Resource Guide • DIY Templates • Wording • Photos • Printing • Digital Sharing

DIY Funeral Program Templates: A Complete Family Guide to Layout, Wording, Printing, and Sharing

The Funeral Program Site created this guide for families who need a program that feels steady and organized during a time that does not. When a loss happens, life moves fast: phone calls, decisions, travel, service planning, and family members who all need answers at once. A funeral program is small compared to everything else, but it does something important. It welcomes guests, offers a clear order to follow, and captures names, dates, and memories in a keepsake people often tuck away for years.

If you are making the program yourself, it is normal to feel pressure about wording, spacing, printing, and whether you are “doing it right.” A template removes the hardest part: building the layout from scratch. Instead of fighting margins and columns, you begin with a design already sized for the fold. Your job becomes simpler: replace placeholders with your loved one’s information, add the service details, and place photos that matter. It is faster, calmer, and far less likely to create a last-minute formatting problem.

If you want a clean starting point you can edit without redesigning the page, use these funeral program templates. Below, you will learn how to choose the best format for your service, what information to include, how to keep text readable, how to prepare photos for print, and how to export a final PDF that looks consistent whether you print at home or through a local shop.

What a template does and why it helps families move faster

A funeral program template is a pre-designed file built specifically for funerals, memorials, and celebrations of life. It typically includes a cover area for a name, dates, and a headline, plus structured inside sections such as the order of service, obituary or life tribute, acknowledgments, and photo placement. Because it is created with printing in mind, the margins are already safe, the panel order is correct, and the spacing is designed to fold cleanly. That matters, because a program can look perfect on screen but fall apart when printed if panels are not set up correctly.

Templates also help with decision fatigue. When you are grieving, even small choices can feel heavy. A good template provides a reliable framework so you can focus on content rather than design. It is not about being fancy. It is about being clear, respectful, and easy to follow. Guests should be able to glance at the program and understand what is happening next, who is participating, and how the family chose to honor the person’s life.

Pick the format first so you do not rewrite everything later

Before you edit anything, decide on the format. Most families do best when they choose the format based on content, not based on how pretty the cover looks. A bifold is the most common choice because it is familiar, quick to print, and usually provides enough room for the essentials. A bifold is one letter-size sheet printed on both sides and folded in half. It typically fits: cover photo, name and dates, order of service, a short obituary or life tribute, a few photos, and a closing acknowledgment.

If you have multiple readings, song lyrics guests will follow, a longer tribute, or many photos, a booklet layout can prevent the most common problem: tiny text. Guests may be seated in varied lighting, and some will be older or visually strained. You want a program that reads comfortably. If you catch yourself shrinking font size or stacking paragraphs tightly, it is usually better to move to a format with more space, or shorten the tribute instead of compressing it.

Trifolds can work well when the service is short and the text is minimal, but they require careful proofing because panel order matters. If you select a trifold, plan on printing one test copy early. Fold it exactly how it will be handed out. Confirm the cover is truly the cover, the inside panels follow the ceremony sequence, and the back panel contains the closing information you intend.

Gather this content before you start editing

Collect the exact spelling of the full name, dates of birth and passing, service date and time, venue name and address, officiant name, and the order of service (readers, speakers, songs, musicians). Draft the obituary or life tribute in a separate document. Choose one clear cover photo plus two to five supporting images. Keep everything in one folder so you are not searching through texts and emails during the final proof stage.

Video guidance

Format comparison table

Use this table to match your content to a format that keeps the program readable. A calm page is the goal. When spacing looks open and consistent, guests feel less rushed and more supported.

Format	Best For	Typical Inclusions	Helpful Notes
Bifold	Most funerals and memorial services	Cover, order of service, short tribute, a few photos, acknowledgments	Fast to print; familiar layout; best when content is moderate and needs to stay simple.
Trifold	Short services with minimal text	Condensed schedule, brief tribute, quote or verse, small photo set	Panel order matters; always print and fold one proof copy before producing multiples.
Booklet	More readings, lyrics, photos, or longer tribute content	Extended tribute, multiple photos, lyrics, prayers, expanded acknowledgments	Prevents tiny fonts; best when you want a keepsake-focused program with more room.

