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How to Use a Funeral Program Template
By Kim Gibson
Funeral program templates are a quick and easy way to
produce funeral or obituary programs for a wake, funeral
or memorial service. A funeral program (also known as an
Obituary Program or Memorial Service Program) is a
printed document which lists the details of the funeral
or memorial service, as well as biographical information
and key milestones of the deceased's life. Funeral
programs can also contain favorite scriptures, poems or
sayings. Funeral program templates are pre-designed
documents, with graphics and text placeholders for all
information that you may want to include. Funeral
program templates can be found on the Internet, and are
usually available for immediate download. Template
prices range from free to about $50.00.
When choosing a funeral program template, the first step
is to have an idea of a graphic design. There are many
different design themes to choose from. These themes
range from conservative religious designs, florals,
landscapes as well as themes based on occupations (such
as police officers or military service) or hobbies (such
as music or golf). Once you choose a design, consider
whether you want a picture of the deceased on the cover.
Once you have a general idea about your cover design,
think about the kind of information that you want to
include in your funeral program. The amount of
information you want to include will drive the size and
layout of your funeral program. Templates are available
in a wide range of sizes and layouts, including 8 1/2" x
11" and 8 1/2 x 14 and even 11" X 17". The layout can be
bi-fold, tri-fold and graduated styles. If you want a
basic funeral program, with just the order of service
information, obituary and poem, an 8 1/2 X 11" bi-fold
can be used. If you want multiple pictures or photo
collages, poems, hymn or funeral music lyrics, special
thank you verbiage and acknowledgments, you may want to
select a larger paper size, with a tri-fold layout for
additional space.
When selecting a template, make sure you are clear about
how much information you are able to edit or change.
Some templates have standard captions on the cover (such
as "In Loving Memory") that cannot be changed. Other
templates allow all text to be changed. Also, you may
want to select a template that will allow you to change
other aspects of the design such borders and font sizes
and colors.
Printing your funeral program template is the most
important step in this process. Some template designs
are color intensive, with full color on the front and
back. The more graphics and color on a template, the
longer the program will take to print. Printing a full
color, double-sided program may take an average ink-jet
printer 1-2 minutes each program (of course, this
depends on your printers speed and capacity). Make sure
you allow sufficient time to print your programs. Also
check your ink levels before you begin printing. It's
always a good idea to have a extra set of ink cartridges
on hand just in case you run when stores are closed.
Once your programs are printed, you will need to fold or
staple them. Make sure you allocate time for folding or
stapling, or delegate the task to a friend or helper.
You can also take you printed programs to an office
supply store and have them machine folded for about 2-5
cents per program, depending on the fold.
Kimberly Gibson is owner of Elegant Memorials Funeral
Program Templates. She also writes and publishes a wide
range of articles in funeral and memorial planning.
http://elegantmemorials.com/ |
