Are Funeral Programs Necessary?
One full video plus two quick Shorts to help you decide what’s right for your family.
Watch the full video
If you’re weighing whether to print anything at all, this walkthrough explains what a program does, when it helps most, and what to do instead if you prefer simplicity. For design options and printing help, see funeral programs.
The Funeral Program Site helps families create funeral programs that are clear, meaningful, and easy for guests to follow. So are funeral programs necessary? The honest answer is: not always. Many services run smoothly without them, and many families choose them because they add structure, comfort, and a lasting keepsake.
A funeral program is simply a printed guide that can include the order of service, names of participants, a brief obituary, photos, and a short poem or message. When guests are emotional, having something in hand reduces confusion and helps everyone feel included, especially if the service has multiple speakers, songs, readings, or a procession.
Quick reality check: no one should feel pressured. If printing adds stress, you can keep it simple or skip it entirely and still honor your loved one beautifully.
When a funeral program is most helpful
1) The service has a lot of moving parts
If your ceremony includes music, readings, multiple speakers, a slideshow, military honors, or a graveside portion, a program becomes a calm, simple guide. Guests can follow along without needing repeated announcements.
2) You have guests who didn’t know the details
Extended family, friends from different seasons of life, coworkers, and community members often appreciate a short obituary, dates, and family names. It gently answers questions without forcing anyone to ask during a painful moment.
3) You want a keepsake people will actually keep
Programs are one of the most commonly saved memorial items because they’re personal, easy to store, and meaningful years later. A well-made program can become the one item people pull out on anniversaries and special dates.
4) You want to share one clear message
A program is also a way to communicate the tone of the service: faith-based, celebration of life, traditional, or intimate. One short quote or verse can set a comforting theme without needing a long explanation.
When you can skip a program (and still do it well)
1) The service is very small or informal
For a small gathering where everyone already knows what’s happening, a printed program may feel unnecessary. A simple welcome statement or a brief verbal outline can be enough.
2) Time is tight and printing becomes a burden
If you’re planning quickly, traveling, or juggling a lot, it is completely okay to simplify. You can choose a small sign-in table card, a single photo display, or nothing printed at all.
3) You prefer a minimal approach
Some families prefer to focus on the ceremony itself rather than handouts. That choice is valid, and guests typically understand, especially when the service is heartfelt and well guided.
If you still want something to hand out but not a full program, consider a small memorial card or a single-page handout with just the order of service and a photo.
Two quick Shorts for fast clarity
These Shorts are quick reminders: one explains what a program does, and the other covers when you can skip printing and still honor them well.
Short: what a funeral program actually does
A quick breakdown of why many families still choose programs: guidance, clarity, and a keepsake guests hold onto.
Short: when you can skip printing (and still honor them)
Fast alternatives for families who want a simpler approach without losing meaning or organization.
Quick decision table
| Your situation | Best choice | Why it helps | Simple alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| A structured service with multiple parts | Print a program | Keeps guests oriented and reduces confusion | One-page order-of-service handout |
| Many guests may not know the details | Print a program | Shares names, dates, and a brief obituary in a respectful way | Memory table card with key details |
| Small, intimate gathering | Optional | Guests can follow along naturally without a handout | Verbal outline + photo display |
| Time is tight or printing adds stress | Skip or simplify | Protects your energy while still honoring them well | Memorial card or nothing printed |
| You want a keepsake people will keep | Print a program | One of the most saved memorial items | Small memorial card keepsake |
If you’re undecided, choose the option that reduces stress. A meaningful service matters more than the amount of paper, and you can always keep it simple.
Next step
Decide what matters most: guidance for guests, a keepsake, or simplicity. If a printed guide would help your service feel organized, explore options for funeral programs. If you prefer minimal, use one of the alternatives above and focus on what truly honors your loved one.