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 to design a funeral program quickly, but still want it to feel calm, respectful, and well organized. When a loss happens, you may be coordinating relatives, confirming a venue, choosing readings, and answering questions you never expected to answer—often within a matter of days. A printed program is one of the few pieces that can bring gentle structure to the service. It welcomes guests, outlines what will happen next, and preserves key details and memories in a keepsake that many people hold onto for years.

If you are building a program yourself, it is normal to worry about layout, wording, and printing. Templates reduce that stress because they remove the technical guesswork. Instead of starting with a blank page and trying to line up columns, set margins, and figure out folds, you begin with a design that already works. You simply place your loved one’s information into the correct sections, adjust the wording to match your family’s voice, and proof the final copy carefully. This approach is faster, cleaner, and far less frustrating—especially when time is short.

If you want a straightforward starting point, these funeral program templates can help you move forward without reformatting the page again and again. In the sections below, you will learn how to choose the right format, decide what content to include, edit photos so they print well, proof names and dates accurately, and prepare a print-ready PDF that looks consistent whether you print at home or at a local shop.

What a funeral program template is and what it does for you

A funeral program template is a pre-designed layout created specifically for funerals, memorials, and celebrations of life. It includes a structured cover and interior sections such as the order of service, obituary or life tribute, and acknowledgments. Many templates also include photo placeholders that help you insert images without guessing the correct size. Because the template is built for printing, margins are already safe for common printers, and the panel layout is arranged so your program folds in the correct order.

Templates are helpful because they reduce decisions at a time when decision fatigue is real. When you are grieving, even small choices can feel heavy. A template gives you a reliable framework so you can spend your energy on what matters most: the words, the names, the dates, and the photos that reflect the person you are honoring. The goal is not to create something flashy. The goal is to create something clear, comforting, and respectful for every guest who holds it.

Choosing the right format before you start editing

The right format depends on how much you plan to include. A bifold is the most common choice for a reason. It uses one letter-size sheet printed front and back, then folded in half. It typically provides enough room for a cover photo, the person’s name and dates, a clear order of service, a short obituary or life tribute, and a closing acknowledgment. It also prints quickly and feels familiar in both church and chapel settings.

If you have multiple readings, several songs, lyrics you want guests to follow, or many photos, a booklet may be a better fit. A booklet gives you extra space so you can keep font sizes readable. Avoid shrinking text to fit everything. A program should be easy to read while guests are seated in varied lighting. If you find yourself compressing paragraphs, consider shortening the wording or moving to a format with more room.

Trifold layouts can be beautiful, but they require careful proofing because panel order matters. If you choose a trifold, always print one test copy and fold it exactly as it will be handed out. Confirm the cover panel is correct, the inside panels follow the service flow, and the back panel contains the appropriate information. That one proof step prevents costly and stressful printing mistakes.

A quick checklist to gather content

Before you edit the template, gather: the exact spelling of the full name, dates of birth and passing, service date and time, venue name and address, officiant name, names of speakers and readers, song titles, and any readings or scriptures. Draft your obituary or life tribute in a separate document first. Choose one clear cover photo and two to five supporting photos for inside panels. Keeping everything in one folder saves time and reduces errors.

Video guidance

Format comparison

Use the table below to match your content to the format that keeps everything readable. In most cases, the best program is the one that looks calm on the page. Guests should be able to scan it quickly and follow the service without squinting or searching.

Format	Best For	Typical Inclusions	Helpful Notes
Bifold	Most funerals and memorial services	Cover, order of service, tribute, a few photos, acknowledgments	Classic and familiar; quick to print and works well when content is moderate.
Trifold	Short services with minimal text	Condensed schedule, brief tribute, a quote or verse, small photo set	Panel order matters; print and fold a proof copy before producing multiples.
Booklet	More readings, lyrics, photos, or longer tribute content	Extended tribute, multiple photos, lyrics, prayers, additional acknowledgments	More space prevents tiny fonts; best when you want a keepsake-focused program.

What to include so guests feel supported

Most guests expect a few key sections. The cover usually includes the name, dates, and a phrase such as “In Loving Memory” or “Celebrating the Life.” Some families add a short scripture, a quote, or a meaningful line of poetry. Inside, the order of service lists each part of the ceremony in sequence. This helps guests follow along and provides reassurance, especially for anyone attending a service style that is unfamiliar to them.

The obituary or life tribute is where the program becomes personal. You can write a traditional obituary with biographical details and family names, or you can write a warm life sketch that focuses on character, relationships, and the way the person made others feel. Many families find that two to four short paragraphs is enough to say something real without feeling like they must summarize an entire lifetime. If you have room, you can add a short section about hobbies, community involvement, or favorite sayings that people remember.

An acknowledgments section is a simple way to thank guests for attendance and support. If you wish to mention donations or a memorial fund, keep the wording clear and short. Optional items include pallbearers, honorary pallbearers, clergy, musicians, and a final message of appreciation. The most important thing is consistency and accuracy, because names and dates are the details families want to preserve correctly.

Editing tips that keep the design clean

A program looks polished when it stays readable. Keep body text at a comfortable size and avoid squeezing paragraphs into tight areas. If you need space, shorten a section rather than reducing font size dramatically. Use consistent headings and spacing throughout the document. Avoid switching fonts multiple times. A simple, consistent approach reads as respectful and intentional.