What to include so guests feel guided and cared for

Most guests expect a few key sections. The cover typically includes the name, dates, and a short phrase such as “In Loving Memory” or “Celebrating the Life.” Some families add a brief scripture, a quote, or one line of poetry. Inside, the order of service provides a sequence: welcome, prayer, readings, remarks, musical selections, and closing. Even guests who have attended many services still appreciate knowing what comes next, especially if the service style is new to them.

The tribute section is where your program becomes personal. You can write a traditional obituary with biographical details and family names, or a life tribute focused on character, relationships, and the way the person made others feel. Two to four short paragraphs is often enough to sound real and warm without forcing you to summarize everything. If multiple relatives want to contribute, consider collecting memories and then weaving them into one consistent voice so the program reads smoothly.

An acknowledgments section is a simple way to thank guests for support. If you are including donation instructions or a memorial fund, keep it clear and short so it does not distract from the tribute. Optional items may include pallbearers, honorary pallbearers, clergy, musicians, or a final message of appreciation. Consistency matters more than length. Guests remember a program that feels steady and easy to read.

Editing tips that make a program look polished without extra work

The quickest way to make a template look professional is to protect readability. Keep body text at a comfortable size and avoid pushing text into tight corners. If you need room, shorten a paragraph instead of shrinking font size. Use consistent headings and spacing. If your template includes multiple font options, choose one heading style and one body style and keep it consistent throughout the program.

Photos matter, but clarity matters more. For the cover, choose a portrait that feels recognizable and bright enough to print well. Inside photos can show different seasons of life: family gatherings, milestones, hobbies, or everyday moments that feel familiar. When cropping, keep faces centered and avoid cutting off important features. If a photo is darker or slightly soft, it usually looks better inside at a smaller size rather than on the cover.

Proofing: the step families skip and later regret

Names and dates are where mistakes happen most, and that is completely normal when the timeline is tight. Build in a simple proof process: print one draft copy early, fold it, and read it slowly. Then ask one other person to proof it too. Fresh eyes catch missing initials, swapped digits in dates, or a misspelled surname that you may miss after staring at the page for hours.

Printing with confidence and fewer surprises

After your final proof, export a print-ready PDF. PDFs preserve layout so you do not get unexpected shifts when printing from another computer. Print one proof copy before printing the full quantity. Fold it exactly how it will be handed out. Confirm that the cover is correct, the inside panels are in the right order, and nothing important sits too close to the fold. Check it under normal indoor lighting, because that is how guests will see it.

Paper choice depends on time and budget. Standard paper works for home printing and quick turnarounds. Heavier stock feels more like a keepsake and holds up better over time. If you print on heavier paper, fold carefully to reduce cracking along the fold line. If you are using a local print shop, bring the PDF and request one proof before the full run. That single step prevents expensive misprints and last-minute stress.

Digital sharing for relatives who cannot attend

Many families share a digital program so distant relatives can follow along. Export the program as a PDF and share it through email, text, or a private family group. The benefit of using a template is that the printed and digital versions match perfectly. Everyone sees the same order of service, photos, and wording, which creates unity even when people are not in the same room.

Digital copies also help after the service. People misplace paper programs, but a saved PDF can be re-shared, printed later, or kept in a family archive. Save the final file in a clearly labeled folder with the full name and service date so it is easy to find later when you want it.

Audio guide

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Audio transcript: Funeral Program Templates (updated for this audio)

