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What goes in a funeral program

Most programs are one sheet of paper folded once: four panels, read in this order.

The front cover

• A heading: "In Loving Memory", "Celebrating the Life of" or "In Memory Of"
• A photograph
• The full name, including the name people used
• Dates of birth and death
• The day, date, time and place of the service, and who is officiating

Inside left: the order of service

The service in the order it happens, so people can follow along. A typical order:

1. Prelude or music as people arrive
2. Welcome
3. Hymn or song
4. Reading
5. Prayer
6. Eulogy, and remembrances from family or friends
7. Hymn or song
8. Closing words or committal
9. Recessional

Ask the person leading the service for the final order before you print. Name the readers and musicians if the family wishes.

Inside right: the obituary

A short version of the obituary, about 120 to 250 words so it fits one panel. How to write it.

The back cover

• A thank-you from the family
• Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers
• Burial or interment details
• The reception: where, and that everyone is welcome
• Where to send donations, if the family has a wish
• A short poem or verse, if there is room

Size and layout

The usual program is one US Letter sheet (8.5 x 11 inches) printed on both sides in landscape and folded once to 5.5 x 8.5 inches. Larger services sometimes use a legal-size sheet or a second folded sheet for photos and longer tributes. How to print it.

What to leave out

• Home addresses
• Anything the family has not agreed on
• Long lists of every relative; "and many loving nieces and nephews" is fine