping through the San Juan Mountains. Marcus was an avid woodworker, a patient youth baseball coach, and a volunteer mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters for over twenty years.

He is survived by his wife of forty-nine years, Teresa; his children, David (Andrea) Vance of Aurora, Sarah (Kevin) Cole of Littleton, and Daniel Vance of Seattle; his six beloved grandchildren, Luke, Maya, Henry, Clara, Sam, and Noah; and his sister, Elaine Foster of Bozeman, Montana. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul Vance.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7

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[PANEL 3: INSIDE RIGHT]

Order of Service

Organ Prelude "Be Thou My Vision" – Patricia Lindley, Organist

The Processional Clergy and Family

Opening Sentences and Collect The Rev. Dr. Katherine Hughes

Old Testament Reading Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – Read by Maya Cole (Granddaughter)

Musical Selection "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" – Sung by the Congregation

New Testament Reading Romans 8:31-39 – Read by David Vance (Son)

Remembrances from Friends and Family Wayne Patterson, DOT Colleague Sarah Cole, Daughter

The Holy Gospel John 14:1-6

The Homily The Rev. Dr. Katherine Hughes

The Apostles' Creed and Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn "Amazing Grace" – Congregation

The Commendation and Blessing

The Recessional "Simple Gifts"

---

[PANEL 4: BACK COVER]

Active Pallbearers David Vance | Daniel Vance | Kevin Cole Luke Vance | Henry Cole | James Ortiz

Honorary Pallbearers Wayne Patterson | Richard Morales | Robert Sterling

Interment Riverside Cemetery in Wheat Ridge (Private family burial will take place on Monday morning)

Reception Please join the family for lunch and fellowship in the Parish Hall immediately following today's service.

Memorial Donations In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Marcus to the Colorado Trout Unlimited Youth Conservation Camp (coloradotu.org).

With Gratitude We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love, prayers, and practical care from neighbors, old colleagues, and lifelong friends. A special thank you to the nurses of Meadowview Hospice who kept Marcus comfortable in his final weeks.

The Vance Family

Paper Weights, Stock, and Finishes

Paper quality dictates whether your program feels like a throwaway flyer or a sturdy keepsake. Office copy paper is generally too thin for programs with edge-to-edge printing and photographs.

Paper Weight Recommendations

• Standard 20 lb Copy Paper: Do not use this if possible. Ink from photos will bleed through to the other side, and the page will feel limp in guests' hands.
• 28 lb to 32 lb Premium Text Paper (105 to 120 gsm): This is the sweet spot for budget-friendly printing. It has enough thickness to prevent show-through from photos, feels smooth, and folds cleanly down the center without requiring special scoring equipment.
• 65 lb to 80 lb Cover Stock (Cardstock): Creates a firm, durable booklet that stands upright on a table. If you choose cardstock, you must score the paper (crease it along the fold line) before folding. Folding heavy cardstock by hand without scoring will cause the paper fibers on the spine to crack and look ragged.

Finishes

• Matte or Uncoated: The best choice for programs. Uncoated smooth paper eliminates glare from church lights and allows family members to write notes in the margins with a ballpoint pen.
• Satin or Silk: A slight sheen that makes colored photographs pop without creating the harsh reflective glare of high-gloss stock.
• Linen: Textured paper that feels elegant and tactile. Excellent for traditional services, though fine details in low-resolution photos can lose clarity across the textured weave.
• Gloss: Avoid high-gloss paper unless you are printing a high-end photo book. Glossy paper shows fingerprints, produces glare under bright indoor lighting, and makes text difficult to read for elderly attendees.

Printing at Home vs. Using a Local Print Shop

Both paths work. Your decision comes down to how much time you have and your comfort level with printer settings.

Printing at Home

Printing at home is cheap and lets you make last-minute edits at midnight, but it carries technical risks.

• Pros: Complete control, no pickup deadlines, and zero wait time for a shop to open.
• Cons: High ink consumption (color photos drain cartridges quickly), alignment errors between front and back sides, and tedious manual folding.
• Home Print Rule: Always print one single copy first. Fold it completely. Check that Panel 2 and Panel 3 are right-side up relative to Panel 1. Double-check that the fold runs down the exact center before you print thirty copies in the wrong orientation.

Using a Local Print Shop

Local options include retail chains (Print & Copy Center, Office Supply Co., Stationery Depot, Postal Shipping Center) and independent commercial print shops.

• Pros: High-speed commercial digital presses produce deep blacks and sharp photo reproduction. Shops offer automated folding and scoring for a few extra dollars, saving hours of manual labor.
• Turnaround Time: Most retail chains can finish an order of 100 to 200 copies in two to four hours if you supply a print-ready PDF file. Call ahead to confirm their current queue before driving over.
• File Preparation: Export your layout as a single multi-page PDF with pages arranged in reader spreads or print-ready order. Ask the associate to run a single test proof on your selected paper before they hit "print all."

Pre-Print Proofreading Checklist

Before you send the file to the printer, step away from your screen for fifteen minutes. Then, ask someone who did not write the text to check these specific points:

• Names and Titles: Are the deceased's full name, maiden name, and nickname spelled correctly on every page?
• Dates: Match birth dates, passing dates, and the service date against official records and church calendars.
• Clergy and Participants: Confirm that ministers, musicians, readers, and pallbearers have their names and titles spelled accurately.
• Hymns and Scriptures: Verify chapter and verse numbers (for instance, John 14:1-6, not John 14:1-16).
• Addresses and Times: Check the physical address of the church, cemetery, and reception venue. Ensure the start time matches the obituary published online.
• Charity Names: Confirm that memorial donation links and charity names are correct and current.
• Page Orientation: When printed double-sided and folded, does the text read left-to-right without flipping upside down?

Common Questions

How many funeral programs should you print?

A good rule of thumb is to print programs for roughly 75 percent of your expected attendees. Couples and families generally take one program to share during the service, though some take extra copies home for relatives who could not travel. If you anticipate 100 guests, 75 to 80 programs is usually sufficient.

What if the order of service changes after we print?

Minor schedule changes happen frequently at funerals. Do not stress or re-print an entire batch over a moved song or a speaker who was unable to attend. The officiant will naturally guide the room through any adjustments from the pulpit. The program remains a cherished historical record even if the live timing shifts.

How long should the obituary inside the program be?

Aim for 250 to 400 words for a single inside panel. If you write more than 450 words, you will need to reduce the font size below 10 points to make it fit, which makes reading difficult for older family members. Keep the font size at 10 to 12 points for readability.

Can we print on regular copy paper if we are in a hurry?

Yes, if you have no other choice. If using standard 20 lb paper, stick to black-and-white text and small grayscale photos. Heavy color photographs on cheap copy paper will saturate the thin sheets, causing the paper to wrinkle and text on the reverse side to bleed through.

Who hands out programs at the service?

Funeral home staff often hand out programs at the chapel entrance, or church ushers will distribute them alongside songbooks. Alternatively, you can ask two teenage grandchildren, nieces, or nephews to act as greeters at the doors. If you have no designated ushers, place neat stacks of programs at both ends of the guest registry table.