Funeral Program Template: A Simple Order of Service
A funeral program (also called an order of service) gives guests something to hold and keep, and helps the service flow. It doesn't need to be elaborate: a single folded sheet is common.
What goes on a funeral program
- Front: "In loving memory," full name, years of birth and death (just the years is safer than full dates), a photo.
- Inside: the order of service, with names of readers and musicians.
- Back: pallbearers, a short thank-you from the family, reception details, and where to send donations in lieu of flowers.
A typical order of service
- Prelude music
- Welcome and opening words (officiant or celebrant)
- Reading or prayer
- Life story or obituary read aloud
- Music or hymn
- Eulogy
- Reflections from family and friends
- Reading or poem
- Slideshow or video
- Closing words or prayer
- Recessional music
- Announcements (reception, burial)
Cross out what doesn't fit and add what does. A celebration of life might skip formal readings and instead have an open-mic for stories.
Readings and poems families often choose
- Psalm 23
- Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 ("A time for everything")
- "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep"
- "Crossing the Bar" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
- "Death is Nothing at All" by Henry Scott Holland
- A favorite song lyric, letter or saying of the person who died
Simple text template
IN LOVING MEMORY · [Full name] · [Year] – [Year] [Date] · [Time] · [Place] Prelude — [music] · Welcome — [officiant] · Reading — [title, reader] · Eulogy — [speaker] · Closing — [officiant] Pallbearers: [names]. The family thanks you for your love and support. Please join us at [reception]. In lieu of flowers: [organization].
Printing tips
Most home printers handle a folded letter-size sheet. Print a test copy first, and plan on enough copies for expected guests plus about 10 percent.
The Funeral Planning & Obituary Pack includes an editable program template, a printable service planner (speakers, pallbearers, music) and the eulogy outline.
Funeral Planning & Obituary Pack — $12
17-page workbook with your FTC Funeral Rule rights, funeral home comparison, budget planner, 6 obituary templates, eulogy outline and program template. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.
Get the Funeral Planning & Obituary PackFamily Paperwork Bundle — $34More guides
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- Obituary Examples: Short, Traditional and Celebration-of-Life Wording
- What Not To Put in an Obituary (Protect Your Family From Scams)
- How To Write a Eulogy: A Simple 4-Part Outline (With Prompts)
- Funeral Planning Checklist: Every Decision, in Order
- The FTC Funeral Rule: Your Rights When Arranging a Funeral
- How Much Does a Funeral Cost? 2023 Median Prices and How To Budget
- Questions To Ask a Funeral Home Before You Sign Anything
- Funeral Thank-You Note Wording: Short Examples for Every Situation