Funeral Programs Tips

1.  Use a funeral program template.  Don't waste time trying to design one on your own. The internet has a variety of styles, layouts and colors created by professionals that are easy to use.  Funeral program template prices range from free, to up to about 50.00, depending on the layout.  Many templates will allow you to insert your own graphics and clipart WITHOUT the hassle of creating the program layout.

2.  Make sure you select a template that uses a software program that you are familiar with.  Funeral program templates can be formatted in a many different software applications including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, IPages, InDesign, Photoshop just to name a few.

3.  Choose a template layout based on the amount of information that you will be including in your funeral program.  Before you select a template, think about the information that you will be including.  There are many different types of information that you may want to include in your funeral program including funeral and memorials poems, scriptures, order of service and photos.  Select a template that can fit all of the information that your plan to include.
 

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4.  Make sure you are clear about what text you can edit on your template.  Many templates allow you to change ALL text, but some may not allow text changes on the title page or other areas on the page.

5.  Use a quality cover photo.  Try to find a nice clear photo of the deceased.  A good photo is one that is taken at at a studio or by a professional. Try to select a photo that only has the deceased in it, to avoid cropping.   Find photos that are free from scratches, tears and fading.  If possible, do basic retouching of your photo.  Many software applications, including microsoft Word have one-click editing what may enhance your photo.  See our article on funeral program pictures for more information.

6.  Assemble all of your information, such as the order of service, poems, scriptures and the obituary before you begin to type your funeral program.  This will allow you to better focus on typing and laying out the program, instead of writing or compiling information.

7.  SAVE! SAVE! SAVE -- Once you have purchased and downloaded your templates, make sure you know where you have saved your templates on your computer.  Also, once you have made significant changes to your program, SAVE YOUR WORK.  Keep re-saving as you add new elements, especially pictures.  Don't rely on autosave features.

8.  PROOF! PROOF! PROOF!  -- Once you have completed your program and saved it, print it out and proofread it.  Get someone else to proof it, too.

9.  Print on quality paper.  Choose a paper with a heavier weight such as 24 pound or 28 pound.  Thicker paper will reduce "bleed through" of your images to the other side.  See our article on printing funeral programs for more information.

10.  Do a test print to ensure that the layout is correct and the colors are displaying properly.  This will help you catch errors before you print multiple copies.

11.  Allow ample time for folding.  If you are pressed for time, consider having an office supply store fold your programs for you.  Office supply stores charge about 2 -5 cents for each fold, depending on the type of fold you need.