Creating a funeral program is one of the most personal and meaningful things a family can do in the days following a loss. DIY funeral programs give families complete creative freedom — the ability to include the photographs, words, and design elements that truly reflect the person being honored, without the cost or constraints of a professional design service.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know — from planning and content gathering to design choices, printing, and the personal touches that transform a simple program into a keepsake treasured for years.
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Why DIY Funeral Programs Are the Right Choice for Many Families
Creative Freedom and Personal Expression
When you design the funeral program yourself, every element reflects your choices. You decide which photographs to include, which readings or scriptures to feature, what the cover looks like, and how much space to give to different parts of the person’s life. No template package or funeral home design service can replicate the intimacy of a program made by someone who actually knew and loved the person being honored.
Cost Savings Without Sacrifice
Professional funeral design services can charge anywhere from $75 to several hundred dollars for a single program design, not including printing costs. A well-executed DIY funeral program using a quality template can cost a fraction of that — often just the price of paper and ink — without any visible difference in the finished product.
A Healing, Collaborative Process
Gathering photographs, writing the obituary, choosing readings, and making design decisions gives family members something purposeful and meaningful to focus on during an otherwise overwhelming time. Many families find the process of creating the program together — sharing memories and stories as they go — becomes one of the most healing parts of the entire experience.
“The act of making something — choosing the photo, writing the words, deciding what matters most — is itself a form of grieving. It is how we begin to say goodbye.”
What to Include in a DIY Funeral Program
A well-structured funeral program covers both the practical needs of the ceremony and the personal story of the person being remembered. Here is a complete reference for what to include:
DIY Funeral Program — Content Sections
| Section | What to Include | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cover Page | Full name, photograph, birth and death dates, service date and location | Choose a photo that captures their personality, not just a formal portrait |
| Order of Service | Ceremony sequence — hymns, readings, eulogies, prayers, music | Number each item so guests can follow along easily |
| Obituary | Brief biography, surviving family members, significant life achievements | 150–300 words; focus on the person, not just dates |
| Photos & Memories | Photo collage, personal stories, favorite memories from family | Scan originals at 300 dpi minimum for print quality |
| Readings & Scriptures | Poems, Bible verses, prayers, or secular readings used in the service | Include full text if guests are expected to read along |
| Participants | Officiant, speakers, musicians, pallbearers, honorary pallbearers | Double-check spelling of every name before printing |
| Acknowledgments | Thank you note to attendees, donation or charity information | Keep it warm and brief — one short paragraph is enough |
| Back Cover | Final quote, closing photograph, reception details | A meaningful quote or image the family loves works beautifully here |
Step-by-Step: How to Create a DIY Funeral Program
Step 1 — Plan Before You Design
Gather everything first
Before opening any software, collect all the content you will need. Trying to design while still waiting for photographs or obituary text leads to rushed decisions and last-minute changes. Take the time upfront to assemble:
- Full name, dates, and biographical details
- High-resolution photographs (minimum 300 dpi for print)
- Order of events confirmed with the officiant
- Names of all participants — confirmed and spelled correctly
- Full text of any readings, poems, or scriptures
- Music selections and hymn numbers if applicable
- Reception, donation, or charity details
- A short thank you note from the family
Step 2 — Choose Your Software and Template
Software options for every skill level
You do not need to be a graphic designer to create a beautiful funeral program. The right software and template do most of the heavy lifting. Common choices include:
Software Comparison for DIY Funeral Programs
| Software | Best For | Cost | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Word | Familiar interface, wide template availability | Included with Office | Beginner |
| Google Docs | Free, cloud-based, easy family collaboration | Free | Beginner |
| Apple Pages | Mac/iOS users, polished design output | Free on Apple devices | Beginner–Intermediate |
| Canva | Visual drag-and-drop design, many templates | Free / Pro $13/mo | Beginner |
| Microsoft Publisher | Professional layout control, print-ready output | Included with some Office plans | Intermediate |
| Adobe InDesign | Maximum design control, professional results | $22/mo | Advanced |
Using a pre-designed template
For most families, a professionally designed template is the fastest and most reliable path to a beautiful result. Templates handle the layout, typography, and spacing — you simply replace the placeholder content with your own. For a wide selection of customizable designs, explore the full collection at DIY funeral programs from The Funeral Program Site.
Step 3 — Design Your Layout
Typography and readability
Choose fonts that are easy to read at a glance — this is not the place for decorative or script fonts in body text. A clean serif font for headings and a simple sans-serif for body text is a reliable combination. Keep font sizes at 11pt or larger for body text, and ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colors.
Photographs
Use high-resolution images — at least 300 dpi for print. Low-resolution images from social media will appear pixelated when printed. If the only available photographs are low resolution, a local photo lab can sometimes improve print quality through enhancement. Place your strongest photograph on the cover; additional images can be distributed throughout interior pages.
Color and design tone
The design tone should reflect the person being honored. A military veteran’s program might use navy and gold with formal typography. A child’s program might incorporate softer colors and playful elements. A gardener’s tribute might feature botanical illustrations. There are no rules — only what feels true to the person’s life and personality.
