Funeral Booklet - Memorial Booklets
The funeral booklet is a printout that list the details of funeral or memorial service and summarizes the life achievements of the deceased. Funeral booklets can also be given out electronically, through email or posted to social media and memorial websites. They come in different sizes, designs and layouts. The most common booklet is the 8 1/2" x 11" paper, that folds down the middle (often called a single fold booklet). The family of the deceased usually prepares the information for the funeral booklet. The family may work with the funeral home or church to create the booklet, or they may use a company such as Elegant Memorials to download a customized funeral booklet template that can also serve as a keepsake.
Information in a Funeral Booklet
Funeral and Memorial Booklets can come in a variety of sizes, designs and layouts. They can be standard 8 1/2"x11" paper which folds in half, or larger sizes, such as 11"x17" or even smaller sizes like 5 1/2"x 4 1/2" cards. These booklets can be one page, or multiple pages, depending on the amount of information that you want to include. You can also choose a graduated or step fold booklet, which has an offset fold that reveals a colored panel that can contain wording. For more information about funeral booklet layouts, and funeral booklet ideas, see our article on funeral programs.
The Cover
The cover of the booklet may have a photo of the deceased, as well as their name, date of birth, date of death, location and time of service, and a funeral program title or caption, such as "In Loving Memory".
Order of Service
This is the part of the memorial booklet that outlines the events for the service. The order of service can be religious or secular and typically includes a musical prelude, funeral prayers, funeral poems, funeral songs, funeral readings, an obituary reading, and a eulogy. See our article on Writing a Funeral Booklet Order of Service for more information.
Obituary or Funeral Tribute
The Obituary details the biographical highlights of the deceased person's life. The obituary typically contains information including the birth date, places of residence and information about family members. Other information such as hobbies, and personal stories may also be included. For more details on obituaries, see "How to Write an Obituary", Sample Obituaries.
Poems, Readings, Religious Scriptures
Funeral Booklets may also include various funeral and memorial poems, scripture readings, quotes, song lyrics and even special notes about your loved one.
Photos
Photos turn your funeral booklet into a treasured momento. Funeral booklet photo collages and special clipart can make you give your booklet a unique and personalized feel.
Booklets may include a memorial poems, favorite songs or prayers. Sometimes additional photos of the deceased or their family members may be included for a more personalized touch.
Listings of Pall or Flower Bearers and Acknowledgements
Funeral Booklet Printing
You can print your funeral booklet at home on your home printer, or you can take your finished booklet to a print or copy shop to have it printed. If you choose to print your booklets at home, make sure you print a test booklet first to make sure items are in the correct order. Also make sure you have enough ink on hand before you start printing. When ink jet or laser printers run out of ink, colors can look faded and distorted. You should allow ample time for ink to dry and for folding your booklets.
If you are taking your booklet to a copy shop, make sure you know what format the printer takes (such as MS Word, or PDF). Discuss with the printer how you would like your booklets printed and folded, and make sure they do a test print first, before they print the entire batch. For more information, see our articles on Funeral Booklet Printing and Printing at a Print or Copy Shop.
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