The Importance of Printable Funeral Cards: Honoring the Memory of Loved Ones

Introduction
Losing someone close to you is never easy. In the midst of grief, planning a funeral can feel overwhelming. One small but meaningful element that brings comfort and helps honor a loved one’s legacy is the funeral card. Whether printed or digital, these personalized keepsakes serve as lasting tributes that offer solace during a time of loss.

What Are Funeral Cards?

Funeral cards — also known as memorial cards or prayer cards — are small, printed or digital keepsakes distributed during a funeral or memorial service. They usually feature:

  • A photo of the deceased
  • Their name, birth and death dates
  • A prayer, verse, or short message
  • Service details (time, date, location)

These cards can be customized to reflect the individual’s life, personality, or beliefs.

Why Funeral Cards Matter

1. A Tangible Reminder
Having something to hold — a photo, a message, a name — brings comfort to those grieving. Funeral cards become treasured keepsakes that help keep memories alive long after the service ends.

2. Clear Communication for Guests
Funeral cards often contain practical information: service time, location, dress code, or special requests. For out-of-town guests or those unfamiliar with funeral etiquette, this guidance is especially helpful.

3. A Way to Connect
Some families invite guests to write short condolence messages or memories on the cards. These heartfelt notes provide comfort and help the family feel supported through the healing process.

Popular Types of Funeral Cards

1. Traditional Printed Cards
These are printed on cardstock and handed out at the service. They’re ideal for guests who want a physical memento.

2. Digital Funeral Cards
Shared via email or social media, these can reach friends and family unable to attend. They’re easily updated and ideal for broader sharing.

3. Printable Funeral Cards (Templates)
Printable cards offer the best of both worlds — custom design and cost-efficiency. Use a customizable funeral card template, add your photo and message, then print at home or a local shop. They’re convenient, personal, and affordable.

Tips for Designing a Meaningful Funeral Card

  • Choose a respectful tone with fonts, colors, and imagery that reflect the person’s personality and beliefs.
  • Include heartfelt wording — such as a favorite quote, a Bible verse, or a short poem.
  • Use high-quality photos for a professional, polished appearance.
  • Consider layout simplicity to ensure readability and emotional impact.

Conclusion

Printable funeral cards are more than just paper — they’re emotional anchors, reminders of love, and personal tributes to a life well lived. Whether printed, shared digitally, or created from a DIY template, these cards provide comfort and connection for everyone attending. In honoring someone’s memory, even the smallest details — like a thoughtfully made funeral card — can mean everything.

How to Save Money on Funeral Cards Without Sacrificing Quality

Planning a memorial service is hard enough — but unexpected costs can quickly add up. Funeral cards, though meaningful, don’t need to be another heavy expense.

The good news? You can still honor your loved one beautifully without overspending.

Here are smart ways to create meaningful funeral or memorial cards on a budget, while ensuring they still feel personal, respectful, and well-designed.

🖨️ 1. Use a Printable Template Instead of Custom Design

Custom-designed cards from funeral homes or designers can cost $100–$300+ depending on design time, edits, and turnaround.

Instead, opt for printable templates — like those in our Funeral Pamphlets store. They start under $20 and give you full control to customize names, photos, poems, and more using Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

Savings: $150+
Bonus: Instant download. No waiting.

👨‍💻 2. Get a Professional Look Without the Professional Price

Want a professionally designed card, but don’t want to DIY?

Use our Customization Service — just send us your info and photos, and we’ll handle it for you. You’ll get a print-ready memorial card within hours, without paying designer rates.

Savings: Compared to a local designer, this can save $100+ per design.

🏪 3. Print at Home or at a Local Office Store

Instead of paying funeral homes inflated printing costs, take your file to:

  • Staples
  • Office Depot
  • FedEx Office
  • Local print shops

Or simply use a home printer and quality cardstock. Most of our templates are optimized for borderless printing on 8.5″x11″ paper (landscape) and fold neatly.

🎁 4. Choose Multipurpose Programs Instead of Separate Cards

Rather than printing memorial cards and a separate obituary program, combine both into a single, bi-fold funeral pamphlet. It saves time, paper, and money — and looks more polished.

See examples in our Funeral Program Templates.

