Best Fonts & Font Sizes for Funeral Programs in Microsoft Word (Examples + Style Guide)

Planning a program is emotional—formatting shouldn’t add stress. Use this quick guide to choose readable, respectful fonts and correct sizes for a funeral or celebration‑of‑life program in Microsoft Word.

Recommended font sizes

• Body text: 12–14 pt (go 13–14 pt if many elderly guests will attend)

• Headings: 16–24 pt depending on hierarchy and space

• Captions/credits: 10–11 pt maximum; keep high contrast

• Line spacing: 1.4–1.6 for breathable paragraphs

• Margins: At least 0.5″ from edges and folds
  Tip: Print a single test page and read it at arm’s length. If you squint, increase size or weight.

5 safe, elegant font pairings

1. Garamond (Headings) + Calibri (Body)

2. Georgia (Headings) + Arial (Body)

3. Times New Roman (Body) + Baskerville (Quotes)

4. Cambria (Headings) + Calibri (Body)

5. Caslon (Headings) + Helvetica/Arial (Body)
   Keep script fonts for short lines like a poem title or name—avoid script for paragraphs.

How to apply in Microsoft Word (2 minutes)

1. Select all Body text → set font (e.g., Calibri) to 13–14 pt, line spacing 1.5.

2. Set Heading 1/2 (e.g., Garamond/Georgia) to 18–22 pt with +2–4 pt spacing after.

3. Use Bold for section labels (Order of Service, Obituary, Readings).

4. Keep text off fold lines; avoid edge crowding.

Copy‑ready wording (paste & personalize)
Front Cover Title:
“In Loving Memory of” [Full Name]
[Month Day, Year] – [Month Day, Year]

Acknowledgment:
The family of [Name] thanks you for your prayers, love, and support during this time.

Short Obituary / Life Story:
[Name] will be remembered for [qualities] and a life shaped by [family, faith, service, community]. Born in [place], they touched many lives with [kindness/humor] and will be deeply missed.

Layout notes: Bi‑Fold, Tri‑Fold, Graduated

• Bi‑fold (most common): fastest to print/fold; great when time is short

• Tri‑fold: extra panels for lyrics/readings or multiple speakers

• Graduated (stepped): premium, tabbed sections for photo‑heavy tributes
  Choose the simplest layout that fits your content; when in doubt, start with bi‑fold.

Free download & step‑by‑step help
free funeral program template (Word)  
how to make a funeral program in Word 

Printing & paper tips

• Paper: 28–32 lb matte or light cardstock looks professional, avoids glare

• Home printing: High‑quality print; let ink dry before folding

• Local print shop: Export to PDF, request one proof, ask for scoring on heavier stock

Final thought
Pick readable fonts, keep sizes generous, and test‑print. The love you put into it will be felt by everyone who attends.