A Farewell Feast
Weighing Up Your Options For Funeral Wake Food?
When you're grieving, every decision feels monumental - especially when it comes to honouring a loved one's memory.
Whether you're planning a wake for a loved one or helping someone else through this difficult time, choosing the right food for a funeral wake is a delicate task. It can be a stressful, time-sensitive situation that will always require careful consideration as the responsibility of getting it "right" will weigh heavily on your mind.
At Sadlergates Catering, we understand the emotional intricacies involved in planning a funeral wake. With years of experience in the industry, we've seen first-hand how the right food choices can elevate the occasion, providing comfort and solace to grieving families.
That's why we've created this comprehensive guide—to offer our expertise and help you navigate this challenging decision with ease and confidence.
![A-Farewell-Feast-Pillar-Page-Image-2 A-Farewell-Feast-Pillar-Page-Image-2](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/A-Farewell-Feast-Pillar-Page-Image-2.webp?width=700&height=625&name=A-Farewell-Feast-Pillar-Page-Image-2.webp)
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Contents
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.
![-A-Farewell-Feast-Pillar-Page-Banner-Image-1 -A-Farewell-Feast-Pillar-Page-Banner-Image-1](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hubfs/-A-Farewell-Feast-Pillar-Page-Banner-Image-1.webp)
![Untitled design (35) Untitled design (35)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(35).png?width=112&height=100&name=Untitled%20design%20(35).png)
Guest Count
How many guests are you expecting? Send invitations to get a better idea, but it is usually better to plan for more people as anybody is free to attend a funeral.
![Untitled design (36)-1 Untitled design (36)-1](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(36)-1.png?width=112&height=100&name=Untitled%20design%20(36)-1.png)
Dietary Restrictions
Check if there are any dietary requirements or allergies that you need to make allowances for.
![Untitled design (38) Untitled design (38)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(38).png?width=112&height=100&name=Untitled%20design%20(38).png)
Budget
Do you need to opt for a more budget-friendly option, or do you have enough left aside to provide extra food?
![Untitled design (37) Untitled design (37)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(37).png?width=112&height=100&name=Untitled%20design%20(37).png)
Food Choices
Those who are grieving could benefit from comfort food and finger foods that are easier to consume.
![Untitled design (41) Untitled design (41)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(41).png?width=112&height=100&name=Untitled%20design%20(41).png)
Serving, Storage & Transportation
What serving equipment or cutlery do you need, is there enough to serve as well as transport your food? Can you transport it safely? Are there enough cutlery, plates and napkins for everyone you are expecting, and spares?
![Untitled design (40) Untitled design (40)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(40).png?width=112&height=100&name=Untitled%20design%20(40).png)
Venue
Where is the wake being held, how far is it from the funeral service and how will the food be taken there? It is also worth checking what facilities are available at the venue – can they heat or cook food or does everything need to be prepared in advance?
![Untitled design (39) Untitled design (39)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(39).png?width=112&height=100&name=Untitled%20design%20(39).png)
Time
Do you have the time to plan and arrange a whole DIY menu, and is there time on the day to prepare and set up your own food in between the funeral events?
![Untitled design (42) Untitled design (42)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(42).png?width=112&height=100&name=Untitled%20design%20(42).png)
Space & Equipment
Is there room for you to prepare your food, and can it be cooked in the venue? Do you have the equipment to prepare food? If you are planning to serve hot food, do you have the space at the venue to cook and serve everything at the same time?
![Untitled design (43) Untitled design (43)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(43).png?width=112&height=100&name=Untitled%20design%20(43).png)
Clean up
Who will stay behind to help you clean up? Using ordinary cutlery means you will need to either clean it at the venue after the wake or take them home with you to wash. If you are using disposable equipment, do you have somewhere to dispose of everything?
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.
Benefits Of Doing It Yourself
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!
