A funeral order of service program is a printed guide that tells attendees what will happen during the funeral service. It combines wording for the cover and ceremony, a folded layout, and a home or professional printing choice. Families hand it out at the service so guests can follow readings, hymns, and tributes. It also works as a keepsake for bereaved family and absent relatives.
Table of Contents
- What goes on the front cover
- How to order the inside pages
- What belongs on the back cover
- Which size and fold should you choose
- Should you print at home or pay a printer
What goes on the front cover
The front cover identifies the person who died with full name, birth and death dates, and service date, time, and location. It usually includes a photo and a heading such as "In Loving Memory of" or "Celebrating the Life of." The Dotty About Paper stationery guide describes this cover format in its funeral program wording advice.
Use the full legal name alongside the name the person normally used. Check spelling, dates, and venue details before printing.
How to order the inside pages
The inside pages list the ceremony in order. According to Frank Patti Funeral Directors, the sequence often includes welcome, opening prayer, scripture readings with readers' names, hymns or music, eulogy, reflection, committal, and closing remarks.
Most programs also add a short obituary or life tribute. According to the QuickFuneral wording guide, families often add a poem, scripture passage, or song lyrics that reflected the person, keeping the tone personal rather than only procedural.
What belongs on the back cover
The back cover handles thanks and practical details. According to The Funeral Program Site, it typically carries family acknowledgments, pallbearers' and officiant's names, donation or charity details, and reception information.
📨 Get Free Funeral Cost Guides Alerts
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Keep acknowledgments brief and name only people with permission. Give charity name, collection method, and reception address in plain terms.
Which size and fold should you choose
The standard choice is an 8.5 x 11-inch sheet folded once to make a 5.5 x 8.5-inch four-panel bifold. A trifold divides the sheet into six panels, while graduated and gatefold versions add tiered tabs for longer content, according to The Funeral Program Site in its printing guide for funeral programs.
Larger trifolds use 8.5 x 14-inch stock folding to 4.75 x 8.5 inches, or 11 x 17-inch stock folding to 5.75 x 11 inches, according to DisciplePress in its trifold memorial printing details. Larger sizes affect envelopes, postage, and printing cost, so confirm size before buying paper or envelopes.
Should you print at home or pay a printer
Home printing can work with a capable printer and heavy stock. QuickFuneral and Funeral Pamphlets recommend 28-lb or heavier cardstock or 32-lb paper, while professional services print on premium cardstock with proof approval and fast shipping.
Home printers often cannot do borderless or heavy-cardstock duplex cleanly, and errors cannot be fixed after printing. The Funeral Program Site printing guide advises practical safeguards:.
- proofread names and dates carefully
- print one test copy first
- print extras for unexpected guests
- save a digital PDF for sharing with relatives who cannot attend
You Might Also Like
- What Is New With Funeral Service Planning in October 2026? Latest FTC Funeral Rule and state regulator sources and Key Takeaways
- Should You Act on Funeral Service Planning in 2026? A Source-Checked Decision Guide
- Funeral Service Planning October 2026 Update: What Changed, Why It Matters, and What to Watch Next