What to Include in a Funeral Booklet
A funeral programme should introduce the person, guide guests through the service and provide a lasting record.
July 2026
What to Write in a Funeral Programme
- Full name and dates
- Service date, time and venue
- Photograph
- Order of ceremony
- Readings, poems, hymns and prayers
- Short tribute or life story
- Personal photographs
- Thank-you or donation details
What to Include in an Order of Service
Cover
Name, dates, service details and a meaningful photograph.
Order of Events
List the ceremony in the order it will take place.
Readings & Poems
Include the title, author/source and reader where appropriate.
Hymns & Prayers
Clearly show hymns, songs, prayers and music used during the service.
Photographs
Use meaningful images that reflect different parts of their life.
Tribute
A short remembrance covering family, character, interests and important memories.
Back Cover
Thank-you message, donations, reception details, quotation or final photograph.
A few meaningful details can say more than a long biography.
How Many Pages Do You Need?
The right page count depends on the ceremony and amount of content.
4 pages
Simple service
8 pages
Service + photographs/readings
12 pages
Fuller service and personal content
16+ pages
More photographs, memories and keepsake content
Start with the content, then decide the page count.
Writing a Personal Tribute
A good tribute doesn't need to tell an entire life story.
- Family and relationships
- Personality and character
- Work and achievements
- Hobbies and interests
- Special memories
- What they will be remembered for
Small personal details often make the tribute feel most genuine.
Choosing Photographs
Choose photographs that feel meaningful.
- A strong cover photograph
- Childhood and family
- Important milestones
- Friends and celebrations
- Hobbies and interests
- Later-life memories
Use the highest-quality original images available for print.
Choosing the Right Memorial Card
Think about how the card will be used and kept.
- Photograph and personal wording
- Poem, prayer or favourite quotation
- Religious or cultural elements
- Compact format for easy keeping
- Finish and paper suitable for regular handling
Choosing the Right Paper
Paper affects both the appearance and feel of the finished stationery.
- Paper weight
- Silk or uncoated finish
- Cover and inside-page combination
- Photograph reproduction
- Folding and overall durability
Why Quality Matters
Funeral stationery is often used on the day and kept afterwards.
- Clear, accurate printing
- Natural photograph reproduction
- Easy-to-read text
- Good-quality paper
- Clean folds and finishing
- A finished piece that feels substantial and carefully made
Personal Touches
Personalisation doesn't have to mean adding more.
- A favourite photograph
- Familiar phrase or quotation
- Favourite colour or flower
- Meaningful place
- Hobby or interest
- Religious or cultural symbol
- Handwritten note or signature
Sometimes one meaningful detail is enough.
Checking Your Proof
Before approval, check the details carefully from beginning to end.
- Names and spelling
- Dates and age
- Service date, time and venue
- Order of ceremony
- Readings, hymns and music
- Photographs and captions
- Tribute wording
- Donation and reception details