Programs and slideshows
A funeral program, without the layout work
With a template, you still have to do the layout yourself. Here you answer a few questions and add photographs, and you get a finished, folded program as a PDF, ready for a print shop or your own printer.
What goes in a funeral program
The cover has a portrait, the full name and the dates. Inside are the service details, the order of service, and the obituary or a shorter life story. The back page has a thank-you from the family, the pallbearers, where to gather afterwards, and any request in lieu of flowers.
Bifold, and how it is printed
A bifold is a letter sheet folded once, so each program is four panels of 5.5 by 8.5 inches. Longer obituaries and more photographs add an inside sheet. The print-shop file has bleed and trim marks; the home version is plain letter paper, folded.
How many to print
Count the people you expect and add a quarter. People keep programs, mail them to relatives who could not come and put them in keepsake boxes, and a few extra cost very little to print.
An example order of service
- 1Processional
- 2Welcome and opening prayer
- 3Hymn
- 4Scripture reading
- 5Obituary reading
- 6Reflections from family and friends
- 7Eulogy
- 8Hymn
- 9Benediction
- 10Recessional
This is one of the starting points in the program; every line can be changed. Print the blank checklist to gather the details first.