![Untitled design (45) Untitled design (45)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(45).webp?width=453&height=400&name=Untitled%20design%20(45).webp)
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Get Your Free Copy
Our comprehensive guide has been designed to give you the clarity and peace of mind you need at this difficult time.
Inside, you'll discover:
Key considerations when planning food for a wake.
The benefits and challenges of organising the catering yourself.
Insights into hiring professional caterers in the hopes of a more seamless experience.
Budget
You are likely to spend anywhere from £5 to £10 per person when hiring a caterer, however, this depends on the caterer and the options you are looking for. Get in touch with the caterer to discuss if there are bespoke options and what can be done on your budget.
Menu Options
A caterer is likely to offer a range of set menu options that you can choose from to best suit the taste of you and the loved one who has passed. You may be able to request bespoke options from some caterers.
![Sadlergates-Professional-Caters-Pillar-Page-Image Sadlergates-Professional-Caters-Pillar-Page-Image](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Sadlergates-Professional-Caters-Pillar-Page-Image.webp?width=540&height=300&name=Sadlergates-Professional-Caters-Pillar-Page-Image.webp)
Professionalism & Service
Look for caterers with experience and a positive reputation. Reviews can help with this.
Serving & Cleaning Up
Caterers usually set up serving stations, provide the necessary equipment, and handle the clean up after the event. It is worth checking that this service will be provided.
Benefits Of Hiring Professional Caterers
![Sadlergates Team-1 Sadlergates Team-1](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Sadlergates%20Team-1.png?width=112&height=100&name=Sadlergates%20Team-1.png)
Expertise & Experience
Professional caterers can ensure the day runs smoothly due to their experience with such services.
![Untitled design (39) Untitled design (39)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(39).png?width=112&height=100&name=Untitled%20design%20(39).png)
Time & Convenience
Outsourcing the food preparation saves you time and stress.
![Sadlergates Team (1) Sadlergates Team (1)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Sadlergates%20Team%20(1).png?width=112&height=100&name=Sadlergates%20Team%20(1).png)
Flexibility
A caterer should be able to work around you and your schedule for your ease.
![Sadlergates Team (2) Sadlergates Team (2)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Sadlergates%20Team%20(2).png?width=112&height=100&name=Sadlergates%20Team%20(2).png)
Presentation
Your food can be served and set up in a visually appealing way, ready for you when you arrive.
![Sadlergates Team (3) Sadlergates Team (3)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Sadlergates%20Team%20(3).png?width=112&height=100&name=Sadlergates%20Team%20(3).png)
Professionalism
Knowledge and experience give an individual the professionalism to handle an emotional and tough time. Expert caterers can offer support with serving and preparing food professionally to relieve stress and difficulty.
Alternative Options
It isn’t just a choice between doing everything yourself or opting for caterers, however. A few of the other options you could choose include:
![Sadlergates Team (4) Sadlergates Team (4)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Sadlergates%20Team%20(4).png?width=112&height=100&name=Sadlergates%20Team%20(4).png)
Go Out For A Meal
Choosing a restaurant or other establishment to celebrate the end of your loved one's life takes the pressure off you to organise food. However, this may be a less viable option depending on how many people are included.
![Sadlergates Team (5) Sadlergates Team (5)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Sadlergates%20Team%20(5).png?width=112&height=100&name=Sadlergates%20Team%20(5).png)
Potluck
Ask individuals to bring a food item of their choice so you have a buffet selection. This means no one person has to shoulder all the responsibility and may be a nice way for guests to honour your loved one.
Here at Sadlergates, we can help ease the pressure during a difficult time. It couldn’t be simpler to order our sandwich buffet and select from our huge range of options.
If you have specific requirements to help send off your loved one, we also offer bespoke menu options and arrangements. So, be sure to get in touch today to order a buffet or make an enquiry about a more personalised arrangement.
![Sadlergates Team (6) Sadlergates Team (6)](https://offers.sadlergates.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Sadlergates%20Team%20(6).webp?width=600&height=400&name=Sadlergates%20Team%20(6).webp)