Funeral Brochure vs Funeral Program vs Bulletin
If you have been searching for a funeral brochure template, a funeral program template, a funeral bulletin, or a memorial pamphlet, you have probably noticed that these terms all seem to describe the same thing. That is because, for the most part, they do.
This guide explains what each term means, where the differences (if any) actually lie, and which format is the best fit for most families.
What Each Term Means
Different families, communities, and regions use different words for the same printed handout. Here is what each term typically refers to and where you are most likely to hear it.
Funeral Program
The most widely used term. A funeral program is a printed document handed to guests at a funeral or memorial service. It typically includes a cover photograph, the person's name and dates, an obituary or life tribute, the order of service, and a closing message such as a poem or acknowledgment. The standard format is a bifold sheet of letter paper.
Where you will hear this: Universal. Used across all regions, denominations, and service types.
Funeral Brochure
Functionally identical to a funeral program. Some families and funeral homes use the word brochure when the handout is more photo-heavy or narrative in style, but the format and contents are the same. You may also see this term in search results because template providers use it as a synonym.
Where you will hear this: Common in online searches and among funeral home providers.
Funeral Bulletin
A term most commonly used in churches. A funeral bulletin is the same printed handout, but the word bulletin reflects its role as a worship-service guide. Church bulletins for Sunday services follow the same format, so many families are already familiar with the concept.
Where you will hear this: Churches and religious communities, particularly in the United States.
Memorial Pamphlet
The word pamphlet describes the physical format: a folded sheet of paper. A memorial pamphlet is a funeral program by another name. This term is sometimes used when the service is a memorial (held after burial or cremation) rather than a funeral (held with the body present).
Where you will hear this: Common in the UK, Canada, and among families holding memorial services.
Obituary Card / Prayer Card
This is the one term that refers to something genuinely different. An obituary card (also called a memorial card or prayer card) is a small, wallet-sized card with the person's photo, name, dates, and a short verse. It is a keepsake, not a service guide. Some families hand these out in addition to the full program.
Where you will hear this: Catholic traditions, Irish and Italian American communities, and as a keepsake alongside a full program.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Funeral Program | Funeral Brochure | Funeral Bulletin | Prayer Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Bifold (4 panels) | Bifold (4 panels) | Bifold (4 panels) | Single card |
| Includes order of service | Yes | Usually | Yes | No |
| Includes obituary | Yes | Yes | Sometimes | No |
| Includes photograph | Yes | Yes | Sometimes | Yes |
| Paper size | Letter (8.5×11) | Letter (8.5×11) | Letter (8.5×11) | Wallet-sized |
| Primary purpose | Service guide + keepsake | Service guide + keepsake | Service guide | Keepsake only |
The first three columns are functionally interchangeable. The prayer card is the only format that serves a genuinely different purpose.
Bifold vs Trifold: Which Format to Choose
Beyond terminology, the other common question is whether to use a bifold or trifold layout. Here is how they compare.
Bifold (Recommended)
Advantages
- Prints on standard letter paper
- Folds once, creating 4 panels
- Easy to print at home or at a print shop
- Enough space for a photo, obituary, order of service, and closing message
- The standard format guests expect
Limitations
- Limited to 4 panels of content
- Long obituaries may need to be shortened
Trifold
Advantages
- 6 panels provide more space
- Good for very long obituaries or multiple photos
- Can include additional sections like pallbearer lists or detailed repast information
Limitations
- Harder to format and align when printing
- Requires more careful fold setup
- Less common, so it may feel unfamiliar to guests
- Fewer templates available
For most families, a bifold is the right choice. It covers all essential content, prints easily, and is the format guests are most familiar with.
So Which One Do I Need?
Whether you searched for a funeral brochure, funeral program, funeral bulletin, or memorial pamphlet, you are looking for the same thing: a printed bifold handout for guests at a memorial or funeral service.
The best approach is to choose a template you like, add your content, and print it. The name on the search bar does not matter. What matters is that guests have something meaningful in their hands when they arrive at the service.
Ready to Get Started?
Browse our templates, choose a design, and begin adding your content. Editing is free, and you only pay when you are ready to download the final print-ready PDF.
Browse Funeral Program TemplatesRelated Guides
How to Make a Funeral Program
Step-by-step instructions for building a complete bifold program, from choosing a template to printing.
Funeral Program Wording Examples
Ready-to-use text for cover lines, obituary sections, acknowledgments, and closing passages.
Funeral Program Examples
See how real bifold layouts look with different styles and content arrangements.
Skip Word and Google Docs
Why general-purpose editors make funeral programs harder than they need to be, and what to use instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a funeral brochure and a funeral program?
In everyday use, there is very little difference. Both refer to the printed handout given to guests at a funeral or memorial service. Funeral program is the most common term and typically implies an order of service is included. Funeral brochure is sometimes used when the handout is more photo-heavy or narrative, but the format and content are usually the same.
Is a funeral bulletin the same as a funeral program?
Yes, in most cases. Funeral bulletin is a term commonly used in churches and religious communities for the printed handout that guides guests through the service. It serves the same purpose as a funeral program and contains the same content.
What is a memorial pamphlet?
A memorial pamphlet is another name for a funeral program. The word pamphlet refers to the physical format: a folded sheet of paper. A memorial pamphlet, funeral pamphlet, funeral program, and funeral brochure all describe the same type of printed keepsake.
Should I search for a funeral brochure template or a funeral program template?
Either search will lead you to the same type of product. If you are looking for a printable bifold handout with a photograph, obituary, and order of service, a funeral program template is the most common name for what you need.
Is a trifold funeral brochure better than a bifold funeral program?
A trifold provides six panels instead of four, which gives more space but is also harder to format and print at home. A bifold is the standard format for funeral programs. It prints on a single sheet of letter paper, folds once, and provides enough space for a photograph, obituary, order of service, and closing message.
What is an obituary card?
An obituary card (sometimes called a memorial card or prayer card) is a smaller, single-sided or wallet-sized card with the person's photo, name, dates, and a short verse or prayer. It is different from a funeral program, which is a larger folded document that includes the full obituary and order of service.
Do funeral homes provide funeral programs?
Some funeral homes offer program printing as part of their services, often at an additional cost. Many families choose to create their own programs using an online template because it gives them full control over the content, photos, and design, and is typically less expensive.
What is the most common funeral program format?
The bifold format is by far the most common. It uses a single sheet of 8.5 by 11 inch paper folded in half, creating a four-panel booklet. This format is easy to print at home or at a print shop, and it provides enough space for all standard content: a cover photo, obituary, order of service, and closing message.