🌐 5. Offer a Digital Version

If printing 50–100 cards is too expensive, you can:

  • Share a PDF version by email
  • Upload it to a memorial website
  • Display it at the service on a screen

This also helps include out-of-town friends or family who can’t attend in person.

💡 Final Thoughts

You don’t need to break the bank to create a beautiful tribute. With the right tools and templates, you can craft heartfelt, personalized funeral cards that honor your loved one — without overspending.

Explore our affordable templates or let us design it for you. Your time and peace of mind are worth it.

How to Create a Custom Funeral Card That Honors a Life Well Lived

Creating a custom funeral card is one of the simplest yet most heartfelt ways to honor a loved one’s memory. These keepsake cards — often handed out during funeral or memorial services — serve as a lasting tribute and reminder of a life that touched many.

Whether you’re designing the card yourself or seeking a professional template, this guide will walk you through everything you need to create a meaningful and beautiful funeral card.

🕊️ What Is a Funeral Card?

A funeral card, also called a memorial card, is a small printed card (often 4″x6″ or 5″x7″) that includes:

  • A photo of the deceased
  • Their name, birth, and death dates
  • A short tribute, poem, or scripture
  • The funeral or memorial service details

These cards are typically distributed at the service and kept as a personal memento by guests.

✍️ What to Include in a Custom Funeral Card

Here’s what most people include in a custom memorial card:

  1. Front of the Card:
    • High-quality photo
    • Full name
    • Sunrise/Sunset dates
    • Optional phrase (e.g. “Forever In Our Hearts”)
  2. Back or Inside:
    • Favorite prayer, Bible verse (Matthew 5:4 is beautiful: “Blessed are those who mourn…”)
    • Short obituary, quote, or family message
    • Location and date of the funeral service
    • Acknowledgments or thanks
  3. Design Tips:
    • Stick to soft, respectful tones (white, cream, pastels)
    • Use a clear, legible font
    • Include borders, floral artwork, or background texture to personalize

🛠️ How to Design One

funeral card example

You can choose from two main routes:

🔹 1. Use a Template (Fastest + Most Affordable)

Our funeral card templates are easy to use in Microsoft Word or Google Docs and can be printed at home or any print shop. Just insert your photo and text.

🔹 2. Let Us Design It For You (Completely Hands-Off)

Don’t have time or energy to design it yourself? No problem. Our Customization Service lets you submit a photo + details, and we’ll deliver your card print-ready within hours — perfect for stress-free planning.

🖨️ How to Print Your Funeral Cards

  • Best size: 4″x6″ or 5″x7″
  • Paper: Use matte or soft gloss cardstock
  • Print at home or order prints at a local shop (e.g. Staples, OfficeMax)

💡 You can also slip the funeral card into a bi-fold funeral program for a complete presentation.

🙏 Final Thoughts

A simple card can become a powerful keepsake. It holds memories, honors faith, and offers comfort during a difficult time. By creating a custom funeral card, you’re not just printing paper — you’re giving family and friends something they can carry forward in their hearts.

Let us help you make it perfect.

🔗 Useful Resources:

How to Make a Funeral Pamphlet (Step-by-Step Guide)

Creating a funeral pamphlet during a time of loss can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. A well-designed funeral program offers more than just an outline of the service; it becomes a keepsake for family and friends, honoring the life and memory of your loved one.

Whether you’re making one from scratch or using a pre-designed template, this guide will walk you through exactly how to make a funeral pamphlet — beautifully, respectfully, and efficiently.

📄 What Is a Funeral Pamphlet?

A funeral pamphlet, also called a memorial program or funeral bulletin, is a printed handout given to guests at a funeral or celebration of life. It typically includes:

  • The order of service
  • A photo of the deceased
  • Obituary or life summary
  • Poems, scriptures, or personal notes
  • Names of speakers, musicians, and pallbearers

✍️ Step 1: Choose Your Format

There are a few common layouts:

  • Bi-Fold Pamphlet (Single Sheet Folded in Half) — Classic, simple layout (4 pages: front cover, inside left/right, and back)
  • Tri-Fold Pamphlet — 6 panels, good for more content or design-heavy programs
  • Booklet (8 pages or more) — Best for long obituaries or family tributes

💡 Pro Tip: For most services, a bi-fold format is ideal — simple to print and easy to hand out.

