Funeral Seating Plan

A simple seating plan for a funeral or memorial service: the immediate family in the front rows, the pallbearers on the aisle, extended family behind them, and a list for the ushers. Free, no sign-up.

  • Free, no sign-up
  • Family rows reserved
  • Pallbearers on the aisle
  • List for the ushers
Example
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Get started

  1. Choose how to start
  2. Add your guests
  3. Set up your chairs
  4. Seat everyone
  5. Print or share

Step 1 of 5: Choose how to start. What you see is an example. Click the others below to see what you can make, then keep a layout for your own names or start with an empty room.You’re looking at an example. Try the others, then pick one or start blank.

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How to make a funeral seating plan

  1. Set up the rows. Start from the example (rows of six on each side of the aisle) and match the chapel, church or hall.
  2. Reserve the front rows. Tag the immediate family and the pallbearers; rules keep them in the front rows.
  3. Add family and friends. Paste the names you know, with households together. Others can sit where they like.
  4. Seat everyone. Press Smart arrange, or drag names to seats. Leave aisle seats for anyone who needs them.
  5. Print for the ushers. Download the PDF: the rows with names and an alphabetical list.

The plan above is a service for 72: the immediate family in the front row on the left, the pallbearers in the front row on the right, extended family in the rows behind them and friends further back. Rows 7 to 9 are open. Press Use this layout to keep the rows and clear the example names.

Who sits where

  • Front rows: the spouse or partner, children and their families, parents and siblings.
  • Pallbearers: together in a front row or on the aisle, so they can step out easily.
  • Readers and speakers: on an aisle near the front.
  • Extended family behind the immediate family, then friends, colleagues and neighbours.

Customs differ between faiths and venues; the funeral director or officiant can tell you what is usual. For church services, see the church seating chart.

For the ushers

Download PDF prints the rows with names and an alphabetical list for the ushers at the door. Reserved cards for the rows can come from the seating card maker. The names stay in your browser; nothing is uploaded.

Funeral seating plan template

A funeral seating plan: rows of six on each side of the aisle facing the front, with the immediate family in the front left row, the pallbearers in the front right row and family and friends behind.
Service for 72
With names: Letter · A4 · Blank: Letter · A4

Frequently asked questions

Who sits in the front rows at a funeral?

The immediate family: the spouse or partner, children and their families, parents and siblings. Extended family sits in the rows behind them, then friends and others.

Which side does the family sit on?

Customs vary: often the front rows on the right or on both sides of the aisle. Ask the funeral director or officiant, who will know the custom for the venue.

Where do the pallbearers sit?

Usually together in a front row or on the aisle across from the family, so they can step out to the casket easily.

Do I need a seating plan for a funeral?

Only for the reserved rows, in most cases. A short plan helps ushers seat the family, pallbearers and any readers quickly, while other guests sit where they like.

What about guests who need help?

Keep aisle seats near the front for elderly guests and wheelchair users, and lock them so they stay free.

Is there a funeral seating plan template?

Yes. Download the PDFs below, with names or blank, or press Use this layout above to keep the rows.