Planning a funeral or celebration of life is a deeply personal journey, and a funeral program can serve as a cherished keepsake that honors your loved one’s memory. But what exactly should you include in a funeral program? At Noted and Charmed, I’ve helped hundreds of families create meaningful tributes with my editable funeral program templates, and I’m here to share a simple guide to crafting a program that reflects a life well-lived.  

Why a Funeral Program Matters A funeral program is more than a schedule—it’s a tangible memory for attendees to hold onto. It guides guests through the service while celebrating the unique story of the person being honored. Whether you’re planning a biker memorial, a floral-themed tribute, or a minimalist celebration, the right elements can make your program a heartfelt keepsake.

Key Elements to Include in a Funeral Program Here’s a breakdown of what to include, with tips to personalize each section:  

  • Cover Page: A Personal Touch Start with a cover that captures your loved one’s spirit. Include their name, dates of birth and passing, and a meaningful photo or design. For example, my Motorcycle Angel Funeral Program Template features a biker with angel wings—a perfect tribute for riders. Add a title like “In Loving Memory” or “Celebrating the Life of [Name]” to set the tone.  
  • Order of Service: Guide the Ceremony List the sequence of events, such as:  
  • Welcome and opening remarks  
  • Readings or prayers  
  • Musical selections (e.g., a favorite song)  
  • Eulogy or tribute speeches  
  • Closing words and benediction
  • Photos: Visual Memories Incorporate photos that highlight special moments—a candid smile, a family gathering, or a hobby they loved. For a biker memorial, a photo of them with their motorcycle can be a powerful addition. My templates, like the Multi Photo Cover Programs, make it easy to showcase multiple images.  
  • Biography or Obituary: Their Life Story Share a brief bio or obituary—birthplace, family, career, passions, and achievements. For example, “John was a lifelong biker who found freedom on the open road, a devoted father, and a friend to all.” Keep it concise (100-200 words) but meaningful.  
  • Poems or Quotes: Words of Comfort Include a poem, quote, or scripture that resonates. For a biker tribute, a line like “Ride free in the heavens” can be fitting. My Magazine Style Funeral Programs offer space for longer poems, while minimalist designs keep it simple.  
  • Thank You Note: Gratitude for Support Add a short note thanking attendees for their presence, such as: “The family of [Name] thanks you for joining us in celebrating a life so beautifully lived.” This small gesture can mean a lot to guests.  
  • Optional Additions: Make It Unique 
  • Hobbies or Passions: Highlight what they loved—e.g., a biker silhouette, a musical note, or a sports emblem. My Sports/Music/Hobbies templates are perfect for this.  
  • Timeline: A brief timeline of key life events (birth, marriage, milestones).  
  • Digital e-Invite: If hosting a virtual component, include a QR code or link to a digital invite (a bonus in many of my templates).

Tips for Designing Your Funeral Program 

  • Keep It Simple: Use a clean layout with readable fonts (e.g., serif for elegance, sans-serif for modern). My Minimalist Programs are great for a timeless look.  
  • Choose a Theme: Match the design to their personality—floral for a nature lover, patriotic for a veteran, or biker-themed for a rider. Explore my Floral & Flower Programs or Military & Patriot Programs for inspiration.  
  • Edit with Ease: Use a Canva-editable template to personalize in minutes—no design skills needed. All Noted and Charmed templates are designed for simplicity.  
  • Print or Share Digitally: Print at home on 28lb paper for best results, or share digitally for virtual services.

Create Your Tribute with Noted and Charmed At Noted and Charmed, I offer over 200 funeral program templates to help you craft a tribute that’s as unique as your loved one. Priced at just $10, they’re affordable and easy to edit in Canva. Start with our Motorcycle Angel Funeral Program Template for a biker memorial, or explore themes like Floral Framed Programs, Religious Designs, or Modern Styles.  Visit my shop to find the perfect design, and let’s create a memorial keepsake that honors a life well-lived. 

Have a custom request? Reach out—I’m here to help.   

Your Companion in Crafting Personal Memorials