Standard Layouts for a Professional Funeral Order of Service Template

A funeral program, commonly referred to as an "Order of Service," is a crucial document that serves two primary functions: it acts as a roadmap for the ceremony, helping attendees follow along, and it remains a permanent keepsake for family and friends to cherish. While every life is unique and every service varies, a professional template typically follows a structured four-panel or multi-page layout.

Creating this document during a time of grief can be overwhelming. The most effective templates focus on clarity, respect, and a logical flow of information. The following sections break down the essential components, layout options, and practical wording to help create a tribute that honors the deceased with dignity.

Core Components of a Comprehensive Funeral Program

A standard bifold funeral program is composed of four distinct areas: the front cover, the inner left panel (biography), the inner right panel (order of service), and the back cover. Each section requires specific details to ensure the program is both functional and sentimental.

The Front Cover: The First Impression

The cover sets the tone for the entire service. It should be clean, uncluttered, and centered around the identity of the person being remembered.

Primary Photograph: Choose a high-resolution image. While formal portraits are traditional, many modern programs use candid photos that capture the person’s personality—perhaps they are smiling, outdoors, or engaged in a favorite hobby.
Full Legal Name: Include the full name, including any preferred nicknames or maiden names in parentheses if applicable.
Dates of Life: Display the date of birth and the date of passing (e.g., July 15, 1945 – October 12, 2024).
Service Theme or Title: Common phrases include "A Celebration of Life," "In Loving Memory," or "A Service of Thanksgiving."
Location and Date of Service: Clearly state the venue name, city, state, and the date and time of the ceremony.

The Inner Left Panel: The Life Story or Obituary

This section provides context for the person’s journey. It is often the part of the program that guests read while waiting for the service to begin.

The Biography/Obituary: This is typically a 150 to 300-word summary of their life. Focus on significant milestones: education, career achievements, military service, and long-term memberships in community organizations.
Personal Touches: Mention their passions, such as "an avid gardener" or "a dedicated mentor to local youth." This humanizes the document.
Family Details: List the surviving family members, usually starting with the spouse, followed by children, grandchildren, and siblings.

The Inner Right Panel: The Order of Service

This is the functional heart of the template. It lists the sequence of events so that attendees, especially those from different faiths or backgrounds, know what to expect.

Musical Prelude: The music played as guests enter.
Words of Welcome: Usually delivered by the officiant or a close family member.
Readings and Poems: List the title of the scripture or poem and the name of the person reading it.
Musical Selections/Hymns: If the audience is expected to sing along, include the lyrics or the page number of the hymnal.
The Eulogy: The name of the person giving the main tribute.
Tributes or Reflections: If there is a "shared memories" portion where the floor is open to guests, it should be noted here.
Closing Remarks and Benediction: The formal end of the ceremony.
Recessional: The music played as the casket or family exits.

The Back Cover: Acknowledgments and Final Details

The back of the program is reserved for logistics and expressions of gratitude.

Gratitude Statement: A short paragraph thanking the attendees for their presence, flowers, and support.
Pallbearers: List the names of those carrying the casket.
Reception Information: If there is a gathering after the service, include the full address and time.
Memorial Donations: If the family prefers donations to a specific charity instead of flowers, provide the organization’s name and website or mailing address.
A Final Quote or Image: Many families choose a small closing image, such as a sunset or a favorite flower, accompanied by a short meaningful quote.

Selecting the Best Program Layout for the Occasion

The amount of content determines which physical format is best. While the bifold is the standard, other options exist to accommodate different volumes of text and photos.

The Single-Page Handout

This is a single 8.5" x 11" sheet, often printed on both sides but not folded. It is ideal for:

Graveside services where guests are standing.
Brief memorial services with minimal readings.
Services where a "green" or minimal approach is preferred.

The Bifold (Four Panels)

This is the most popular choice, created by folding a standard sheet of paper in half. It provides enough space for a full obituary, a photo, and the complete order of events without feeling crowded.

The Trifold (Six Panels)

By folding a sheet twice, you create six panels. This layout is excellent for:

Services involving a high number of photos or a collage.
Complex services with multiple speakers and musical numbers.
Including a detailed map or directions to the cemetery or reception site.

The Multi-Page Booklet

For formal or high-participation services (such as a full Catholic Mass or an Episcopal service), a booklet may be necessary. This allows for the inclusion of full liturgies, multiple hymns, and several pages of family photos.