🖥️ Step 2: Select a Template

Unless you’re a designer, starting from scratch can be frustrating. That’s why we offer funeral program templates that are:

  • Instantly downloadable
  • Easy to edit in Microsoft Word
  • Professionally designed
  • Compatible with home or print shop printing

👉 You can also start with our free sample template

🧾 Step 3: Gather Content

Prepare the following elements:

  • Full name of the deceased
  • Birth and death dates
  • High-quality photo
  • Service location, date, and time
  • Order of events
  • Obituary or life story
  • Special messages, quotes, or Bible verses (e.g. “Blessed are those who mourn” – Matthew 5:4)
  • Acknowledgments or thank-yous
  • List of pallbearers or speakers (optional)

🖋️ Step 4: Customize the Pamphlet

Using Microsoft Word (or your preferred editor):

  1. Replace placeholder text with your loved one’s info
  2. Insert their photo into the designated area
  3. Adjust fonts or colors if needed — stick to readable and respectful designs
  4. Double-check spelling and spacing

💡 If editing sounds difficult, we also offer a customization service that delivers your print-ready file in hours — just send us your info.

🖨️ Step 5: Print and Distribute

  • Use semi-gloss or matte paper for a professional feel
  • Set printer to “Landscape” mode for bi-fold layouts
  • You can print at home or at stores like Staples or Office Depot

🙏 Final Thoughts

Creating a funeral program is one of the most personal, touching ways to honor a life well lived. Whether you’re planning a traditional service, memorial, or celebration of life, a thoughtfully designed pamphlet helps everyone reflect, remember, and say goodbye.

If you need support, we’re here to help — from templates to printing tips to full customization services.

🔗 Useful Resources

50 Creative Memorial Ideas to Celebrate a Loved One’s Life

Planning a funeral or celebration of life is never easy — but finding unique memorial ideas can help honor your loved one’s memory in a personal, meaningful way.

Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a large memorial service, these 50 ideas can help you create a tribute that reflects their personality, passions, and legacy.

🎨 Creative Display Ideas

Family honoring loved one with personal items during a memorial service
Create a memory table that reflects their passions and journey

  1. Memory Table — Feature photos, favorite items, and keepsakes

  2. Photo Collage Board — Create a visual timeline of their life

  3. Slideshow Video Tribute — Combine music, photos, and memories

  4. Memory Jar — Guests write a note or story and place it in the jar

  5. Framed Quotes — Showcase favorite sayings or Bible verses

  6. Custom Portrait — Commission an artwork or AI-stylized image

  7. Timeline Banner — Highlight key moments from birth to legacy

  8. Favorite Things Table — Display items they loved (sports, crafts, etc.)

  9. Map Display — Pin places they lived or traveled

  10. “In Their Shoes” Table — Set out their signature shoes, hat, or accessories

🌿 Natural & Outdoor Tributes

Memorial garden flower tribute in honor of loved one

  1. Tree Planting Ceremony — Symbolize life and growth

  2. Release Butterflies or Doves — Visual, peaceful tribute

  3. River Rock Messages — Guests write notes on stones

  4. Lantern Release — Light floating lanterns at dusk

  5. Memorial Garden — Create a quiet space in their honor

  6. Candle Walk — Nighttime walk with candles for reflection

  7. Wind Chime Keepsake — Personalized sound that lingers

  8. Beach Sand Tribute — Write messages in the sand

  9. Ashes in a Biodegradable Urn — Eco-conscious tribute

  10. Outdoor Picnic Celebration — Casual, family-style memorial

📖 Guest Involvement Ideas

  1. Open Mic Storytelling — Let attendees share memories

  2. Message Board or Canvas — Guests write notes or sign

  3. Fingerprint Tree Art — Guests leave prints as leaves

  4. Memory Quilt Squares — Everyone contributes a patch

  5. Song Dedications — Guests choose songs to be played

  6. Prayer Circle or Blessing — Unified moment of peace

  7. Blessing Stones — Guests pass and whisper blessings

  8. Photo Booth with Props — Lighthearted way to remember

  9. Recipe Exchange — Share favorite family dishes

  10. Handwritten Letters — Attendees bring or write on site

🎁 Memorial Keepsakes

  1. Custom Memorial Booklets — See funeral program templates here
    New to layout? Learn the difference between bi-fold, tri-fold, and graduated layouts.

