What Information Should Be Included in a Funeral Program?

Check every name, date and address carefully. It is helpful to have one family member approve the final wording before the program is printed.

Cover information

The cover commonly includes a favorite photograph, the person’s name, life dates and a short phrase such as “In Loving Memory,” “Celebrating the Life of” or “A Life Well Lived.” Some families also include the service date and location.

Choose a clear photograph with enough space around the face for cropping. Avoid screenshots when the original image is available because screenshots often have lower resolution.

The obituary or life story The obituary tells the story of the person’s life. It may include:

– Place of birth and family background – Education and career – Faith, community service or military service – Hobbies, personality and meaningful accomplishments – Marriage, children and other important relationships – Names of loved ones who preceded them in passing – Names of surviving relatives

Write in the family’s natural voice. A warm, accurate story is more meaningful than a list of facts alone. If several people are contributing, combine their notes into one approved version before sending it to the designer.

Order of service

The order of service helps guests follow the ceremony. Depending on the service, it may contain:

– Processional – Musical selections – Scripture readings – Prayer – Obituary reading – Reflections or remarks – Acknowledgments – Eulogy – Recessional

Confirm the sequence and spelling of every participant’s name with the officiant or funeral director. Last-minute changes are easier to manage when the family begins with one official order of service.

Photographs and captions

Photographs may show childhood, school, work, family, friendships, travel and special occasions. Organize the images before uploading them. You can place them in folders, number them in the preferred order or identify the most important images.

If captions are needed, provide the wording in a separate document. Do not write directly across the only copy of a photograph.

The number of images that will fit comfortably depends on the program’s size and page count. A [funeral program design and printing service](https://lovingdigitals.com/funeral-program-printing/) can help you compare Standard, Square, Trifold and Magazine formats.

Tributes, poems and scripture

Families often include a favorite poem, prayer, scripture, song lyric excerpt or personal tribute. Ask each contributor to submit final text rather than a photograph of handwritten notes whenever possible. Typed copy reduces the chance of transcription errors.

If space is limited, prioritize the obituary, order of service and the family’s most meaningful tribute. Longer programs can hold more messages without making the text difficult to read.

Pallbearers, flower bearers and acknowledgments

The closing pages may recognize pallbearers, flower bearers, honorary participants and service providers. An acknowledgment from the family can thank relatives, friends, the church, funeral-home staff and others who offered support.

The final page may also include interment details, the repast location or a short closing message.

A simple preparation checklist Before submitting your materials, confirm that you have:

– Final service details – Approved obituary – Approved order of service – Selected cover photograph – Additional photographs organized – Tributes, poems or scripture typed – Pallbearer and flower-bearer names – Family acknowledgment – Interment and repast information