What Is Funeral Program Paper?
A simple explanation with a full video, two Shorts, and a quick audio overview.
Listen first (quick overview)
Watch the full walkthrough
Wasabi mirror version for broad visibility and consistent media playback.
The Funeral Program Site created funeral program paper for families who want something beautiful and service-ready without needing to design a full cover from zero. Instead of starting with a blank template, you begin with a professionally printed cover design already in place, then you add your service details on the inside panels.
The concept is simple: the cover is complete, the inside is open for customization. This lets you focus on the information guests need most—order of service, obituary or life story, and a short message of thanks—while keeping the overall program clean, coordinated, and easy to read.
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A clear definition of funeral program paper
Preprinted cover + blank interior
Funeral program paper is a preprinted sheet of program paper where the front cover artwork is already professionally printed in full color. The interior is left blank so you can print your own text at home or through a local print shop. It’s designed to shorten your timeline while still producing a polished memorial keepsake.
Why it feels easier than starting from scratch
Many families feel pressure to “make it perfect,” especially when time is limited. Because the cover is already finished, your work becomes simpler: you are only formatting the inside content rather than building a full design system. That means fewer layout decisions, fewer steps, and less chance of a rushed-looking cover.
What to print on the inside
The inside content can be short and meaningful. In most cases, you only need the information guests look for during the service and the words they will want to read again later.
- Full name and dates
- Service location, date, and time
- Order of service (in sequence)
- Obituary or brief life summary
- One short poem, prayer, or scripture
- Acknowledgements and thank you message
Space is limited. A few strong lines usually read better than a long passage that feels crowded.
How families use funeral program paper
1) Pick a cover theme that matches the tone
Choose artwork that feels fitting: calm landscapes, gentle florals, spiritual scenes, or themed designs that reflect faith, service, or personality. The cover sets the emotional tone before guests read a single word.
2) Test print your inside layout
Print one sample page first. This helps you confirm margins, text size, and placement—especially around the fold. A quick test saves paper and prevents last-minute reprints.
3) Fold and stack for distribution
Once printed, fold as a bifold and prepare a neat stack for the entrance table. A consistent fold and clear typography make the program feel professional and respectful.
Two quick Shorts for fast reinforcement
These are quick reminders of the main idea. The long video above shows the full explanation and examples.
Short: quick definition
A simple definition of funeral program paper and why it’s helpful when you’re on a tight timeline.
Short: fast usage tip
A quick printing and folding tip so your finished programs look clean and consistent.
Quick reference table
| Question | Short answer | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is the cover already printed? | Yes | Select the design you want first | Trying to redesign the cover from scratch |
| Is the inside blank? | Yes | Print your obituary and order of service inside | Using text that is too small to read |
| Do I need a template? | Not required | Use a simple inside layout and test print | Skipping the test print before printing multiples |
| What should I keep short? | Poems/verses | Choose one strong reading that fits | Overcrowding the inside panels |
If your inside layout feels crowded, shorten the reading first and increase spacing. Clean formatting reads more comforting during a service.
Next step
If you need a professional cover quickly, start with funeral program paper and keep the inside layout simple: clear headings, readable font size, and only the most meaningful content. When the program is easy to follow, guests can stay present during the service and still leave with a keepsake worth holding onto.