The funeral is a last goodbye for a loved one and it’s a time to look back and think about the life of the person you have lost.
When planning a funeral, one important item that should be given to the attendees is a funeral program.
Programs for funeral services are used as a guide for the service and it can also be a souvenir for the attendees to take home as a tribute to your loved one. When creating an appropriate funeral program, it should be done with a lot of care, and it should reflect the life your loved one lived.
Designing appropriate and meaningful programs for funeral services can be difficult to do when you’re grieving. So here is a comprehensive guide to help you when designing a meaningful funeral program.
1. Gather Information
Start gathering some important information about the life of your loved one. This includes their full name, dates of birth and death, and the hobbies they enjoyed. Moreover, collect illustrations, anecdotes, favorite quotes, or sayings that were important to them in life.
Also, speak with family members and friends who were close to your loved one to learn more about how they were as a person, what values they had, and what they were passionate about. This valuable information will be the basis of the funeral program to reflect your loved one’s individuality.
2. Choose a Structure
A funeral program usually has three main elements: an introduction, an order of service, and personal touches. The beginning of the announcement usually has a photo of the deceased, with their name as well as their dates of birth and death.
The order of the service sets the layout of the proceedings including musical selections, readings, eulogies, and any religious or cultural rituals that will take place. Other meaningful touches could be poems, stories of your loved one, and a thank you section from your loved one’s family.
3. Select Meaningful Content
Here are some meaningful items that you should consider including in a funeral program:
Photographs
Choose photos that perfectly capture your loved one’s life, starting from childhood and ending with their later years. By including many pictures chronicling your loved one’s life, you can show how they were as a family member, friend, child, or a spouse.
Readings and Music
Select readings and music that were important to your loved one or those that convey messages of hope, memories, and comfort. These elements will be meaningful and can speak directly to the heart, offering solace and reflection to those mourning.
Tributes and Eulogies
Encourage friends and family to offer their contributions as tributes or deliver meaningful eulogies. These personal reflections are quite profound, as they help depict your loved one’s character and legacy, lending comfort to those who attend
Make sure to speak with your family and friends about other bits of content that you could include in the funeral program.
4. Design the Program
The design of a funeral program has to be done with lots of attention to detail for it to be perfectly respectful and fitting. Here are some elements that you should consider:
Theme
Consider choosing a theme that suits the deceased’s personality or interests. This can range from a color scheme to a more elaborate detail depicting their hobbies or passions
Layout
Use a neat and comprehensible layout that will allow the content to be perceived without being overly cluttered. Remember, the program can be a permanent reminder for many attendees
Typography
Pick fonts that are elegant and readable at the same time. The typeface you use can actually make a big impact on the mood of the program so don’t underestimate typography
If you’re not sure about your choices, try researching programs for funeral services online for more ideas.
5. Create a Theme for the Funeral Program
The best themes for funeral programs often reflect the personality, interests, or beliefs of a loved one. Here are some theme ideas that are respectful and thoughtful:
Nature and Serenity
If your loved one was fond of the outdoors or found peace in nature, themes that include landscapes, gardens, or celestial bodies can be a great addition. You could also include trees, flowers, or the ocean
Religious or Spiritual
For a loved one who was religious or spiritual, the element of religion or faith can be very comforting. Incorporate religious symbols, scripture verses, or prayers that reflect your loved one’s beliefs
Hobbies and Passions
Honor your loved one by including elements of their hobbies or interests as part of the program. It could be anything from sports and music to art and traveling, using appropriate images and stories
Legacy and Memories
A theme centering on legacy and memories is often very powerful. This may include comments from friends and family, the deeds and accomplishments of your loved one, and how they made an impact on your life
Elegant and Classic
A simple and elegant theme with a classic design is very much dignified. Using a monochrome color scheme or a delicate floral pattern with some clean typography can offer respect and solemnity
After choosing a theme, speak with the rest of the family to see if they’re on board with it or if there are any other themes they would like to recommend.
Contact us for more information about meaningful programs for funeral services
Planning and designing funeral programs can be hard to do with little guidance, but don’t worry—you’re not alone. If you need advice on how to create a meaningful and fitting funeral program, speak with a professional funeral services provider today.
