Funeral program wording ideas

Cover wording

Common cover titles include:

• In Loving Memory of
• Celebrating the Life of
• A Service of Remembrance for
• Forever in Our Hearts
• Gone Fishing (or another phrase that suits a well-loved hobby)

Then the full name (and the name they were known by, if different), dates of birth and death, and the date, time and place of the service.

Order of service wording

Label each part simply: Prelude, Welcome, Opening Prayer or Opening Words, Reading, Eulogy, Musical Tribute, Moment of Reflection, Committal, Closing Words, Recessional. Add the name of the person leading each part and the title of any song or reading. For non-religious services, Reflection and Tribute often replace Prayer and Homily. For running order details, see what happens at a funeral.

Life summary

A short paragraph of 100 to 200 words works best in a program. Example (illustrative): "Ruth was born in Dayton, Ohio, the youngest of four. She trained as a nurse, married Tom in 1968, and spent thirty years at St. Mary's, where she was known for remembering every patient's name. She loved crosswords, Sunday dinners and the garden she never quite finished."

Pallbearers and participants

List pallbearers, honorary pallbearers, readers, musicians and the officiant. Check spellings with each person.

Family thank-you

Examples:

• "The family thanks you for your love, support and presence today."
• "Thank you for the cards, the meals and the kindness. It has carried us."
• "Please join us after the service at [place] to share memories."

Back cover

Many families add a poem or reading, a favorite quote, a photo, or details of a charity for donations. For donation wording, see in lieu of flowers wording. For public-domain readings, see funeral readings that aren't religious.

Let us lay it out for you

Tell us about them and the service, and we'll help you write the life summary and thank-you and lay out a print-ready funeral program.