When you’re arranging a funeral you’re already dealing with a lot. There’s so many things to do. And so it’s ways to forget you have to put together the funeral program.
It feels small next to everything else, but that booklet is the keepsake people fold up and tuck in their drawer for years. So the words on it matter.
Thankfully you don’t have to invent any of it from scratch. A funeral program (sometimes called an order of service) follows a fairly set shape and once you see the how it’s usually laid out it becomes a lot less daunting.
Below you’ll find wording examples for every part of the program – the front cover, the order of service inside, the readings and tributes and the acknowledgements where the family says thank you. Put in your own names and details and make it sound like the person you’re honoring.
If you still need to send out the details beforehand our funeral invitation wording examples will help with that part.
What Goes in a Funeral Program?
Before the examples this is the basic running order most programs follow. You don’t need every section – a simple service might only use half of these – but this is the full list to choose from:
- Front cover (name, dates, a photo and often a short line or verse)
- Order of service (the run of events, from the opening to the committal)
- Obituary or life summary
- Readings, poems and hymns
- The eulogy and any tributes
- Pallbearers and family details
- Acknowledgements and thank yous
- Back cover (a closing verse, prayer or photo)
A standard program is a single sheet folded in half. This gives you four pages to work with. For longer services with lots of readings and tributes a folded booklet will give you more room.
Funeral Program Front Cover Wording
The cover is mostly the name and dates, but the wording you choose will set the whole tone. I’d suggest keeping it simple and letting the name do most of the work.
- In Loving Memory of
[Full Name]
[Date of Birth] – [Date of Passing] - Celebrating the Life of
[Full Name]
[Year] – [Year] - A Service of Remembrance for
[Full Name]
[Date of Birth] – [Date of Passing] - Forever in Our Hearts
[Full Name]
[Date of Birth] – [Date of Passing] - In Memory of a Life Well Lived
[Full Name]
[Year] – [Year] - Honoring the Life and Legacy of
[Full Name]
[Date of Birth] – [Date of Passing] - Always Loved, Never Forgotten
[Full Name]
[Year] – [Year]
If you’d prefer to open with a short verse on the cover then something shorter and brief works best. A few lines from our funeral quotes or funeral poems can go nicely under the name.
Order of Service Wording
This is the main part of the program – the list that tells everyone what happens and when. List each part in the order it takes place. You can include the person leading it and the name of any reading or piece of music, which is a lovely touch.
- Welcome and Opening Words – [Officiant Name]
- Opening Hymn – “[Hymn Title]”
- Prayer – [Name]
- Scripture or Reading – “[Title]” read by [Name]
- Eulogy – [Name]
- Musical Tribute – “[Song Title]”
- Reflection and Sharing of Memories
- Poem – “[Poem Title]” read by [Name]
- Closing Prayer – [Name]
- Committal
- Recessional – “[Song Title]”
- Invitation to the Reception
For a less religious or more relaxed service you can make the the headings feel a little formal sounding:
- Gathering and Welcome
- A Few Words About [First Name]
- Sharing Our Memories
- A Reading – “[Title]”
- A Moment of Quiet Reflection
- A Song for [First Name] – “[Song Title]”
- Closing Words
- Join Us Afterward at [Location]
Obituary or Life Summary Section
Many programs include a short version of the life story inside – where they were born, the family they leave behind, what they loved etc. You don’t need the full newspaper obituary but a warm paragraph or two can be a nice touch.
- [First Name] was born on [date] in [place] to [parents’ names]. [He/She] is survived by [list family]. A devoted [parent/spouse/friend], [First Name] will be remembered for [a quality or passion] and the way [he/she] made everyone around [him/her] feel at home.
- [Full Name], [age], passed away peacefully on [date] surrounded by family. [He/She] spent [his/her] life [career or passion] and gave [his/her] heart to [family, community, hobby]. The world was brighter for having [him/her] in it.
- We remember [First Name] not by the dates on this page but by the life lived between them – the laughter, the kindness and the love [he/she] gave so freely.
If you want help in making the full version sound it’s best our obituary templates will give you some ideas.
Readings, Poems and Hymns
You can just list these in the order of service but printing the words in full is a good option as it lets everyone join in or follow along, especially with hymns and group readings.
- Opening Reading – “[Title]” read by [Name]
- Scripture – [Book, chapter and verse]
- Poem – “[Poem Title]” by [Author], read by [Name]
- Hymn – “[Hymn Title]” (verses printed below)
- Closing Reading – “[Title]” read by [Name]
Stuck on what to include? Have a look at our funeral poems, funeral prayers and Irish blessings to find something that fits.
The Eulogy and Tributes
The eulogy is usually spoken rather than printed in full so the program just says who’s giving it. If you’d like to print a short tribute or a favorite saying of theirs this is the place to do so.
- Eulogy delivered by [Name], [relationship to the deceased]
- A Tribute from the Family
- Words of Remembrance – [Name]
- “[A favorite saying or motto of the person]” – a line [First Name] lived by
If someone in the family still has to write theirs then our eulogy examples and guide to writing a eulogy will take a lot of the pressure off if they’re struggling.
Pallbearers and Family Details
A short list to recognize the people carrying the casket and the close family. It’s an easy and quiet way to honor the people closest to the day.
- Pallbearers: [Name], [Name], [Name], [Name], [Name], [Name]
- Honorary Pallbearers: [Name], [Name]
- Officiant: [Name]
- Organist / Musician: [Name]
- Lovingly remembered by [his/her] [spouse, children, grandchildren, listed by name]
Funeral Program Acknowledgement Wording
The acknowledgements are where the family says thank you – for the cards, the flowers, the food, the help and just showing up. This is usually the last thing people read so it leaves a lasting impression. Make it warm and let it sound like the family.
