Funeral program
There are several features to having printed funeral programs. It is partly a way for guests to be able to follow the order during a funeral, as well as be able to read hymn lyrics and names of pieces of music. A funeral program will also be a nice memory to save.
That is why funeral programs are used
A funeral program, or program sheet for a funeral, is an optional part of a funeral. Usually a funeral program is handed out to the guests when they are to enter the room where the funeral is to take place.
A funeral program fulfills many different functions and is something that is often appreciated by the guests. With a program, guests do not have to worry about what will happen during the ceremony, but they have a clear picture of what they can expect, and how they should behave. In a funeral program, it can include when to get up, when to go to the coffin or when to lay flowers.
Many people choose to save the program as a memory of the day and of course the deceased.
How to create a funeral program
How to create and shape a funeral program is entirely optional. Some choose to make their own programs and print. Often there are ready-made funeral program templates in word processing programs. There are also many funeral software templates to download on the internet. In some cases, the funeral home can also help design the program sheets for the funeral.
What does a funeral program look like then? Some choose to have a very detailed program that extends up to ten pages. For people who want a simpler program, one sheet is usually enough – with text on both sides.
Funeral programs example
All funeral programs look different, and consist of different things. Just as the belief system governs the funeral, it can also control the content of the program to some extent. If you have a civil funeral, however, you can choose completely yourself without having to deal with any templates.
Usually, almost all funeral programs include:
- Information about the deceased person, such as full name, date of birth and date of death
- What music will be played, hymns or other type of music
- What order things in the ceremony will happen
Some funeral programs also include a photo of the deceased or a story about the deceased’s life. It is also common for there to be information about any moment of remembrance on the program, a farewell poem and lyrics so that everyone can easily sing along.
Content according to the order of the Church of Sweden
A funeral program can simply look like many different things. If it is a civil funeral, it is entirely up to the relative to design the ceremony and the program. If, on the other hand, it is a funeral in the order of the Church of Sweden, there is a consequence that one needs to relate to. This is a funeral program example of a Christian funeral:
- Clockwork
- Introductory music on organ
- Palm song 1
- Burial / Funeral Act
- Prayer
- Transfer
- Bible reading
- Psalm Song 2
- Any speech
- Farewell
- Psalm 3
- Blessing
- Closing music, usually on organ or own music
- Clockwork
- Collection at tombstone for farewell
think about this
When designing a funeral program, you should first talk to the person who will be holding the funeral ceremony – priest, civil officiant, rabbi or imam. It is important that there is an understanding of what the funeral should include – between the relatives and those who hold the ceremony. When the program is complete, you should also give a copy to the person who will be holding the funeral.
Below we have compiled some points that are good to keep in mind when creating a funeral program:
- If you are ordering a funeral program – do it well in advance. At least one week before the funeral takes place.
- It is better to order too many programs, than too few. It is best to be on the safe side if you are a little unsure of how many guests will come.
- Remember not to write too much text, as this can make it difficult to follow the program.
- Make sure that the design of the program is simple and keep in mind that even people with poor eyesight should be able to read and follow the program.
