Learn More About the Different Types of Funeral Cards and Products

After a loved one passes away, you may find yourself putting together a funeral or memorial. As you do, you may quickly learn that there are many funeral and memorial-related products that you can purchase for the services. This may leave you wondering what these products are and why they are used. Ultimately, this can help you find the products you may want on hand for the funeral or memorial. Here are a few of the most common types of funeral cards and products, how they are used, and why you may wish to order them for upcoming services.

 

Funeral Programs

Funeral programs are booklets passed out at a funeral or memorial service. These booklets typically range in size from about the size of a paperback book to the size of a magazine. The funeral program typically lists more information about the deceased, including where they went to school, where they worked, their hobbies, and who they were as a person. The booklet may also include pictures taken during the course of the deceased's life. The program also typically has a general itinerary for the funeral. It may list the songs or hymns being sung, the prayers, verses, or poems being recited, and who the guest speakers are. Some programs also provide the words to the songs, hymns, poems, or prayers so those in the audience can follow along or sing along. It may also list any pallbearers and where the burial will take place if a burial is occurring. Most funeral programs are anywhere from four to 20 pages, depending on what items are included in the booklet.

 

Sign In Books

Another item that is commonly found at memorials or funerals is a product known as a sign-in book. A sign-in book is a book that is typically kept by the spouse or children of the deceased. This is a great way to keep track of everyone who attended your loved one's funeral. Additionally, it is becoming increasingly common for people who sign in to say some kind words about the deceased. This may include a funny story, a touching memory, or other information. The family can then take comfort in seeing how loved their loved one is and may even hear new stories about their loved one that they did not already know. In addition to being able to keep this type of book as a keepsake, it may come in handy if you decide to send thank you cards to people who attended the funeral. The book keeps track of attendees, so you do not have to do that on your own. 

 

Prayer Cards

A prayer card is one of the most common items handed out at funerals. A prayer card typically features a picture of your loved one and the date they were born and passed away. The card also typically features a meaningful prayer or Bible verse. Prayer cards date back to the early 1500s when it was not common for there to be pictures of everyday people. The prayer cards were used to remember a loved one who had passed away with a favorite prayer.

 

Memorial Cards

Memorial cards are very much like prayer cards, but instead of having a prayer listed on them, they have something non-religious, like a quote or poem. Usually, memorial cards have a poem or quote about life or death. They feature a picture of the deceased and are passed out to individuals who attend the service. This is a small keepsake that guests can keep to remember the individual who has passed on.

 

Sympathy Cards

Another type of funeral card that you can order is a sympathy card. Unlike the other products on this list, sympathy cards are not sent out by the family of the deceased. They are sent to the family of the deceased by those who loved or cared about the person who is no longer alive. Sympathy cards are sent to pay your sympathies to or to express your condolences to the family of the deceased. Sending a personalized, handwritten card is recommended in these situations. 

 

Thank You Cards

The final type of card related to funeral or memorial services is a thank you card. Thank you cards are sent out after the funeral. Etiquette states that these cards should be sent to anyone who helped you and your family during their time of need. They should be sent to anyone who delivered food, sent flowers, donated to your loved one's preferred charity, assisted in the funeral as a pallbearer or speaker, or went above and beyond during this sad period in your life. While not required, some people also send thank you cards to everyone who attended the funeral to show appreciation.

If you are planning a funeral or memorial service for a family member or a loved one, there are many different types of cards and products that you may want to have on hand. A sign-in book lets you see everyone who came to the funeral, while funeral programs, prayer cards, and memorial cards are passed out at the service and can be a small keepsake for attendees. Sympathy cards can be sent out to those who have lost a friend or family member, while thank you cards are sent to those who sent flowers, made donations, or helped with the funeral services. 

After a loved one passes away, you likely feel many different emotions and may have a lot on your plate. At ObituariesTomorrow.com, we make ordering funeral cards and products as simple and easy as possible. Visit ObituariesTomorrow.com to place an order, or call us and let us help you with your funeral and memorial-related products.