Hello, and welcome. You’re listening to The Funeral Program Site, and this audio is here to help you create a funeral program in a way that feels simple, organized, and doable, even if you are working under a tight deadline. If you’re making a program right now, you are probably juggling several things at the same time. You might be coordinating family input, confirming service details, responding to messages, and trying to make choices while you are still processing the loss. So first, take a breath. You do not need to be a graphic designer to create a meaningful program. You need accurate information, a clear structure, and a layout that stays readable. Let’s start with what a funeral program template is. A template is a pre-designed file built specifically for a funeral or memorial service. It already has the panel structure and spacing set up, so when you print it and fold it, the program reads in the correct order. The template includes placeholders for key details like the name, dates, service location, and the order of service. Many templates also include photo boxes that are already sized and aligned, which saves you from guessing crop sizes or trying to line up images manually. Here’s the simplest way to avoid errors: gather your content before you edit. You want the exact spelling of your loved one’s full name, including middle initial if your family prefers it. You want the dates of birth and passing, the service date and time, and the venue name and address. Then you want the order of service, and this is the part that helps guests the most. Write it in the same sequence the service will follow. For example: opening words, prayer, readings, remarks, musical selections, and closing. If you have more than one speaker, confirm each person’s preferred name spelling, because this is one place families often feel upset later if it is wrong. Next, choose the format that matches your amount of content. A bifold program is the most common format because it is simple and familiar. It is one sheet printed front and back, then folded in half. It usually provides enough room for a cover photo, a clear order of service, a short tribute or obituary, and a closing acknowledgment. If you have a longer tribute, multiple poems, lyrics people will follow, or many photos, a booklet format may be a better fit because it gives you more space and keeps text readable. The goal is not to fit everything at any cost. The goal is to keep the program comfortable to read during a service. Now let’s talk about the parts of the program that guests expect. The cover is typically the name and dates, plus a phrase like “In Loving Memory” or “Celebrating the Life.” If you include a quote, keep it short and meaningful. Inside, the order of service should be easy to scan. Guests often use it like a guide, especially if they are unsure when to stand, when to sit, or what comes next. That sense of structure can feel surprisingly comforting. The tribute or obituary is the most personal section. Some families choose a traditional obituary with biographical details and family names. Others choose a life tribute that focuses more on character and relationships. If you are unsure what to write, aim for two to four short paragraphs that sound honest. You can mention where the person was born, who they loved, what they enjoyed, and what people will remember most. You do not need formal language. You need words that feel true. Photos are often the most emotional part of the program. For the cover, choose a clear portrait that feels recognizable. Good lighting matters because print can make dark images look even darker. For the inside, add a handful of photos that show different seasons of life: family moments, milestones, everyday memories. When you crop, keep faces centered and avoid cutting off important details. If a photo is slightly blurry, it can still work inside at a smaller size, but choose your sharpest image for the cover when possible. Now, let’s talk about proofing, because this is where most last-minute stress comes from. Names and dates are the details families want preserved correctly, and mistakes happen easily when you are tired and rushing. Here is a practical routine: read the program out loud from top to bottom. Then ask one other person to read it too. A second set of eyes catches the small things: a missing letter, a wrong digit, an incorrect time, or a name that was typed the way it sounds instead of the way it is spelled. When your edits are finished, save a print-ready PDF. A PDF is the safest format for printing because it holds the layout in place. Then print one proof copy. Fold it the way you will hand it out. Confirm the cover is correct, the inside panels are in the right order, and nothing important sits too close to the fold. If you are using a print shop, bring the PDF and request one proof before the full run. That single proof prevents costly mistakes. Finally, remember that your program can be shared digitally. Many families email a PDF to relatives who cannot attend. Others save it in a family folder or memory archive. A program is not only for the day of the service. It becomes a record that people return to later, especially on anniversaries or moments when they want to remember. If you need more guidance, The Funeral Program Site offers resources that help families create programs that feel clear, respectful, and personal. You do not have to make it perfect. You just have to make it accurate, readable, and true to the person you are honoring. Thank you for listening.

Helpful links

Use these links to access key resources, including the main website, the funeral programs collection page, and Google Maps for directions and planning.

Coordinated styles and practical support from The Funeral Program Site

DIY templates are most helpful when they are easy to edit and still look polished when printed. The Funeral Program Site provides designs in a wide range of styles, including traditional, floral, scenic, modern, and faith-based options. Families can choose a look that matches the tone of the service, then focus on what matters most: accurate details, readable text, and photos that feel like the person being honored.

If you feel stuck near the finish line, return to three priorities. First, keep the text readable. Second, verify every name and date. Third, choose a cover photo that feels warm and recognizable. When those three things are right, your program will feel meaningful to guests, even if you created it quickly. Save the final PDF in a safe place, because many families later print extra copies for relatives or keep one clean copy for a memory box.