Funeral Program Wording Examples You Can Copy

You write a funeral program in sections — a cover, an opening welcome, the order of service, a life story, readings and music, acknowledgements, and a closing thank-you — and below is copy-and-paste funeral program wording for every one of them. When the words won't come, it helps to start from words that already exist.

When you are planning a service, finding the right words can feel impossible. You are tired, your heart is heavy, and a blank page is the last thing you need. So this is not a blank page. These wording examples are written so you can copy them and change only the names and dates.

Take what fits. Skip what does not. There is no wrong way to honor someone you love.

How is a funeral program laid out?

Most programs follow the same simple order. You do not need every section. A short, clear program is always enough.

• Front cover (name, dates, a photo)
• Opening words or a welcome
• Order of service (the steps of the ceremony)
• Obituary or life story
• Readings, poems, or scripture
• Music or hymns
• Pallbearers and acknowledgments
• A closing line or thank you
• Back cover (a quote, a prayer, or details for the reception)

Now let's look at wording you can use for each one.

What do you write on the front cover?

The cover usually carries the name, the two dates, and a short line. Keep it gentle and plain.

In Loving Memory of Margaret Anne Carter June 3, 1948 — May 28, 2026

If you would like a softer phrase, try one of these in place of "In Loving Memory of":

• Celebrating the Life of
• In Remembrance of
• A Life Well Loved
• Honoring the Life of

Some families add a single line under the dates:

"Forever in our hearts."

What is a good opening or welcome line?

This sets the tone as people sit down. Here is a warm, non-religious option:

Thank you for being here today. We gather to remember Margaret, to share our grief, and to celebrate a life that gave us so much. You are welcome here, just as you are.

A faith-based version:

We come together in the presence of God to give thanks for the life of Margaret, to commend her to His care, and to comfort one another in our sorrow.

How do you word the order of service?

This is the list of what will happen, in order. Keep it short so guests can follow along. A common format looks like this:

Order of Service Welcome and Opening Words Opening Hymn — Amazing Grace Eulogy — given by James Carter Reading — Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep Reflection and Prayer Closing Music — What a Wonderful World Committal

You can name the people who take part, or leave names off if plans may change. Both are fine.

If you would like a printable layout that keeps this section tidy, our Funeral Order of Service Insert gives you a clean template to type straight into.

How do you word the obituary or life story?

This can be a few lines or a full page. You do not have to list everything. A simple frame works well:

Margaret was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the eldest of three sisters. She married David in 1971, and together they raised two children, James and Ellen. She loved her garden, strong coffee, and a good crossword. Above all, she loved her family. She will be missed beyond words.

If you are short on time, this shorter version is enough:

Margaret lived a quiet, generous life. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and a friend to many. Her kindness touched everyone who knew her.

For more on shaping these few sentences into something that sounds like the person, see our guide to writing a eulogy, which walks through gathering the small, true details that bring a life story to life.

What do you put for readings, poems, and scripture?

You can name the reading and the person sharing it. A few well-loved choices:

• Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep — Mary Elizabeth Frye
• Remember — Christina Rossetti
• Psalm 23 — "The Lord is my shepherd"
• Ecclesiastes 3 — "To everything there is a season"

In the program, it might read:

Reading Psalm 23 read by Ellen Carter

How do you list music and hymns?

List the title, and the artist or hymn number if it helps. For example:

Closing Music Somewhere Over the Rainbow performed by the family

Or for a hymn:

Hymn How Great Thou Art (please stand)

How do you list pallbearers and acknowledgments?

A short list, often near the back:

Pallbearers James Carter · Michael Reed · Thomas Lowe David Carter Jr. · Andrew Hill · Peter Vance

You can add an honorary line if needed:

Honorary Pallbearers The grandchildren of Margaret Carter

What do you write for the closing thank-you?

This is the family's note of thanks. A warm, simple version:

The family of Margaret Carter wishes to thank you for your kindness, your cards, and your presence today. Your support has carried us through. You are invited to join us for refreshments at the Riverside Hall following the service.

A shorter thank you:

Thank you for the love you have shown our family. It has meant more than we can say.

What do you write on the back cover?

The back often holds a final quote or prayer. A few gentle options:

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." — Thomas Campbell

Or a line of comfort:

Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day.

For a religious close, the Lord's Prayer or a simple blessing works well:

May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.

A small note that may help

Once you have your wording, the next worry is fitting it all neatly onto the page. If that part feels like one task too many, our Funeral Order of Service Insert is a printable template where you simply replace the sample text with your own. If you are still deciding which sections to include, our funeral program checklist sets out everything that belongs in one. You can also browse the full range in our shop to find a layout that suits the service.

However you put it together, please be gentle with yourself. The words do not have to be grand. They only have to be true. The fact that you are doing this, carefully and with love, is the tribute that matters most.