When organising a funeral it’s customary to provide food for the people who are there to honour the loved one who has passed away.
Whether it is choosing to serve a loved ones’ favourite dish or drink or providing a hot or cold finger food buffet or a plated meal – a funeral is a special time to come together to celebrate the loved one’s life and provide support for one another.
An essential aspect of a funeral is the catering. Some things to consider when catering for a funeral wake are:
Number of people attending the funeral
How big or small the funeral is, will impact the decision on how to cater for it. If it is many people attending the wake, you may consider a professional caterer to minimise the amount of stress on the day. A catering company looks after everything from set up to serving and the clean-up.
Dietary options to consider
Are there going to be any children attending the funeral? Also vegetarian and vegan diets are increasingly common, so it’s worth ensuring that there are at least a few meat and dairy free options that everyone can partake in. Ask the catering company, to clearly mark the vegan options to make it easier for the guests.
Serving style
Will it be a plated, sit-down meal or a finger food buffet? It’s vital to establish a clear line of communication with the catering company so that they understand the preferences and any special requests you may have. It’s also important to discuss the budget, knowing the size and scope of the funeral is a vital starting point.
Variety of beverages
In addition to food, make sure to offer beverages, including water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Some families may also want to include alcoholic beverages, such as wine or beer. It is important to have the necessary licenses and permits in place.
Menu ideas
› Sandwiches: freshly made pinwheel or triangle sandwiches with an assortment of fillings including smoked salmon and cream cheese, egg salad, chicken mayo, tuna or ham is a popular option.
› Finger food: sausage rolls, feta and onion tarts, mini quiches, devilled eggs, scones and fresh cream and jam, cheese sliders and fruit platters work well in funeral menus.
› Salads: a selection of cold meats and green salad, pasta salad, coleslaw, Mediterranean salad or Thai salad is another option worth considering.
› Casseroles: comforting casseroles like lasagne, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato pie are also commonly served at funerals.
› Desserts: assorted slices and cookies, vegan cupcakes, mini muffins, fruit loaf and chocolate brownies also feature often in bereavement catering.
