If you’ve recently lost a loved one, I want to start by saying how truly sorry I am. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to plan a funeral or memorial while you’re grieving. There are so many decisions to make, and sometimes the little things—like creating a program—can feel like the biggest burden.
That’s exactly why I started Obituaries Made Simple. I wanted to make it easier for families to create beautiful, meaningful keepsakes without needing to hire a designer or feel lost in complicated software.
If you’re wondering how to create a professional-looking funeral program from home, even with no design experience at all, I want you to know you absolutely can. I’ll walk you through the process step by step.
What is a Funeral Program?
A funeral program is a printed handout given out during a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life. It helps guests follow the service and serves as a touching keepsake long after the day is over.
It typically includes things like:
- Your loved one’s name and photo
- Dates of birth and passing
- The order of service
- An obituary or life tribute
- Favorite quotes, scriptures, or poems
- Photos
- Acknowledgments or special thank-you's
You can make your program as simple or as detailed as you'd like. What matters most is that it feels personal and meaningful to you and your family.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
- A computer, laptop, or tablet with internet access
- A Canva Pro account (this is important—most of our templates use Pro features)
- Your loved one’s photos and information
- A printer or access to a local print shop
- One of our easy-to-edit templates
If you don’t already have Canva Pro, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial. That’s more than enough time to create and download your program without paying a monthly fee.
Step-by-Step: Creating Your Funeral Program at Home
1. Choose Your Template
Start by visiting our shop and browsing the funeral program templates. I’ve designed them in a variety of styles—from soft and floral to classic and modern—so you can choose something that reflects your loved one’s personality.
Once you find the one that speaks to you, purchase and download the template. You’ll receive a PDF with a link that opens the design directly in Canva.
2. Open the Template in Canva Pro
Click the link and log into your Canva Pro account. The template will open up ready to edit. No need to start from scratch or mess with formatting. Everything is already in place for you.
You’ll see placeholder text and photos where you can simply click and replace them with your own.
3. Customize with Your Details
This part is where it becomes personal. Replace the sample content with your loved one’s name, their dates, the obituary, and photos that make you smile.
You can also include scriptures, poems, or a message from the family. Canva Pro lets you drag and drop everything easily. Even if you’ve never used design software before, it’s very intuitive and beginner-friendly.
4. Download and Print
Once your design is complete, click “Download” and select “PDF Print” for the best quality.
You can print the programs at home using high-quality paper (I recommend 32 lb. for a professional feel) or bring the file to a local print shop like Staples, Office Depot, or FedEx Office.
Many families also choose to share a digital version by email or text with those who can’t attend in person.
Helpful Tips
- Use high-resolution photos for the best print quality
- Keep your text simple and heartfelt—you don’t need to write a long tribute to make it meaningful
- If you’re in a rush, start with just one or two photos and focus on the order of service and obituary
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Creating a funeral program can feel like one more heavy task on your list during a time that already feels impossible. But I promise, with the right tools and support, it’s something you can do—and it might even be healing to create something so personal and beautiful in your loved one’s memory.
I built Obituaries Made Simple for people like you. People who are doing their best to honor someone they love while holding it all together. I’m here to make that a little easier.
You can browse all of our templates at www.payhip.com/ObituariesMadeSimple and start designing right away.
And if you ever need help, just reach out. The staff at Obituaries Made Simple will be here to help.