  2. Photo Memory Cards — Printed mini-memories to take home

  3. Seed Packets — Guests plant flowers in their memory

  4. Keychains or Bracelets — Wearable mementos

  5. Personalized Candles — Light in remembrance

  6. Bookmarks with Quotes — Useful and symbolic

  7. Framed Obituary or Poem — Lasting tribute

  8. Memorial Magnets — For fridge or locker remembrance

  9. USB with Tribute Video — Take-home digital keepsake

  10. Pocket Stones or Charms — Small items for reflection

If you need a handout for the service, download our free funeral program template (Microsoft Word)

📱 Digital Memorial Ideas

  1. Online Memory Wall — Share stories, photos, and condolences

  2. Hashtag Tribute (#Remember[Name]) — Collect social memories

  3. Livestream the Service — Include remote loved ones

  4. Digital Guestbook — Accessible long after the event

  5. AI Voice Message Recreation — Send as a final message

  6. Google Photo Album — Collaborative photo sharing

  7. Virtual Candle Lighting — Through an app or site

  8. Voice Memo Board — Record and play back stories

  9. QR Code Memorial Cards — Scan to view photos, videos, or a tribute page

  10. Legacy Video Interview — Share their life story in their own words

Planning a memorial is easier when you have a thoughtful program to guide attendees.
Learn how to create one step-by-step in our
Complete Guide to Funeral & Memorial Program Templates.

Planning a Cremation or Funeral Service: A Guide to Honoring Your Loved One

Organizing a cremation or funeral service can feel overwhelming—especially while grieving. Whether you’re planning a traditional burial, cremation, or memorial, the goal is to honor your loved one in a meaningful way while supporting those who mourn.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

⚰️ Step 1: Choose Between Cremation and Burial

The first decision is whether to go with a traditional burial or cremation. Consider:

  • Religious beliefs

  • Personal wishes of the deceased

  • Cost

  • Environmental factors

💡 Cremation is often more affordable and flexible, while burial allows for a permanent memorial site.

📋 Step 2: Select a Funeral Home or Cremation Provider

Do your research and compare:

  • Price transparency

  • Services offered (viewing, embalming, transportation)

  • Reviews and reputation

Ask for a General Price List (GPL) — required by law — to understand your options.

💒 Step 3: Decide on the Type of Service

Common types include:

  • Traditional Funeral Service (with casket present)

  • Memorial Service (without remains present)

  • Graveside Service

  • Celebration of Life

Each option allows for personal touches such as readings, music, or photo displays.

🕯️ Step 4: Personalize the Ceremony

Make the service a reflection of the person’s life:

  • Display a memorial table with photos and keepsakes

  • Play their favorite songs or hymns

  • Invite family and friends to share memories

You may also prepare printed funeral programs to guide attendees and preserve memories. (We offer customizable templates — learn more here.)

📝 Step 5: Handle Legal & Administrative Details

Don’t forget to:

  • Obtain the death certificate (ask your provider)

  • Notify Social Security and relevant agencies

  • Close accounts, handle insurance, and review the will

🧘 Step 6: Support Yourself and Others

Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. After the service:

  • Lean on support groups, family, or a therapist

  • Send thank-you notes to those who helped

  • Consider creating a digital memory page or tribute

Need Help Creating a Funeral Program?

Creating a printed program can feel like “one more thing” during a difficult time. We offer:

  • Free and premium templates for Microsoft Word

  • Same-day customization services

  • Photo restoration and editing to preserve cherished memories

👉 Browse funeral templates
👉 Learn about photo restoration

Final Thoughts

No two lives are the same — and neither are the ceremonies that honor them. Whether you choose cremation or a traditional burial, what matters most is creating space to grieve, remember, and celebrate your loved one’s legacy.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4

New Year, New Website Design

Happy New Year!!

We’re starting off the new year by launching a new website design, we hope you like it! The site is now fully responsive to mobile devices and navigating the website is much smoother.

There will also be over a hundred new beautifully designed templates uploaded over the course of the month.