- The family of [Full Name] wishes to thank you for your many kindnesses and the love you have shown us during this difficult time. Your cards, flowers and prayers have meant more than words can say.
- We are deeply grateful to everyone who shared in our loss. Thank you for the calls, the meals, the flowers and the comfort of your company. [First Name] was loved by so many, and it shows.
- Thank you for joining us today to celebrate the life of [First Name]. Your presence is a comfort and your kindness will not be forgotten.
- The family acknowledges with heartfelt thanks the many expressions of sympathy and support. Please know how much your thoughtfulness has helped carry us through these days.
- No act of kindness has gone unnoticed. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for loving [First Name] and for standing beside us now.
- Words cannot express our gratitude for your love and support. Thank you for honoring [First Name] with us today.
A printed acknowledgement is lovely but a personal note afterward goes even further. When you’re ready to do that our funeral thank you notes have wording for every situation.
Funeral Program Back Cover Wording
The back cover usually closes things out with something like a short verse, a prayer, a final photo or a line about the reception. Something that means everyone e can leave without feeling too down.
- Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.
- Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
- Until we meet again, may [First Name] rest in peace.
- The family invites you to join them for refreshments and shared memories at [Location] following the service.
- In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in [First Name]’s memory to [Charity].
- Thank you for celebrating a life well lived. Go gently, and carry [First Name] with you.
If the family is asking for donations in memory rather than flowers our guide on what to write when making a donation is worth showing guests.
Full Funeral Program Examples
The sections above let you put together a program piece by piece but sometimes it’s easier to see the whole thing already done. So these are two complete examples – one traditional and one for a more relaxed celebration of life. The names are made up so just put in your own details.
Traditional Order of Service
FRONT COVER
In Loving Memory of
Margaret Ann Whitfield
March 4, 1948 – May 2, 2026
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
ORDER OF SERVICE
- Welcome and Opening Words – Pastor James Cole
- Opening Hymn – “How Great Thou Art”
- Opening Prayer – Pastor James Cole
- Scripture Reading – Psalm 23, read by David Whitfield
- Eulogy – Sarah Whitfield, daughter
- Musical Tribute – “Amazing Grace”
- Reflection and Sharing of Memories
- Poem – “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep,” read by Emily Carter
- Closing Prayer – Pastor James Cole
- Committal
- Recessional – “In the Garden”
OBITUARY
Margaret Ann Whitfield, 78, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026 surrounded by her family. Born in Cedar Falls to Robert and Helen Davies, she devoted her life to her family, her church and her garden. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, David, her children Sarah and Michael, and five grandchildren. Margaret will be remembered for her warmth, her endless pots of coffee and the way she made everyone feel welcome.
PALLBEARERS
Michael Whitfield, David Carter, Thomas Whitfield, Robert Davies, John Mercer, Paul Whitfield
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The family of Margaret Whitfield wishes to thank you for your many kindnesses during this difficult time. Your cards, flowers and prayers have brought us great comfort, and we are grateful for each of you.
BACK COVER
Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
The family invites you to join them for refreshments at Cedar Falls Community Hall following the service.
Celebration of Life Program
FRONT COVER
Celebrating the Life of
Tommy “Tom” Reyes
1961 – 2026
“Find me where the music plays.”
ORDER OF THE DAY
- Gathering and Welcome – Lisa Reyes
- A Few Words About Tom – Danny Reyes, son
- Sharing Our Stories (everyone is welcome to speak)
- A Song for Tom – “Three Little Birds”
- A Reading – “The Dash” by Linda Ellis, read by Maria Reyes
- A Moment of Quiet Reflection
- Raising a Glass to Tom
- Closing Words – Lisa Reyes
ABOUT TOM
Tom Reyes spent 64 years doing exactly what he loved – fixing old cars, playing his guitar far too loud and feeding anyone who walked through his door. He leaves behind his wife Lisa, his children Danny and Maria, three grandchildren and a long list of friends who became family. He wasn’t one for fuss, so today isn’t a sad goodbye. It’s a thank you for a life packed full of laughter.
WITH THANKS
Thank you for being here to celebrate Tom the way he’d have wanted – together, with good stories and a few tears. Your love means everything to us.
BACK COVER
In lieu of flowers, Tom asked that you do something kind for a stranger, turn the music up and remember him with a smile.
Join us afterward at The Old Mill for food, drinks and more of Tom’s favorite songs.
If a celebration of life is the route you’re taking, our celebration of life invitation wording and celebration of life eulogy examples pair well with this.
Tips for Wording a Funeral Program
A few things that will make it easier:
- Read it out loud. Programs get copied in a hurry and small mistakes can slip through. Reading every line aloud mean you catch the typos that a quick scan has missed.
- Double check names and dates. This is the one place an error will hurt. Get a second person to check the spellings, especially of grandchildren and in laws.
- Match the wording to the person. A formal program with lots of scripture included suits some people. But others will work better with a warm and casual one as it’s much truer to who they were. There’s no wrong choice.
- Pick a verse that means something. A line from their favorite song, a saying they always used or a verse they loved is going to be better than a generic quote every time.
- Leave a little white space. Don’t cram it with everything. A clean and uncluttered program is going to be much easier to read and feels more dignified.
- Order a few extra copies. People who couldn’t attend will sometimes ask for one and you’ll be glad you have those spares.
Lars thing to remember – theres no right way to do this. Just because there’s a generally accepted layout for a funeral program doesn’t mean you have to stick with it.
So take what works for you from these examples and make them your own.
