Not Sure What Goes Inside a Funeral Program?
We'll walk you through every page—with love, clarity, and care.
When my mom passed away, one of the first questions I asked was:
"What exactly goes inside a funeral program?"
I had attended plenty of funerals over the years.
I'd held funeral programs in my hands.
But suddenly, I was responsible for creating one.
And I realized...
I had absolutely no idea what belonged inside.
Should I include childhood photos?
Do I need an obituary?
Who writes the acknowledgements?
Do I include the order of service?
How many pages should it be?
As an only child navigating one of the hardest seasons of my life, those questions felt overwhelming.
That's exactly why I created this guide.
At Was It Sad?, we design beautiful, personalized funeral programs that tell the story behind every homegoing. I'd be honored to create one for your family.
But I also understand that funerals can be expensive.
If creating your own program is the best option for your family right now, I genuinely hope this guide helps make the process a little less overwhelming.
Because every family deserves a beautiful tribute.
A funeral program is more than a schedule of events.
It's a keepsake.
Long after the flowers have faded and the service is over, many families hold onto that program for years. It becomes something grandchildren read, friends tuck into a Bible, and loved ones revisit whenever they want to remember.
That's why I always encourage families to think of it as telling a story, not simply filling pages.
Every family is different, but most beautiful funeral programs include the following sections.
The cover is the first impression.
Typically include:
Think of the cover as introducing your loved one.
This section guides everyone through the ceremony.
Usually includes:
Every service is unique, so don't feel pressured to include every item.
This is often the heart of the program.
Share:
Don't just list facts.
Tell people who they were.
(If you haven't written one yet, be sure to read our How to Write an Obituary guide.)
Photos tell stories words sometimes can't.
Include images from different seasons of life.
Ideas:
The best funeral programs feel like opening a family photo album.
This is where memories become priceless.
Invite loved ones to write:
Years from now, these pages often become the most treasured.
Sometimes someone else's words perfectly express what we're feeling.
Popular choices include:
Choose something that reflects your loved one's personality.
For many families, Scripture brings comfort.
Some favorites include:
Pick verses that meant something to your loved one—or to your family.
This page is your opportunity to thank everyone who supported your family.
Keep it sincere.
Example:
The family of John Smith wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude for every prayer, visit, phone call, meal, and act of kindness shown during this difficult time. Your love and support will never be forgotten.
Simple.
Heartfelt.
Perfect.
Many programs include:
This section is optional but very common.
Don't leave the back blank.
Ideas include:
It's a beautiful way to close the story.
There's no right answer.
Generally:
4 Pages
Perfect for a simple service.
8 Pages
The most popular choice.
Allows room for photos, obituary, acknowledgements, and tributes.
12–20 Pages
Ideal for celebrating a life filled with memories, stories, multiple generations, and extensive photo collections.
Choose the size that best tells your loved one's story—not just the one with the fewest pages.
Double-check:
✔ Names
✔ Dates
✔ Scripture references
✔ Photo quality
✔ Spelling
✔ Order of service
✔ Family approvals
Have at least one other family member review everything before printing.
Fresh eyes catch little things.
When I was creating my mom's funeral program, I kept asking myself:
"Am I forgetting something?"
Eventually, I realized...
The most important thing wasn't making it perfect.
It was making sure that anyone who picked it up would leave knowing exactly who she was.
Her kindness.
Her strength.
Her humor.
Her faith.
Her love for family.
That's what people remember.
Not the page count.
Not the font.
The story.
If creating a funeral program feels overwhelming, please know you don't have to do it alone.
At Was It Sad?, we create thoughtful, personalized funeral program collections that celebrate every unique life with elegance, grace, and heartfelt care.
We'll help you organize your photos, stories, memories, and service details into a keepsake your family will treasure for years to come. feel free to reach out to us for Funeral Program Packages and Pricing.
But if you're creating one yourself because it's what your family needs right now...
I hope this guide gave you the confidence to get started.
Because every homegoing deserves a back story.
And every story deserves to be beautifully remembered.