Funeral Food Tips and Advice

It's a difficult and stressful time and things often have to organised quickly

Regardless of what you decide to serve, it is important to remember that the purpose of the funeral reception is to give those who have come to pay their respects the opportunity to gather together to support each other and to share their memories of the deceased. You are under no obligation to entertain or provide a food extravaganza. You may also be grieving so be sure to consider your own needs. By all means, ask for help.

How many people do you think will attend If you are expecting a large crowd then you should choose items that can be made in bulk and will go along way. For a smaller group, you may have more options.

How much you want to spend While it may sound like a funeral is not an appropriate time to be concerned about finances, unless all your payments are prearranged, you may incur substantial cost. As when you are planning any large gathering, it is perfectly fine to decide how much you can comfortably spend and develop a menu based on that figure.

Where will the funeral reception be held The venue for your reception will determine how simple or elaborate you need to keep the food. A church hall may have a full kitchen which will allow you to prepare food on site. The parlor of the funeral home may not. In this case, you will need foods that can be kept warm in slow cookers or in chafing dishes.

What about desert at a funeral

Surprisingly, the topic of whether or not to include dessert on your funeral food menu is somewhat controversial. For some, sweet items should be avoided. For others, they are the best part. The answer is, it’s up to you. The most convenient dessert items can be held. This would include cookies, brownies, and fruit cups. Cakes are fine but you will need to provide places and cutlery.

Including some of the deceased’s favorite dishes can be a great way to personalize the reception.