How to Make a Funeral Program in Word (Step-by-Step Guide)

A funeral program is a heartfelt way to honor and remember a loved one. You can easily create a beautiful funeral pamphlet using Microsoft Word by starting with a template, personalizing it with photos, and printing it at home or with a local print shop. Here’s exactly how to make a funeral program in Word, step by step.

Step 1: Choose a Funeral Program Template

• Open Microsoft Word and search for “funeral program” in the template gallery.
• Alternatively, download a ready-to-edit funeral program template (recommended for professional design).
• Pick the size you want — most families use bi-fold (8.5” x 11”) or tri-fold programs.
• Fastest option: start with our free printable funeral program template and customize.

Step 2: Personalize the Front Cover

• Add the full name, date of birth, and date of passing.
• Insert a high-quality photo of your loved one.
• Include a short phrase such as “In Loving Memory” or “Celebrating the Life of…”.

Step 3: Add the Order of Service

• Use a simple list format for:
  • Opening music or hymns
  • Welcome message
  • Prayers or readings
  • Eulogy
  • Closing remarks

Step 4: Include Obituary and Tributes

• Add a short biography or obituary.
• Include family tributes, quotes, or poems that were meaningful.
• Keep text concise so it prints cleanly.

Step 5: Review and Print

• Print a test copy to check for alignment and color accuracy.
• Use thick paper (at least 28 lb. or cardstock).
• For large quantities, consider printing at a professional shop.

Tips for Professional Results

• Use a funeral template with pre-set design elements to save time.
• Stick to 2–3 fonts for a clean and respectful design.
• If you’re short on time, consider editable templates you can fill in within minutes.

If you want a detailed overview of all template types and design tips, check out our Complete Guide to Funeral & Memorial Program Templates for inspiration and best practices.

FAQ

Q: Can I make a funeral program for free in Word?
Yes. Microsoft Word has free templates. However, professional templates often have better layouts and designs.

Q: What size should a funeral pamphlet be?
The most common sizes are bi-fold (8.5” x 11”) and tri-fold brochures.

Q: Can I print at home?
Yes, but for 50+ copies, local print shops often have better quality and pricing.

Need an editable, ready-to-use funeral program template?
View our printable funeral templates here →