How to Create a Meaningful Memorial Program
If you are attending services at funeral homes in Freeport, IL , you may be tasked with creating the memorial program. While you want to help the family and complete this task, you may be a little nervous about doing so. Since this is something most people have never had to create before, not knowing things like what to include, how big it should be, and more can leave you feeling a little anxious. Keep reading as we cover what you need to know to make a touching program.
What is a Memorial Program?
First of all, if you are not familiar with a memorial program, these are pamphlets that are handed out before the service. Sometimes called funeral programs, these programs list the order of service, names of who will be completing specific elements of the service, as well as other information such as the obituary and special thank you messages from the family.
These programs are typically four pages in length and include a cover, front inside right page, front inside left page, and back cover. The size of these programs is normally 8.5” x 5.5”. This is the size if you take a letter-sized sheet of paper, hold it landscape and fold it in half.
Order of Information
As mentioned, memorial programs are typically four pages in length. Each page has a typical layout and information specified for that page. The layout looks like this:
- Front cover – This is where you will find a picture of the deceased. Typically these are a nice clear headshot but the picture you choose is entirely up to you. The front cover will also have their name, date of birth, and death, as well as the date of the service and location.
- Inside left page – This page will be reserved for the outline of the service
- Inside right page – This area will be for the obituary. This could be the same one that was printed on the paper, or there could be a new one written
- Back cover – This is where you will find a list of pallbearers (if applicable), and any special thank you messages the family would like to post. You may also find a meaningful lyric or poem.
Personalizing the Program
While memorial programs follow a structured outline and format, there are several ways to incorporate some of your loved one’s personality into the piece. One of the ways is with the font selection. Fonts can evoke certain feelings and emotions.
Select a font that represents your loved one. Were they bubbly and silly? Maybe opt for a cursive or handwritten, bubbly font. Perhaps they were very serious and logical. If so, a minimal, simple font may be a good choice.
Whichever font you choose, just make sure it can be easily read and prints well. You don’t want to sacrifice the readability for the decorative element it may bring.
Some other elements you can use to personalize the program are:
- Color choices – If your loved one had a favorite color or color combination, consider using those colors in the design
- Images – Instead of one single headshot on the front cover, you could use several and create a collage
- Additional content – Maybe your loved one wrote poetry, created paintings, traveled, or had another hobby or passion. You could take pictures of these things and include them in the program.
You can always feel free to add more pages to the program. While you don’t want it so long it is overwhelming to guests, there is nothing that says you can’t add another page or two and include additional content.
If you have been asked to create a program for a loved one’s services at funeral homes in Freeport, IL, consider it a great honor. While you may be nervous about it, it means the family trusts you with this very important task. Just create it from a place of love and respect and you will be sure to create a meaningful program.