Best Regards,

Funeral Pamphlets

How to Print a Funeral Program Template (At Home or Elsewhere)

Once you’ve finished editing your funeral program template, it’s time to print. Below are simple instructions and helpful tips to ensure your memorial program looks beautiful and prints correctly — whether at home or a print shop.

🖨️ How to Print Your Memorial Program

  1. Open the file in Microsoft Word.

  2. Click File > Print.

  3. Be sure to change the layout orientation to “Landscape” if your template uses that format.

  4. Select your printer and click Print.

💡 Tip: Always print one test copy first before printing in bulk.

📄 What Paper Should I Use?

For a polished, professional look, we recommend:

  • Semi-gloss paper

  • Gloss photo paper

  • 32 lb. white paper for a high-quality matte feel

Avoid regular thin copy paper, as it may appear dull or flimsy.

🚫 Trouble Printing Borderless?

Not all home printers support borderless printing. If your design is getting cut off or shrunk:

  • Save the file to a USB or email it to yourself

  • Visit a local print shop (like Staples, Office Depot, or FedEx Office)

  • Ask them to print using borderless settings on premium paper

🔁 Can I Print on Another Computer or Printer?

Yes. Your template file is fully portable. You can:

  • Transfer it via USB

  • Email it to yourself or a friend

  • Upload to a cloud drive and open it on another computer

There are no printing limits — you may print as many copies as needed for the service or keepsakes.

🔧 Having Trouble?

If you’re running into formatting or printing issues, we also offer a Customization Service where we’ll format the entire program for you and deliver it print-ready — so all you have to do is click Print.

How to Edit Your Funeral Program Template in Microsoft Word

Editing your funeral program should be simple — even if you’re not familiar with Microsoft Word. Below are step-by-step instructions for inserting, moving, and resizing photos inside your funeral program template.

📷 How to Insert a Picture

  1. Click on the picture frame in the template to select it.

  2. Right-click the frame and choose Format AutoShape.

  3. Select the “Colors and Lines” tab.

  4. Click Fill Effects, then the “Picture” tab.

  5. Choose your image from your device and click OK.

💡 Tip: Make sure you’ve clicked “Enable Editing” at the top of Microsoft Word, or you won’t be able to make changes.

🔄 How to Move the Picture

  • Hover your mouse over the edge of the image until you see a four-directional cross icon.

  • Click and hold, then drag the image to where you want it placed.

🔍 How to Resize the Picture

  • Hover over the corner of the image until you see two arrows pointing diagonally.

  • Click and drag inward to make the image smaller.

  • Drag outward to make it larger.

✅ Always use the corners to resize — this keeps the proportions from stretching or distorting.

📌 Final Notes:

  • You can repeat these steps for any section of the program that includes a photo.

  • Want to skip editing altogether? You can also request our Customization Service — we’ll insert your content and deliver a polished, print-ready file the same day.

How to Order, Download, and Customize a Funeral Program Template

Planning a funeral is never easy, which is why we’ve made ordering and downloading our funeral program templates as simple and stress-free as possible. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions:

🛒 How Do I Order a Funeral Program Template?

  1. Click “Add to Cart” on the product page of your chosen template.

  2. On desktop, the cart appears in the top-right corner. On mobile, it’s centered at the top.

  3. You can continue browsing or proceed to secure checkout via PayPal or Credit Card.

    ✅ You do not need a PayPal account to complete your purchase.

📩 How Do I Download My Template?

As soon as your purchase is complete, your funeral program template will be automatically emailed to you.

  • Check your inbox and be sure to also check your spam/junk folder just in case.

  • The file is delivered as a Microsoft Word (.docx) or compatible format, ready for you to open and edit.

🖊️ What Is the Customization Service?

If you’re short on time or not comfortable editing files, let us handle it for you.
With our Customization Service, we’ll professionally complete the funeral program for you — personalized and print-ready.

Just send us:

  • A photo of your loved one

  • Key details like service time, obituary, poems, quotes, etc.

We’ll deliver your finalized file within 2 hours or less (unless ordered in the early morning). You can print it at home or at any office supply store.

📌 Same-day delivery guaranteed, or it’s free — just order by 9 PM (EST).

Note: You’ll receive the blank template instantly by email right after checkout — this is automatic. Your customized version will arrive separately once it’s completed.