Here at Joseph A Hey & Son, we understand how important it is to provide comforting and nourishing food for those attending a funeral wake. Funeral wakes are an opportunity to celebrate the life of a loved one and offer comfort and solace to their family and friends.
With that in mind, we’ve put together this guide on how to make the perfect funeral wake, what makes great funeral wake food and how you can host an unforgettable celebration of your loved one’s life with great food and great company.
As experienced funeral directors in Bradford, we’ve seen all manner of wakes, from quiet, contemplative farewells to louder and more boisterous celebrations of the deceased’s life. Whichever kind of wake you want to host, it’s important to remember the deceased above all else. The wake should be a time for remembrance, and celebration of the deceased’s life.
What Makes Great Funeral Wake Food?
Light and nourishing foods are always a good bet – finger foods such as sandwiches and canapes are ideal for shorter wakes or those attended by many people. Larger meals such as a buffet or carvery are great for more intimate, longer wakes.
Above all else, the food should be comforting and provide warmth to those in attendance – think slow-cooked stews, hearty curries, flavourful casseroles and other home-style dishes which evoke memories of times spent with the deceased.
When it comes to funeral wake food, there’s no one-size-fits-all. It all depends on the type of wake you’re hosting, who’s attending and the deceased’s preferences.
Of course, if there was a particular dish associated with your loved one, it’s always a nice idea to include this in the menu. Whether it’s a hotpot or stew they used to cook or a dessert they particularly enjoyed, having their friends and family gather together to enjoy the taste can be a great way of honouring the deceased.
Is A Buffet or A Seated Meal Better?
Again, this largely depends on the type of wake you’re having. If it’s being held in a larger space and there are many guests attending, then a buffet is usually the best option – it allows people to mingle and chat while they help themselves to food from the selection provided.
If your wake is more intimate and will be attended by a small group of people, a seated meal can be a good choice. This allows everyone to feel comfortable, spend time together and share stories about the deceased as they eat.
If you’re hosting the wake at your own home, rather than a local venue, buffet food can be a great idea, as you’ll prepare it all in advance. That way, you won’t be hidden away in the kitchen while the other mourners are in the living or dining room.
Should I Make The Funeral Wake Food As Personal As The Funeral Itself?
As we mentioned previously, if there was a particular dish associated with the deceased, it only makes sense to include it in the menu.
If you’re struggling for ideas then take some time to consider their life – what did they like to eat? What dishes were special to them? Which ingredients had special meaning or memories attached to them?
These small details can help make the wake food as personal and memorable as the funeral itself.
Of course, if you’re unable to make the food that personal, it isn’t the most important thing. So long as your loved one’s friends and family members are gather together to share stories, and respectfully commemorate the deceased, then your wake will be perfect.
Things To Consider When Planning Your Funeral Wake’s Menu:
Whether you’re planning the wake yourself, or you’re having a local event organiser take care of it for you, there are a few things you need to consider.
The Deceased’s Wishes
If the deceased had any special wishes, make sure you include them where possible. If, for example, they always loved eating fish and chips, why not order them in for the wake? It’s a nice way to remember their life, whilst also providing comfort food to those attending.
The Location of Your Wake
The venue will largely determine what food you’re able to offer. If it’s a local hall, then ordering in catering might be your best option – while if it’s being held at your home, pre-made dishes are much easier to serve and manage.
The Number of People Attending The Wake
How many people are attending the wake? If you’re expecting over 20, then a buffet is probably best. You can also provide smaller sandwiches and snacks if there will only be a handful of people in attendance.
A Range of Dietary Requirements
Will any of your guests have specific dietary requirements? Make sure you check in advance and prepare food accordingly – from gluten-free options to vegan dishes. This way, everyone can enjoy the same selection of food and feel included.
Your Budget For The Wake
Finally, you need to think about how much money you’d like to spend on the wake food. It’s important to determine what kind of menu is within your budget, and then decide from there. Again, it doesn’t matter if you can’t afford three-course meals for every attendee – that isn’t why they are there. So long as your loved one remains front and centre in everyone’s memories, that’s all that matters.
For Local Funeral Directors In Bradford & Surrounding Areas, Please Call Joseph A Hey & Son Funeral Home
If you’re planning your loved one’s funeral, the help and support of experienced, local funeral directors in Bradford can make all the difference to your day. Our trained, experienced and sympathetic team will help you to plan the perfect celebration of your loved one’s life, from simple funerals to more complex celebrations.
For more information on any of the services that we can provide, don’t hesitate to get in touch today. As one of the oldest funeral homes in Bradford, we can work with you to plan a funeral that honours the memory of your loved one.