Search

contact us

Blog

A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Funeral Reception

A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Funeral Reception

A funeral reception is a heartfelt way to honor the deceased. Start preparing with this step-by-step guide to planning a funeral reception.

Losing a special someone comes with a certain kind of pain that is comparable to none. As you pick up the pieces, you want to keep their memories alive. You’ll want to immortalize them in any way possible.

Writing a heartfelt obituary is good, but planning a funeral reception is more apt if you want to send off someone honorably. A funeral reception is an event where close friends and family members gather to remember the deceased. This usually takes place after the funeral in a different setting.

It is also a gathering that brings happiness to the grieving. With the ongoing pandemic, though, you need to plan the funeral reception carefully. Read what’s below to know the full funeral reception checklist and go through the list today.

Planning a Funeral Reception Starts with a Date, Time, and Venue

The first thing you need to work on when planning a funeral reception is the date. Though most people choose to hold the funeral reception immediately after the memorial service, this is not a strict rule to follow.

You may schedule the funeral reception at a later date. Do so if there are special people who cannot make it immediately after the funeral.

When it comes to the venue, there are a few options to consider. One of the most common locations is the funeral home itself, particularly its parlor. This is a sensible option if you’re looking to hold the reception immediately after the memorial service.

Alternatively, it can be in the home of a relative or friend. It can also be a restaurant or the church’s banquet hall. When choosing a venue, always keep in mind the number of guests who may attend.

Who Will Be in Charge?

The next step is to determine who will be in charge of organizing the event. Usually, it’s the immediate family members of the deceased who take on the task. It can be a spouse, parents, siblings, or children.

However, this can be tough for the family members considering the pain they’re going through. Moreover, you and your family may already have your plates full of the funeral arrangements, burial, or cremation services.

If this is the case, it is best to find another relative or trusted friend who can take on the task. Find someone who has experience in organizing events.

Alternatively, you can ask the funeral home if they can help organize the event. Some funeral homes have tie-ups with caterers and venues.

Set the Budget

Next, you want to set your budget for the funeral reception. A big factor that will affect your budget is the number of guests you will invite.

Another is the venue and the meals that you want to serve. Some families choose to hold the event in their houses. This helps reduce the costs of the reception.

Furthermore, some families encourage their guests to bring food. This potluck setup will work if you’re hosting a small group of people. Be sure to follow the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) if you’re planning on doing this.

Prepare a List of Food and Drinks

Next, you want to prepare a list of the food and drinks you want to serve. There are certain factors to consider when choosing the right funeral food. Apart from the budget, you need to consider how much time you have to prepare the food.

If you’re planning to cook them at home, you may need some lead time to prepare the dishes. Thus, it may be wise to hire a food catering company.

Also, you need to consider any cultural or religious factors. Some families who belong to certain religions may have restrictions on specific foods. Thus, consider this, as some of the guests may also share the same restrictions.

Another key factor is the time of the funeral reception. If you plan to hold it around noon, then you need to prepare a full lunch course. If it’s in the afternoon, cookies and coffee may do.

Consider Personalizing the Event

Since the goal of the funeral reception is to celebrate the life of the deceased, you need to make it extra special. And one way of doing so is to personalize the reception.

You want to encourage people to share their fond memories of the deceased. By personalizing the event, you can encourage friends and relatives to interact and share their experiences with the person who passed on.

For starters, you can play some of the favorite tunes of the deceased. You can also set up a photo collage of his or her photos against the wall.

You may also create a tribute video that will play throughout the reception. If the person is a collector, you can display some of his collections for other people to appreciate.

A Thank You Speech is a Must

Last but not least, you need to prepare a thank you speech. Any of the immediate family members can take on this task.

The goal is to express your gratitude to everyone who attended the reception. You want to show your appreciation to everyone who condoled and supported your family.

The speech doesn’t have to be lengthy. What matters is it should come from the heart. Additionally, don’t forget to give out tokens or small goodie bags to all the guests.

Let Us Handle Your Family’s Cremation Needs

Planning a funeral reception can be challenging if you’re doing it alone. If you follow the tips we discussed and find someone who can assist you, you can arrange a funeral reception that will give your loved ones the appreciation they deserve.

If you’re looking for someone who can help with the cremation arrangements, then you came to the right place. We offer top-notch cremation services affordably and conveniently.

Talk to us today and tell us more about your requirements. Let us handle your family’s cremation needs so you can focus on mourning your dearly departed loved one.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Skip to content