What goes in a funeral program, section by section
A funeral program does three quiet jobs: it guides guests through the service, it tells the story of a life in a form people take home, and it spares the family from answering the same questions a hundred times. The standard structure has settled over decades — here it is, in order.
The cover
"In Loving Memory of", the full name, a photograph, and the dates — often written as Sunrise (birth) and Sunset (passing). Below: the service date, time, location and officiant. A portrait photo where the face fills most of the frame reproduces best.
The order of service
The sequence of the ceremony with who does what: opening prayer, hymns or songs (name them — guests want to sing along), scripture or readings, the obituary reading, tributes, the eulogy, closing prayer, recessional. Each line reads "item — person".
The obituary / life story
Three to six short paragraphs: where the life began, what filled it (family, work, faith, passions), and what people will remember. Programs usually reprint the newspaper obituary or a warmer, shorter version of it.
The family sections
Survived by — spouse, children (with spouses in parentheses), grandchildren, siblings. Preceded in death by — optional. Pallbearers — listed by name; honorary pallbearers separately.
The closing page
A verse or scripture (Psalm 23 and "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" are the most chosen), and the acknowledgement: "The family gratefully acknowledges your prayers, kindness and every expression of sympathy." Add interment details and repast/reception location if guests are invited.
Our program maker assembles all of these sections from one form, in a dignified layout, in about ten minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
What size is a funeral program?
Most are a folded A4 or US Letter sheet — a four-page booklet. Larger services sometimes use multi-page booklets, but one folded sheet covers the standard structure.
What are "sunrise" and "sunset" on a program?
A traditional, gentler way of writing the dates of birth (sunrise) and passing (sunset).
Who prepares the funeral program?
Usually a family member. Funeral homes offer printing but often charge notably more for design; a generated program can be printed anywhere.