The Importance of Funeral Programs

Why is it important to distribute a funeral program at a memorial service? This document is the only tangible item handed out at the final celebration of life. Some families do not create one but it is important to include since it is a kept and cherished keepsake even long after the service. 

Funeral programs do not have to be elaborate. They can be as simple as a letter size paper, handwritten and folded in half or as elaborate as an engraved invitation obituary. Although it isn't necessary to have a funeral program for all memorial services, there are many reasons why it is desirable to do so.

If the memorial service is of a religious nature or theme, it can serve as a form of instruction, helping people who are unfamiliar with the order of service to find their way easily and comfortably through the service. The funeral program can also include the words for song or hymns,  prayers, and scripture readings. 

If the service is a secular or a non-religious service, it will inform people of the flow and order of service, who will be presenting, sharing or delivering the obituary, and what the title of music and lyrics will be played.

For more complicated services, funeral programs are a necessity. For example, if a funeral service were to take place on a boat, the funeral program could explain how the ashes would be scattered, by whom, locations of the boat's destination points and order in which they will arrive. 

It helps keep the attendees informed and notified of the events. It serves as a guide for the attendees who may not be familiar with a religious service or have not been at a funeral service before. It helps them to know what to expect. The programs also give people a final overall look at their loved one's life as often it gives a lifetime summary of the deceased.

Here is a simple example of a funeral memorial format for a basic program, but certainly not limited to:
• The name of the deceased 
• A photo of the deceased 
• Age, date of birth and date of death 
• Name and address of the location where the service will be held 
• Date and/or time of the serviceName of officiant who will be leading the service

The order of service may include the following main items but can vary depending on the type of service held
• Names of speakers 
• Prayers or readings presented and by whom 
• Hymns or other musical selections in the funeral service 
• Instructions about standing or sitting, if applicable 
• Invitation to a lunch or after funeral service reception gathering

Funeral programs can also be an extension of the memorial service in which you can include a written poem, reading from a family member of friend or special work written by the deceased. Essentially, the funeral program can include anything you would like to share with attendees that highlights the deceased life. 

Remember that it is a celebration of their life, their accomplishments, and the people they have touched. Sometimes, funeral programs can contain more information or photos and can be put together in booklet format. There are no bounds in creating funeral programs. You can make it as elaborate as you'd like depending on how much time and assistance you may have to devote to the project.

Because not everyone has the time to devote to creating more detailed and elaborate funeral programs, there are funeral program templates that can be purchased with the design foundation already done. You only need to enter text and the photos. Whatever type of funeral service you have, a funeral program will be looked upon as a memento each attendee can take with them. Most people collect funeral programs because although a paper item, is kept and not thrown away or left on the pew.

Families often get too busy during the funeral planning process to give funeral programs a second thought. This is the reason we've created our customization services to assist those who don't have time to put together a keepsake such as the program. We do all the work for you so you can be freed to tend to other items on your funeral planning list. We do hundreds of these a week and are proficient in creating and typesetting funeral programs. 

We are fast, efficient and skilled. It's your choice how much or how little you employ our help. We offer a variety of different services depending on the family's needs.

The Funeral Program Site has the best selection and variety of beautiful Funeral Programs to fit your loved one's personality. We also have many resources available to add to your funeral program. This site also provides superior customization services in case you need help in putting together your program. Visit and see why we are the family favorite choice.