Guide
What goes in a funeral program, and in what order
A funeral program (also called a memorial booklet, order of service or celebration of life program) is the printed keepsake handed out at a service. Most families use the same six parts, in roughly the same order.
Written by the designers at Mark My Life, who have made memorial booklets for families since 2015. Last updated October 9, 2026.
The six usual parts
Front cover
A photo they would have liked, their full name, and the dates of birth and death. A short line such as "In loving memory" or "Celebrating the life of" is common. Keep it simple: this is the first thing people see.
Order of service
The parts of the ceremony in the order they happen: welcome, prayers or readings, music, tributes or eulogies, and the closing. Add who is taking each part. If the service has a location or time for a reception, put it at the bottom.
Obituary
A short account of their life: where they were born, their work, what they loved, and who they leave behind. See our guide on how to write an obituary for a fill-in template.
Photos
Three to twelve pictures show a life better than words. Choose ones where they are doing something they enjoyed, and where faces are clear. Photos taken on a phone are fine for a booklet this size.
Thank-yous and names
Pallbearers, honorary pallbearers, the officiant, and a line of thanks from the family. People often keep the program to remember who was there.
A closing verse or poem
The back cover is a good place for a poem, a prayer or a few lines in their own words. Choose something short that sounds like them.
If you are short on time
Start with the parts people need on the day: the front cover and the order of service. Add the obituary next. Photos and the closing verse can be added last, because they matter most to families and least to the schedule. A booklet that is clear and correct is better than a crowded one.
Before you print
- Read every name, date and place aloud, and have someone else read them too.
- Print one copy on plain paper first to check the fold and the order of the pages.
- Print a few more than you think you need. Guests often take one for relatives who couldn't come.
- Choose paper that feels good in the hand: a lightweight cardstock works well. See our printing tips for home printers and print shops.
Common questions
How many pages should a funeral program be?
Four pages is the most common: a folded sheet of letter paper with a front cover, two inside pages and a back cover. It prints at home or at a print shop. Use more pages only if you have a lot to include.
What is the difference between a funeral program, an obituary program and a memorial booklet?
They are different names for the same printed keepsake. A funeral program or order of service lists the parts of the service, an obituary program leads with the obituary, and a memorial booklet adds more photos and tributes. Many booklets combine all three.
Do I need an order of service?
Only if there is a service to follow. If you want the booklet to be a keepsake of their life, an obituary page and photos can take that space instead.
Who should check the program before it is printed?
Ask a second person to read every name, date and place aloud. Spelling errors in a name are the most common and the hardest to forgive, so check those twice.