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Cherish Your Memories by Creating
Funeral Programs
By Kim Gibson
Funeral programs can help make your funeral or memorial
service very personalized and special. A funeral
program, also called memorial service bulletin, or an
order of service booklet, is a printed document that
tells the events of the funeral or memorial service, and
celebrates the important milestones in the life of the
deceased. Funeral programs can have a variety of
designs, styles and layouts. These programs often serve
as a treasured keepsake for friends and loved ones.
The style, design and layout of the program usually
reflects you loved one's personality. Consider choosing
a favorite color, flower or theme that your loved one
may have preferred. Also, a hobby, such as hiking, golf
or sailing, or a favorite memory of beach or mountain
scenery may be used. Religious themes are very commonly
used as cover designs, with designs ranging from
crosses, bible an other religious symbols.
The funeral program may include a variety of information
including a title, such as "In Loving Memory" or "a
Celebration of Life", the name, birthday and death date
of the deceased, and an optional photo on the cover. The
photo can be a recent photo, or can be a photo from the
past, such as an old military, graduation or wedding
photo. The "Order of Service" is included in the
program, which is a listing of the events of the funeral
or memorial service. The events of the service may
include scripture readings, prayers, musical and funeral
song selections, tributes and sermons. The order of
service may also list the names of the people performing
the events.
The obituary is often published in the program. The
obituary is a biography of the deceased, which lists
major accomplishments of the life of the deceased. The
obituary can be short and concise, or can be long and
detailed, depending on the family's preference. Other
information in the program can include funeral poems and
quotes, written tributes, song lyrics and bible
scriptures. Additional photos and photo collages can be
included to give the program even more personalization.
The back cover of the funeral program usually contains
information about the pall bearers and flower bearers,
if used, and may have special thank you notes and
acknowledgments. You may also choose to include
information about donations, or receptions or repast
information.
When creating a funeral program, remember that it is a
keepsake that represents the life of your loved one.
Creating a your program can be much easier if you use a
professionally-formatted template. There are many
resources available in books and on the Internet to help
you create the funeral program that will help you
cherish your loved one's memory.
Kimberly Gibson is owner of Elegant Memorials Funeral
Programs. She also writes and publishes a wide range of
articles on funeral and memorial planning and hosts a
variety of funeral programs blogs. |
