A funeral program is more than just a schedule of events. Adding personalized touches to a funeral program can help bring comfort to attendees and create a lasting tribute to the deceased.
Personalization can be achieved in many ways. There are countless ways to honor your loved one, from playing their favorite music to creating a display table that showcases their hobbies.
Personal Notes to the Deceased
A heartfelt note is a beautiful way to add a personal touch to your funeral programs. It allows you to convey your love for the deceased, recount cherished memories, and share the impact they had on your life. Not only is a heartfelt note a touching addition to your funeral program, but it also serves as a keepsake that can be cherished by family and friends for generations to come.
One of the most important aspects of a funeral program is the written tribute, known as an obituary. This section provides information about the deceased and often includes a short obituary or account of their accomplishments. The obituary may also include the names of the surviving family members.
Incorporating special quotes and sayings in your funeral program is another way to create a personalized tribute. This can be a quote that was meaningful to the deceased, a lyric from a favorite song, or even a scripture from their religious beliefs. This type of element is a thoughtful way to showcase the unique personality and character of your loved one and can serve as a source of comfort and inspiration for those attending the service.
Remember to be respectful and authentic while writing your notes to the deceased. Acknowledge the loss by using their name and avoid euphemisms or flowery language. Be sure to express your sympathy and give a specific reason why you are writing your note (for example, “I am sorry for your loss”).
Another option to make your funeral programs more memorable is to put up pictures of your loved one. During calling hours or right before services, flat-screen TV monitors can be utilized to play a slideshow, and poster boards with photo collages can be set up on easels. Additionally, printed pictures can be placed into urns, register books, and memorial folders.
Incorporating unique clipart and graphics into your funeral programs is an excellent way to add a polished, professional look to your document. Choosing borders, frames, flourishes, and other clipart that pay tribute to your deceased loved one will create an overall visually appealing design and ensure that your program is as special and heartfelt as they were.
Special Quotes & Sayings
Incorporating special quotes or sayings into a memorial program is one way to add a touch of personalization. These words of wisdom, hope, or inspiration can be a great reminder to those in attendance of the meaning and importance of life. They can also be a source of comfort to those who are grieving.
Incorporate a meaningful quote or saying on the front or back of the program or place it in a special section within the pamphlet that’s dedicated to commemorating your loved one. When selecting a quote, it’s important to consider your relationship with the deceased and which emotions the words may evoke. Some quotes may embody a more hopeful or inspirational tone, while others may convey a more nostalgic or humorous feel. Selecting the right quote can help ensure it’s an appropriate addition to the funeral or memorial service pamphlet.
Another way to customize funeral programs is by including a welcome or introduction. This can be delivered by a religious leader or close family member and helps to set the emotional tone for the service. It’s also an opportunity to share some of your favorite memories of the deceased and provide attendees with a greater context for the event.
Musical Selections can also contribute to the overall atmosphere of a service by adding depth and dimension. Whether it’s a favorite song of the deceased or a piece that resonates with their spiritual beliefs, these performances create an intimate and memorable experience for attendees. It’s also common to include a dedication in which attendees can sign their names to show their support for the deceased’s family.
Both real and honorary pallbearers and flower bearers are often listed in the program to honor their contributions to the farewell ceremony. These individuals are a vital part of the procession, and it’s important to acknowledge their role in this final farewell. Similarly, honorary pallbearers and flower bearers are people who have made significant contributions to the deceased’s life and deserve recognition. Having their names included in the program is a thoughtful and lasting tribute.
Photographs
Funerals are heartbreaking events but can also be a time for remembrance and reflection. The right photographs can bring back memories and honor a life that was well lived. It’s important to use them throughout the service – on the cover, in photo collages and video slideshows, as well as in the pages of the funeral program.
Whether the photos are used for the program’s cover or inside its pages, it’s important to choose high-quality images that will print well. This is especially true for the main photo that will appear on the front of the program. A photo should be clear and high-resolution, with a good composition that captures the subject’s natural personality. It may also be appropriate to choose two or more photos that show different aspects of a person’s life, such as youth and older age or work and family.
In addition to photos, the cover and interior pages of the funeral program can feature other visual elements that speak to a person’s personality and legacy. For example, you might wish to incorporate a theme of color or a symbol that reflects the deceased’s interests and beliefs. Flowers, crosses, and patriotic themes are common choices, but you might also want to include an image from a loved one’s favorite hobby or pastime.
Once you’ve selected the right photos, be sure to have them scanned before including them in your funeral program. This is essential for ensuring that your prints will be high-quality and will print clearly at any size. If you don’t have a home scanner, most stores offering photo processing services can scan photos for you.
Order of Service
Often, when planning a funeral or memorial service, the family will create an order of service. This is a list of the events that will happen throughout the ceremony, usually printed in a booklet. While this might seem like a small detail, an order of service can provide comfort to guests as they know what to expect. This allows them to focus on celebrating the life of their loved one rather than worrying about the details of the day.
The order of service might have a cover page with the person’s full name, date of birth and death, and an image or collage. Sometimes, the order of service will also include a short message or quote that speaks to the deceased’s personality or values. If the funeral is being held in a religious setting, it’s best to ask the person who will conduct the ceremony what they would like to see included in the order of service.
Once the basic information is included, you can begin to personalize the funeral program with photos, quotes, poetry, or even items that the person enjoyed in their lifetime. If the deceased was a fan of music, for example, it might be nice to include a playlist or album art on the front of the program. Other things that can be added are a timeline of important dates in the deceased’s life, eulogies by friends or relatives, songs, an open mic for attendees to share memories, and photo slideshows.
Another great way to personalize the funeral program is by using a digital platform to distribute it. This is not only a cost-effective option, but it can be shared via email or social media and allows guests to view videos, submit a contact form, create a virtual guest book, and much more. Jotform Apps offers a number of templates for funeral programs, or you can easily create your own with just a few clicks.
Whether you’re hosting a traditional funeral, a non-traditional celebration of life event, or something else entirely, a customized funeral program is a beautiful way to remember your loved one. The extra effort involved in creating a custom funeral program will help your family feel supported as they mourn and can be cherished as a keepsake long after the ceremony.