Photos should be chosen with printing in mind. A clear cover portrait helps guests recognize the person immediately. Inside photos can show different seasons of life—family gatherings, milestones, or everyday moments that feel familiar. When cropping, keep faces centered and avoid cutting off important features. If a photo is darker, consider placing it inside rather than on the cover, because covers are usually printed larger and darkness becomes more noticeable.

Printing with confidence

Always create one proof copy before printing the full quantity. Fold it as it will be presented and check the panel order. Read every line slowly, especially names, dates, and location details. If possible, ask one other person to proofread as well. You may be tired and emotionally overwhelmed, and a second set of eyes can catch mistakes quickly. Once the content is final, save a print-ready PDF so the layout remains stable.

Paper choice depends on time and budget. Standard paper works for home printers. Heavier stock feels more like a keepsake and holds up better over time. If using heavier paper, fold carefully to prevent 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 simple step prevents expensive misprints.

Digital sharing for relatives who cannot attend

Many families share a digital version so relatives can follow along from a distance. Export your program as a PDF and share it via email, text, or a private family group. The benefit of templates is that your printed and digital versions match perfectly. Everyone sees the same order of service, photos, and tribute wording, which creates a sense of unity even when people cannot be in the same room.

Digital copies also help after the service. People may misplace paper programs, but a saved PDF can be shared again, 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.

Audio guide

If the audio does not load, refresh the page or open the file in a new tab. The transcript below covers the same topic so you can still follow along.

Audio transcript: Funeral Program Templates (updated)

Welcome, and thank you for listening. This is The Funeral Program Site, and this audio is here to make one part of planning feel simpler: creating a funeral program that looks organized, respectful, and easy for guests to follow. If you are working on a program right now, you are probably handling a lot at once. You may be coordinating family input, confirming service details, and trying to make decisions while you are still grieving. So first, take a breath. You do not need to be a designer to create something meaningful. You need a clear structure, accurate details, and a calm layout that keeps everything readable. A funeral program template is a pre-designed file built for a funeral or memorial. It already has the framework in place—margins, spacing, headings, and panel order—so the pieces print and fold correctly. When you open a template, you will see placeholder text and photo boxes. Your job is simply to replace those placeholders with your loved one’s information, the order of service, and the words you want to share. Before you begin, gather your essentials. You want the exact spelling of the full name, the dates of birth and passing, the service location, and the time. You also want the order of service: who is speaking, what songs are included, and any readings or prayers. If multiple people are contributing, ask them to send their wording in one message so you can copy and paste without retyping. That helps reduce errors and saves time. Next, choose a format that matches your content. A bifold program is the most common layout: one sheet printed front and back, folded in half. It is familiar to guests and works well for most services. If you have a longer life tribute, multiple poems, lyrics, or many photos, a booklet format can be a better fit because it gives you more space and keeps text readable. Try to avoid shrinking the font just to make everything fit. If guests cannot read comfortably, the program becomes less helpful. Photos are often the most emotional part of the program. For the cover, choose a clear portrait that feels recognizable and warm. Inside, add a few smaller photos that show different seasons of life—family moments, milestones, hobbies, and everyday memories. When you crop photos, keep faces centered and avoid cutting off important features. If an image is slightly blurry, it may still work inside at a smaller size, but a sharper photo is usually best for the cover. As you fill in the text, keep it simple and sincere. A program does not need to say everything to be meaningful. Guests usually want three things: who the service is for, what is happening and in what order, and a short tribute that helps them remember the person. If you are writing a life tribute, focus on relationships, character, and details that feel true to who they were. You do not need fancy language. You need honest words. One place where families commonly make mistakes is names and dates. This is normal, especially when the timeline is tight. Here is a practical step: read the entire program out loud, slowly, and then have one other person read it too. A second set of eyes catches small typos, missing initials, or an incorrect date that you may miss after staring at the page for hours. When you finish editing, save a print-ready PDF. PDFs preserve the layout so it prints the way it looks on your screen. Then print one proof copy before printing the full quantity. Fold it exactly how it will be handed out. Check the cover, check the inside panel order, and make sure nothing important is too close to the fold line. Look at the proof under normal indoor lighting, because that is how guests will see it. If you are printing at home, use the best paper you have available and print a few extras. If you are printing at a local shop, provide the PDF and ask for a proof copy before the full run. That quick proof prevents expensive mistakes. Finally, remember that your program can live beyond the service. Save the final file in a safe folder. You may want to print extra copies later for relatives who could not attend or keep a clean copy for a memory box. A program becomes part of the family record, and it can be comforting to revisit when you are ready. If you need more help, The Funeral Program Site offers program designs, printing guidance, and practical resources for families doing their best in a difficult moment. You do not have to make it perfect. You just have to make it clear, respectful, and true to the person you are honoring.

Helpful links

These links take you to 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 range of styles—traditional, floral, scenic, modern, and faith-based—so families can choose what best fits the tone of the service. The goal is always readability and respect, with a layout that supports the words and photos you are sharing.

If you feel unsure at the finish line, return to three priorities: readable text, accurate details, and a cover photo that feels like your loved one. When those three things are right, your program will feel meaningful to guests. Many families keep extra copies as keepsakes, and the program often becomes one of the most personal items from the day—something that can be held again when the family needs comfort.