Last Updated on: October 9th, 2025
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- - @M-LifeInsurance
When someone we love passes away, planning the funeral, we can feel hard. A funeral program is kind of a very simple guide that will help all the guests to understand what will happen during the service. This guide is like a helpful map that will show the order of events, like who will speak, what songs will be played, and any prayers or readings. This will also honour the life of the person who has passed.
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ToggleA nicely made program brings bees, love, and comfort to everyone who is attending the ceremony. In this simple guide, you will learn the best funeral program format, you can also see the simple examples, and get helpful tips to create the meaningful keepsake for your family.
What Is The Funeral Program Format?
A funeral program format is the information about a funeral or memorial surface and how it will be organized and shown. This format of a funeral program will tell people what will happen during the service, like the other orders of events, readings, songs, a short story about the person, pictures, and thank you notes. Sometimes people call it a funeral service program format for Matt, Memorial service program for Matt or a funeral booklet design. But all in one this will help everyone to understand and follow the ceremony easily.
Typical Sections In A Funeral Program Format
There is not just one way to make a funeral program. Different families and their traditions can choose different styles. However, most formats of the funeral programs usually have some common parts that have to share important information and guide the service smoothly.
Below are some sections you will often find in many funeral programs
Cover Page
The cover page is the first page of the funeral program format. This page is all about the name of the person who passed away and also the birthdate and the death date is written on that cover page.
Order Of Service/Program Of Events
For funeral format programs, this page will tell you what will happen during the funeral ceremony, like it shows which song will be played and who will speak first and when prayer will be reading. All this will help everyone to know what to expect and follow the guide easily.
Obituary/Life Sketch.
The obituary of life sketch is a short story about the persons life. This life schedule will show the little details of the person and the place where they were born, their memorial and a lot more. This will help the people to remember and honour their life.
Tributes, Poems, Or Quotes.
Here, favourite points are meaningful quotes that the person that can be included. Sometimes family or friends write special messages or poems to show love and respect. This section adds a personal attached to the program.
List Of Participants
This part is the names of the people involved in the funeral. It includes those who will speak, read poems or scriptures, sing songs, or help with the service. It also mentions Pallbearers and ushers, so that the guest knows who is helping during the ceremony.
Back Cover
The back cover usually thanks the guest for coming and supporting the family. This cover has contact details for the funeral or church. Sometimes, it includes information about deception or gathering after a service where people can share memories and comfort each other.
Sample Funeral Program Format
Here is a simple example of a format of funeral programs that is easy to follow, especially for the general or non-religious services
- First, there is a cover piece that will show a photo of the person, and their name, birth, and date they passed away.
- Greetings and opening words, someone welcome everyone and see a few kind words to start the service
- Musical prelude like a song or a music place to create a comment in a respectful atmosphere.
- Reading of poem or scripture that is like a poem or special reading is shared to honour the person
- Tribute/Eulogy, a family member or friend talks about the person’s life and memories.
- Musical selections, means another song is placed to remember the person.
- There are aligners or testimonials that are short stories or messages from friends and families.
- Closing words like final words or a prayer to end the services
- Committal or funeral home details, that is the information about where the burial or service will continue obituary/life story, it is like a short story about the person’s life, work and family.
- Acknowledgement and thanks are important at the last like saying thank you to everyone who helped or came
But for the catholic funeral program format, the format is different as it include some special that are discussed below
- Entrance hymn
- Penitential right that is prayer asking for forgiveness
- Bible readings
- Special song after reading
- Homily that is a short sermon or talk.
- Prayers of the faithful like prayers for others
- A song during the offering
- Eucharistic prayer and communion
- Final recommendation and farewell.
- A playing of songs as the people leave
How to write a funeral program
To create a funeral program format, first you have together all the important information that you have to collect the important things like the photos, dates, readings, songs and speakers, then you have to choose a format, make a plan that shows the order of service, and write a clear obituary. Include song list and thank you notes, proofread carefully print on the good paper and distribute the service for the guests.
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Obituary in the funeral program
The obituary of our live schedule is usually one of the longest parts. It tells the story of the persons life no matter where they were born, their family job, hobbies, beliefs, and what they left behind. It has everyone remembered understand who the person really was
You can include the following things in the obituary
- Birth and that dates
- Education and career
- Family and relationship relationships
- Achievements
- Hobbies, passions, and qualities
- A closing thought or quote
Tips for a respectful and meaningful program
When making a funeral program, it is very important to use kind and respectful words that bring comfort. Don’t write too much writings, simple and creative writing is better. Use good, clear photos of the person who passed away. Follow their faith or culture in choosing the format. Doublecheck that all names are spelt right. Ask family members for ideas, like favourite songs or datings. Also, print some extra copies so guest can have one.
Final words
A few programs are the guide that helps the guest for all the services, this guy also owns the memory of a loved one, and becomes a keepsake. You have to make sure that you are using the clear unit program for Matt, including key parts like order of service, obituary, and list of participants. Use templates or designs of your own, and always review carefully before printing. No matter for a catholic mass or general memorial, a well-made program at degrees, clarity and love to such a solemn occasion.
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Planning ahead brings peace of mind just like a well prepared funeral program guides a meaningful service. M life insurance here to help you to secure lifelong financial protection for your family and loved ones. Get affordable life insurance quotes today
FAQs
How do you format a funeral program?
For the funeral program format, you have to put the information details in order like the persons names, dates, photo, the order of the event, readings, music, and notes. Make it easy to read and clear.
What is the typical funeral program?
The typical program is a booklet or sheet that shows the order of the funeral program format service. It usually includes prayer, songs, speeches and the short life story.
What is the full order of the service of a funeral?
The order of the format usually starts with an opening prayer then there are readings or poems, speeches, music, readings and closing prayers and sometimes there is a final goodbye or committal.
Does the word have a funeral program template?
Yes, Microsoft Word has a free update. You can use the make a program format. You can find them by searching the funeral program in the words template section.

Joyce Espinoza, Expert Life Insurance Agent
Joyce Espinoza is a trusted life insurance agent at mLifeInsurance.com. She’s been in the insurance industry for over ten years, helping people, especially those with special health conditions to find the right coverage. At MLife Insurance, Joyce writes easy-to-understand articles that help readers make smart choices about life insurance. Previously, she worked directly with clients at Mlife Insurance, advising nearly 3,000 of them on life insurance options.