If you are planning a memorial event after a loved one’s cremation services in Michigan City, IN., there are some things you will need, one of which is a memorial program. While creating a program is not difficult, there are certain things that need to be included as well as a typical format they then to follow. To help ensure you print a great program, we are going to outline the format as well as share some tips and tricks to make the process easy as well as grief support.
Program Size
Although some memorial programs may be just one page and be single or double-sided, most consist of two to four pages. When it has multiple pages, the dimensions are typically 5 ½ X 8 ½ inches. This can be created by taking a normal sheet of copy paper that is 8 ½ X 11, turning it to landscape to print and then folding it in half.
Outline of Program
While you can certainly design the program in anyway you wish, there is a typical order and flow that most follow. This consists of:
Front Cover- This is where you will display a photograph of the deceased. This could be one strong image or a collage of several images. It could even be an image of something else entirely such as a sunset or ocean scene. You will also want to include their full name, date of birth and death, and date and location of service.
Inside Left Page– On this page, you will list the order and details of the service. This will look something like
- Welcome and Introduction: (Name of who is giving the remarks)
- Eulogy (Name of person scheduled to give the eulogy)
- And so on
Inside Right Page– This page will consist of the obituary. This can be the official obituary that was previously published, or a new one can be written.
Back Cover– On the back cover you typically find a meaningful poem or passage, list of pallbearers, as well as any special mentions they family would like to add. These may include things like, “The family wishes to say a very special thank you to all the nurses at General hospital”.
Design Tips
You want the program to have the right format and information, but you also want it to look good. When designing the program, keeping things in mind like color combinations and font choices can go a long way in making sure your program comes across tasteful and elegant.
For example, using a font that looks messy or cartoonish can really be off-putting. Also, using colors that clash or having words on a dark background can make things difficult to read. While you can add some creativity to the program, just make sure to do so in a way that it doesn’t distract from its purpose.
Another word of advice is to always get a second opinion. It’s always nice to have a second pair of eyes to double check things like making sure names are spelled correctly or the elements of the service are listed in the correct order.
When you are making your program for the service following a loved one’s cremation services in Michigan City, IN., follow these steps and you will have a program the guests will love see our caregiver award.