Printing Your Funeral Programs at Home
The Funeral Program Site is often asked whether families can realistically print their own funeral programs at home and still create something that feels respectful, organized, and meaningful. The answer is yes. With a bit of preparation and the right expectations, home printing can be one of the most flexible and comforting options available to families during a difficult time.
This guide walks you through the full process—from deciding if home printing is right for you, to choosing paper, setting up your printer, assembling finished programs, and knowing when “good enough” truly is good enough. The goal is not perfection. The goal is clarity, calm, and honoring your loved one without unnecessary stress.
Why Families Choose to Print Funeral Programs at Home
Funeral planning often happens quickly and under emotional strain. Home printing gives families control when timelines shift. If a reading changes, a name needs correction, or an acknowledgment is added at the last minute, you are not dependent on a print shop’s schedule.
Cost also plays a role. Professional printing can be beautiful, but it often requires minimum quantities and rush fees. For smaller services, home printing is frequently more economical while still producing a clean, thoughtful result.
For many families, the act of preparing the program becomes part of the memorial process itself. It can feel grounding to work quietly on something tangible that will be held by those who attend.
Watch: Printing Funeral Programs at Home
What You Need Before You Start
Printer
Inkjet printers are often preferred for photo-heavy designs, while laser printers provide crisp text and faster output. Either works well if properly set up and tested in advance.
Paper
Standard 8.5 × 11 inch paper is easiest to manage. Many families use 80–110 lb cardstock for durability. Matte finishes reduce glare and fingerprints, while glossy paper enhances photos.
Design Software or Templates
Templates help ensure margins and folds align correctly. Programs can be created in Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, or Canva. High-resolution images (300 dpi when possible) produce the best results.
Printing and Folding Tips
Always print a single test copy. Check alignment, margins, colors, and fold placement. Adjust printer settings to high quality and select the correct paper type. If duplex printing is used, test it carefully before printing the full batch.
Score fold lines lightly with a ruler or bone folder to prevent cracking. Slow, careful folding produces a cleaner finish than rushing through the process.
Audio: Printing Funeral Programs at Home
Read the audio transcript
Printing funeral programs at home can feel intimidating at first, especially when emotions are already high. In reality, it is one of the most flexible options available. Start with a simple layout and focus on readability. A clean design is more important than decorative details.
Print one test copy before committing to the full batch. This allows you to adjust margins, color, and alignment. Choose paper that feels substantial but feeds smoothly through your printer. Take your time with folding, and remember that minor imperfections are rarely noticed by guests.
Most importantly, a funeral program is meant to guide and comfort—not to impress. If printing at home helps you feel more in control and less rushed, it is a valid and meaningful choice.
Short-Form Inspiration
Final Thoughts
Printing your funeral programs at home is not about producing something flawless. It is about providing clarity and a small keepsake for those who attend. When approached thoughtfully, home-printed funeral programs can feel just as intentional and respectful as professionally printed versions.