Funeral templates & planning guides
Everything you need to arrange a dignified service: free funeral program templates you can download and edit, order-of-service layouts, eulogy and obituary examples, poems and songs, and guidance on what to wear and what to say. Written for South African families, with isiZulu and Afrikaans versions where it helps.
Programs & order of service
Funeral program template for South Africa
A free fill-in-the-blank funeral program template for South Africa. Copy the layout, see what goes on the cover, inside and back, then personalise it.
Funeral program examples and what goes inside
See funeral program examples and exactly what to put inside - order of service, obituary, tributes, poems and acknowledgements - with copy-ready wording.
Funeral programme in isiZulu (uhlelo lomngcwabo)
A funeral programme in isiZulu with a fill-in-the-blank template and key Zulu phrases for the order of service, obituary and acknowledgements.
Order of service for a funeral
A clear order of service for a funeral, with a Christian template plus notes for other faiths. Copy the running order and personalise it for your service.
Funeral program template in Afrikaans (begrafnisprogram)
An Afrikaans funeral program template (begrafnisprogram) with a fill-in-the-blank order of diens, obituary and acknowledgements you can copy and use.
Funeral program in isiXhosa and Sesotho
A funeral program in isiXhosa and Sesotho with fill-in-the-blank templates and key phrases for the order of service, obituary and acknowledgements.
Simple one-page funeral program
A simple funeral program on a single page - a quick fill-in-the-blank A5 template for a small service or when you are short on time.
Eulogies & obituaries
Obituary examples and how to write one
Funeral obituary examples plus a fill-in-the-blank obituary template. Learn what to include and see short, warm samples you can adapt.
Eulogy examples and how to write one
How to write a eulogy, with a fill-in-the-blank structure and a short sample eulogy you can adapt. Practical help for speaking at a funeral.
Writing a funeral speech or tribute
How to write a funeral speech or tribute, with a simple structure and a sample tribute for a family member you can adapt and read on the day.
Funeral speech for a family member
A heartfelt funeral speech for a family member - a simple structure, a sample speech for a parent, sibling or grandparent, and tips for the day.
Poems, songs & readings
Bible verses for funerals
Comforting Bible verses for funerals read at SA Christian services - Psalm 23, John 14, Revelation 21 and more - with context and how to choose.
Funeral poems for a service or program
A curated set of funeral poems, including the context of Funeral Blues, plus original and public-domain short verses you can copy for a program or reading.
Funeral songs and hymns for a service
Popular funeral songs and hymns used at South African funerals - traditional hymns, gospel, Christian and modern songs - to help you choose for a service.
Funeral Blues - meaning and when to read it
An explanation of Funeral Blues by W. H. Auden (Stop All The Clocks) - its meaning, why it moves people, and when to use it at a funeral.
Christian funeral songs and hymns
Christian funeral songs and hymns for a service - well-loved hymns, worship songs and where each fits, to help you choose for the order of service.
Attire & etiquette
Choosing a black dress for a funeral
How to choose a black dress for a funeral in South Africa - length, fit, fabric and where to find one affordably, plus what to pair it with.
Funeral attire for women
Funeral attire for women in South Africa - ladies' funeral wear ideas, what is respectful, and how to dress for the weather and the service.
What to wear to a funeral
What to wear to a funeral in South Africa - guidance on colours, formality, weather and culture for women and men, so you dress respectfully.
Funeral attire for men
Funeral attire for men in South Africa - what to wear with or without a suit, shoes, ties and seasonal tips so you look respectful at the service.
Winter funeral attire
Winter funeral attire for South Africa - how to dress warmly and respectfully for a cold-weather, often outdoor graveside service, for women and men.
Elegant funeral dresses
How to choose an elegant funeral dress that is dignified and respectful - styles, fabrics and where to find one affordably in South Africa.
Messages & wording
Thank you messages after a funeral
Ready-to-use thank you messages after a funeral - for cards, the church, mourners and helpers - that you can copy, personalise and send.
Funeral flower meanings and card messages
Funeral flower meanings and short card messages for South Africa - what each flower says and ready-to-copy verses for the card or wreath.
Condolence and sympathy messages
Heartfelt condolence and sympathy messages to send when someone has died - short messages, religious and non-religious, that you can copy and personalise.
Funeral flower arrangements explained
Funeral flower arrangements explained - wreaths, sprays, bouquets and casket flowers, what each is for, and how to choose and order in South Africa.
Funeral farewell messages
Funeral farewell messages and goodbye wording you can copy - for a card, a tribute, social media or a final word to someone you have lost.
Planning
How to plan a funeral in South Africa
A step-by-step checklist for planning a funeral in South Africa - what to do in the first 24 to 48 hours, documents needed, and who to notify.
Funeral tombstones and unveilings in South Africa
A guide to funeral tombstones and unveilings in South Africa - indicative headstone cost ranges, the unveiling custom, and how to choose a memorial stone.
Funeral and memorial service invitation wording
Funeral and memorial service invitation wording templates - copy-ready announcements for a funeral, memorial or after-tears that you can personalise.