How to Write an Effective Order of Service

The wording within the program should be clear and descriptive. Avoid overly technical religious terms if the audience is diverse. Instead, use plain language that guides everyone through the experience.

Example for a Traditional Religious Service

Processional: "Amazing Grace" – Pipe Organ
Invocation: Reverend [Name]
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 23 – Read by [Name]
Hymn: "The Old Rugged Cross" – Congregation
New Testament Reading: John 14:1-6 – Read by [Name]
Eulogy: [Name]
Sermon/Homily: Reverend [Name]
Benediction: Reverend [Name]
Recessional: "Going Home" – [Name]

Example for a Modern Celebration of Life

Opening Music: [Song Title] – [Artist]
Welcome Message: [Name]
Poem Reading: "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" – Read by [Name]
Video Tribute: A Look Back at [Name]’s Journey
Community Reflections: Open Floor for Friends and Family
Closing Words: [Name]
Final Song: [Song Title] – [Artist]

Design Tips and Technical Considerations for Printing

When designing a funeral program, small details in the layout can significantly impact the readability and feel of the document. Based on practical experience in document production, the following tips help ensure a professional result.

Prioritize Readability Above All

While script or decorative fonts look elegant on a cover, they are difficult to read for the main text, especially for older attendees or in dimly lit chapels.

Main Text Font: Use a clean serif font like Times New Roman, Baskerville, or Georgia at a minimum of 11-point or 12-point size.
Headings: Use bold or slightly larger fonts to clearly separate sections (e.g., "Order of Service" vs. "The Obituary").
Contrast: Ensure high contrast between text and background. Dark gray or black text on white or cream paper is the gold standard for legibility.

Selecting the Right Paper Weight

Standard printer paper (20lb) can feel flimsy and may allow the ink to bleed through if you are printing photos on both sides.

Recommendation: Use a light cardstock or a heavier weighted paper, such as 28lb or 32lb paper.
Finish: A matte or "satin" finish is generally better than a high-gloss finish, as gloss can create glare under bright lights and pick up fingerprints easily.

Effective Use of White Space

Avoid the temptation to fill every square inch of the page with text or small photos. "White space" or "negative space" allows the reader's eyes to rest and makes the important information stand out. If the biography is too long for the page, it is better to edit the text down than to shrink the font to an unreadable size.

Choosing Design Software

You do not need to be a professional graphic designer to create a beautiful program. Several accessible tools offer specialized templates:

Microsoft Word: Has built-in "Brochure" or "Program" templates that are easy to manipulate.
Google Docs: Offers a free, collaborative environment for family members to edit the text together in real-time.
Canva: Provides hundreds of pre-designed "Celebration of Life" and "Funeral Program" templates with drag-and-drop photo features.

What is the timeline for creating a funeral program?

Ideally, the program should be finalized and sent to the printer at least 48 hours before the service. This allows for a physical proof to be checked and for any last-minute spelling corrections or order changes.

In our experience, the most common error found in the final proofing stage is the spelling of family members' names in the obituary section. It is highly recommended to have a family member who was not the primary writer review the document with "fresh eyes" before hitting print.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you call a funeral program if it is not religious?

For non-religious ceremonies, it is often called a "Celebration of Life Program," a "Memorial Service Folder," or simply a "Service of Remembrance."

How many copies should be printed?

A good rule of thumb is to print enough for about 75% of the expected attendees. Couples and families will often share a single program. However, if the deceased was a prominent community figure, it is safer to print extra, as people often take multiple copies to give to those who could not attend.

Should I include the lyrics to every song?

If the song is a solo performance, titles and artists are sufficient. If you want the congregation to sing along to a hymn, including the full lyrics is much more welcoming and encourages participation.

Can I include more than one photo?

Yes. While the cover usually features one primary photo, the inner biography page or the back cover is a perfect place for a small collage showing the person at different ages or with family.

Summary

Designing a funeral service program is an act of love and a final tribute to a life well-lived. By following a standard template—focusing on a clean cover, a concise biography, a clear order of events, and a respectful back cover—you ensure that the service runs smoothly and that guests leave with a meaningful memento. Whether you choose a traditional bifold or a modern trifold, prioritize readability, high-quality paper, and accurate details. A well-crafted program allows the focus to remain where it belongs: on honoring the memory of your loved one.