A Farewell Feast: What To Consider In Planning Food For A Funeral Wake

A Farewell Feast: Weighing Your Options for Funeral Wake Food - DIY Or Caterers?

What is a funeral wake?

A funeral wake is an informal gathering that takes place after the funeral service. It serves as an opportunity for friends and family to come together, share memories, and celebrate the life of the departed.

The food you choose can set the tone for this important event. It functions works to:

Provides Emotional Comfort - A well-thought-out meal or snack can provide a small but meaningful respite from grief.

Brings People Together - Sharing a meal is a communal activity, and in the context of a wake, it helps bring those who are attending and grieving together.

Sets the Tone - The style of food service (buffet, plated, finger foods, etc.) can help set the tone of the wake, whether you aim for it to be a formal affair or a casual gathering.

Practical Consideration - Depending on the length and timing of the wake, guests may be at the venue for an extended period and will likely appreciate the provision of refreshments or a meal.

If you're planning a wake, read on to find out more about the things you need to think about when arranging food for a wake, as well as the differences between doing it yourself and hiring a professional caterer.

Time & Energy

A funeral is an emotionally draining occasion, so you need to be kind towards yourself during this difficult time. It can be very time-consuming to plan, prepare and cook for a big group, especially when you're grieving. Make sure to only take on this task if you're sure you have the time and energy to do so, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Menu Planning

You will need to plan the menu in advance to make sure you can cater to everybody’s dietary requirements and have time to make everything. Make a shopping list of all the ingredients required for each dish to be sure that you don’t forget anything.

Preparation & Cooking

It's important to do as much as you can ahead of the wake, especially when it comes to food preparation. This can be a time-consuming task, so make sure to consider the equipment and time it takes in advance. Be sure you have the correct utensils for everyone to enjoy the dishes too.

Serving & Clean Up

Where are you going to serve the food? Make sure you have plates, cutlery, serving utensils, and napkins. You also need to plan and check who can help you with the tidying up, especially on such a busy and emotional day.

Of course, these considerations don't mean there aren't some benefits to DIY catering:

More Cost-Effective

If you are working to a budget, self-catering is usually the most cost-effective option. You are likely to spend between £3 and £5 per person when catering your own event.

Bespoke Menu

Doing everything yourself means you can make all the decisions about what food you want to serve. If there are specific foods that your loved one enjoyed, you could choose these to honour them and enjoy memories of them. This is a benefit since not all caterers offer bespoke packages!