Funeral programs are printed documents that are given out at funeral or memorial services.  They are also referred to as memorial service bulletins, memorial cards, and obituary programs.  A funeral program helps the guests follow the funeral service, and documents the life of the deceased.  Funeral programs also serve as a keepsake for family members and friends.

There are several part to a funeral program.  The Cover can contain a design or graphic picture, as well as a photo of the deceased.  There is usually a caption or title such as "In Remebrance" or "In Loving Memory".  Also included is the full name of the deceased, and the birth and death date.  Sometimes, the location of the service is on the front cover.

The Order of Service serves as a guide to the funeral service.  Below is an example of a traditional funeral Order of Service.  Funerals or Memorials can
follow any format, and can be tailored to fit your loved ones wishes, however, if you are planning a traditional service, particularly if the service is in a
church, you should get guidance about the service from the pastor of other church officials.

    * Prelude – anything that serves as a preceding event or introduces the events that follow; Ex. Instrumental Song, Poem, Choir, Solo Singer
    * Procession – Group Entrance (usually family and immediate family) into a ceremony or service
    * Prayer Moment of Silence (Remembrance)
    * Reading (Scriptural, Poem, favorite excerpt)
    * Hymn /  Song of Comfort
    * Acknowledgments (family members, hospice, community members)
    * Obituary Reading (Sometimes the funeral program states that the audience should read silently in order to save time).
    * Eulogy/Tributes
    * Benediction/Closing -  Short invocation for divine help, blessing and guidance, usually at the end of a service
    * Recessional (Song/ Procession or “exiting” of the service)

Obituary
An obituary is a notice or announcement, of a person’s death, to include an account of their life.  Obituaries are an important part of the funeral program
and are the last words written about the deceased’s  life.  For more information, see  "How to Write An Obituary".

Funeral Poems
Poems are used in funeral programs to bring comfort to the grieving, or to help celebrate the life of the deceased.

Eulogies/Tributes
Eulogies, tributes and funeral poems can be included to help personalize the program.   

Special Acknowledgments /Thank You Notes
This section of the funeral program  expresses gratitude to  friends, family and organizations that have shown special support  in your loved one’s life.

Also See:
Funeral Program Templates
Obituary Templates
How to Write a Eulogy
Funeral Program Example
Sample Funeral Program