Step 4 — Write and Proofread
The most common errors to check
Errors in a funeral program are painful for families to discover after printing — and essentially impossible to correct once copies are distributed. Before sending anything to print, have at least two people read through every word. Check specifically for:
- Misspelled names of the deceased, family members, and all participants
- Incorrect birth or death dates
- Wrong service time, date, or location
- Missing or out-of-order ceremony elements
- Incorrect hymn numbers or reading attributions
Step 5 — Print and Assemble
Paper selection
Standard 20 lb copy paper is too thin for a keepsake-quality funeral program — it feels insubstantial and shows ink bleed-through on double-sided prints. Use a minimum 32 lb paper weight for home printing, or 80 lb cardstock for a more substantial feel. Matte finish paper holds photographs beautifully and reduces glare for easy reading.
How many copies to print
Print your expected attendance count plus 20–30% extra. Families consistently underestimate how many programs they need — latecomers, family members who request copies afterward, and distant relatives who could not attend all appreciate receiving one. Extra programs are never wasted.
Professional printing option
If your home printer cannot handle heavier paper or double-sided printing reliably, local print shops (Staples, FedEx Office, local printers) can produce professional results at reasonable cost. Provide your finished file as a PDF for the most accurate and consistent output.
Pro Tip: Always print one test copy on regular paper before printing your full run. This catches layout issues, image quality problems, and any final text errors before you commit your good paper stock.
DIY Funeral Program Formats and Sizes
Bifold — The Most Popular Format
An 8.5″ x 11″ sheet folded in half creates a 4-page 5.5″ x 8.5″ booklet. This is the most widely used funeral program format — practical, familiar, and easy to produce on any home printer. It provides four pages of content: cover, two interior pages, and a back cover.
Trifold
Folds into three panels, creating six sections of content. Ideal when you have more to include — a longer obituary, additional photographs, or more ceremony elements. The trifold format also lies flat when open, making it easy for guests to hold and read during the service.
Booklet
Multiple pages stapled or bound together. Best for memorial services with extensive content — detailed life stories, many photographs, contributions from multiple family members, or tributes from friends and colleagues. Booklet programs feel the most substantial as a keepsake.
Graduated or Step Fold
Each panel is slightly shorter than the one behind it, creating a distinctive layered, stepped appearance. Visually elegant and immediately memorable as a keepsake — a good choice when the program itself is intended to be a design statement.
Expert Tips for a Beautiful Result
Keep the Design Clean
Restraint in design is almost always more elegant than complexity. One strong photograph, consistent typography, and generous white space will produce a more dignified result than a page crowded with decorative elements. When in doubt, simplify.
Personalize with Intention
The most meaningful programs include specific, personal details — a particular scripture the person quoted often, a photograph from a beloved holiday, the name of their favorite song. These details cannot be found in any template. They come only from the people who knew and loved them.
Involve the Family
Ask siblings, children, or close friends to contribute a sentence or short paragraph for inclusion. Collect these contributions in advance — even a few lines from multiple people adds warmth and texture that transforms a program from a ceremony schedule into a genuine tribute.
Quick Tips — Short Videos
▶ How to Choose a Template
▶ Printing Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best paper for printing a funeral program at home?
Use a minimum 32 lb paper weight — standard copy paper is too thin and feels insubstantial. For a more premium result, 80 lb cardstock produces a program that feels substantial and holds up well as a keepsake. Matte finish is generally preferred over glossy for readability.
How long does it take to create a DIY funeral program?
With content already gathered and a template selected, most families complete the design in 2–4 hours. Allow additional time for proofreading, test printing, and any revisions. Starting the process as soon as possible after the loss gives you the time to get it right without last-minute pressure.
Can I use Canva to make a funeral program?
Yes — Canva is one of the most accessible options for DIY design and has funeral program templates available. The free version is sufficient for most needs. Keep in mind that Canva’s print output is adequate for most home printers, though dedicated funeral program templates from specialist providers often offer better formatting and more appropriate design options.
How many programs should I print?
Print your expected attendance count plus 20–30% extra. It is always better to have too many than too few — extra copies are appreciated by family members who were unable to attend, and programs are frequently requested in the days and weeks following the service.
Should I hire a professional or do it myself?
Both are valid choices. Professional design services cost more but reduce stress during an already difficult time. DIY programs cost less, allow more personalization, and give family members a meaningful role in honoring their loved one. Many families find a middle path — using a professionally designed template as the foundation while adding their own content and personal touches.
What file format should I use for printing?
Always export your final design as a PDF before printing. PDF preserves your fonts, images, and layout exactly as designed, regardless of what printer or print shop you use. Never send a Word document or Canva file directly to a print shop — always convert to PDF first.
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More Resources for Your DIY Journey
For additional templates, design inspiration, and step-by-step guidance, explore the complete DIY funeral programs resource library at The Funeral Program Site. Whether you are just getting started or looking for a specific format or style, there are tools and templates available to help you create something truly meaningful.
Conclusion
Creating your own funeral program is one of the most personal tributes you can offer. It takes time and care — but that time and care is exactly what makes it meaningful. The photographs you choose, the words you write, the design decisions you make — all of it communicates something that no professionally produced program can replicate: that this person was known, loved, and worth every hour you spent honoring them.
Take your time. Involve the people who loved them. Use the resources available to you. And know that whatever you create — however simple or elaborate — will be treasured by everyone who receives it.
About the Author
Christi Anderson is the founder of The Funeral Program Site and a published author with over 20 years of expertise in funeral stationery, memorial design, and end-of-life resources. She has guided thousands of families through the process of creating personalized tributes that honor their loved ones with dignity and grace. Her books on funeral printed memorials are available on her Amazon Author Page. Christi’s mission is to empower families with the practical tools, compassionate guidance, and professional resources they need to celebrate life beautifully.