What is a 'funeral program'?

A funeral program is a printed document that outlines the order of service for the funeral proceedings. It typically includes detailed information such as the names of the participants, significant elements of the service, and often includes elements like poetry, scriptures, or photographs of the deceased. This program serves several purposes: it helps guide attendees through the service, ensures that everyone can follow along with the sequence of events, and often serves as a keepsake for those who attend.

The choice of a funeral program being a summary of the deceased's life focuses more on the biographical aspects rather than the framework for the service, while a receipt for funeral services is strictly an administrative document that records costs and transactions rather than any aspect of the memorial. A booklet for funeral home staff might contain procedural guidelines or protocols but does not pertain to the actual experience of those attending the service. Thus, the function of a funeral program is specifically to provide a structured outline of the service itself, making it essential for attendees.