Most people view a memorial service as their last opportunity to bid farewell to a friend, associate or family member. There are a number of cultural, regional and personal influences that can affect these types of proceedings. Providing a funeral program is one way to let all in attendance understand the order of actions.
This handout may be a couple of pages long or it may simply be a single sheet. It should always contain at least the most basic information about the honoree, such as their complete name, dates of both birth and death, as well as the location and time of the service. Most people also opt to include a favorite picture of the deceased on the cover.
The inside should contain a complete ordered listing, start to close, of how the service will proceed. For each passage, poem or song that is used as a tribute, the title, author and person who is performing it needs to be listed. It would also be a thoughtful gesture to have the obituary included as part of the publication.
Having a printed order of service helps the officiant to keep the proceedings flowing smoothly and in a timely fashion. It also provides an opportunity for those in attendance to follow along. Everyone will know what to expect as well as the details of any tributes performed during the event.
Aside from letting everyone know what to expect, these handouts often provide mourners with a sense of comfort and closure. It gives them a physical reminder of a very personal occasion. There is no wrong or right way to grieve, and for some, these mementos are key coping mechanisms.
There are multiple reasons why having an available funeral program available at the services is important. It not only pays homage to the deceased, but it helps those in attendance follow the proceedings. For many individuals, these handouts are keepsakes that assist them in coping with their own sense of loss.
