Planning a Funeral Reception, Wake or Celebration of Life event
Serving Refreshments at a Funeral Reception or Wake
Whilst it is not always necessary to offer refreshments at a funeral – the reason mourners are there is to pay their respects to a much-loved relative, friend or colleague – people may have travelled some distance, so it is nice to offer something before they leave.
Also, sharing food is an integral part of many societies, and the customs and rituals within them. At a funeral gathering, it can provide an opportunity for people to come together, talk, share memories and thoughts, and support each other in their loss.
How Many People Will be Attending the Funeral Reception?
First, think about the number of people attending. This may help you to decide what will be possible within the budget you have.
Where is the Funeral Reception Being Held?
Where the gathering is held may inform the type of refreshments you offer. If it is in a local pub or hotel, they will be able to provide food and drink. If it is at home or in a village hall you may want to get some help from family and friends, or find a local caterer or delivery service.
Depending on the number of people attending the funeral and post-funeral gathering, where they are being held and what food and drinks you are serving, you may need to borrow or hire tables and chairs, tablecloths, glasses, cups and saucers, plates and cutlery. A Wonderful Life Catering offer all its clients the loan of everything need they only pay a washing and transport charge saving them up to £500 in hire charges.
What Type of Food and Drink to Serve at a Funeral Reception or Wake?
The food and drink that you offer at a funeral reception or wake is a matter of personal choice. It may be that the person who has died made arrangements or made their wishes known, either in writing or during conversations with those closest to them.
There are no rules. It is always lovely to choose something that reminds you of them. It may be that the person had a favourite type of food or drink – a passion for bangers and mash, cakes and pastries, or they were a committed vegan. They may have loved beer or Champagne, or afternoon tea.
The main thing is not to let this be an added pressure or worry, at a time when you are grieving and may already feel overwhelmed with the many other things you have to organise.
If you can, find others who can help with this task
Enlist the Help of Family and Friends
Family and friends are often only too pleased to help with the catering. This can take the pressure off you and also help to keep costs down. It may be that each person brings a plate of food for a buffet, or a friend is great at baking or making sandwiches and would love to be in charge of that. Don’t be afraid to ask and to allocate tasks.
Ordering In
There are hundreds of delivery services and companies from which you can order everything from sandwiches, fish and Chips, three course meals to canapes. This saves a great deal of time, stress and energy and there is something for most budgets.
Appointing a Caterer
It may be that planning and making food on top of everything else is too much to cope with, particularly if you are a large number of mourners. Choosing a venue that can provide food is an option, or you could appoint a caterer or an event planner to assist you. We have a dedicated team on hand to plan every last detail giving you back precious time to spend with your loved ones. We work seamlessly with your funeral directors to ensure your celebration of life event is truly memorable.