Everyone who has visited funeral homes Northern Cambria, PA, knows that they can be emotional centers. Hosting the funeral might not be the only thing you have to do. You could decide to host a funeral reception. This is a less formal event that takes place after the main funeral. Everyone gathers to speak and share memories.
A funeral reception isn’t a party. The mood is different. Food, however, is almost always served. People grow uncomfortable if they go too long without eating. Serving food at the reception allows people to feel better and stay longer. Because it’s not a normal social event, you don’t need to spend a lot of money or put too much thought into it. Simple food will be fine.
To really make things easy for yourself, set up a buffet. The guests can serve themselves and the food can plain. There are endless options for this.
Sandwiches
A make your own sandwich buffet does everything you need. All you need to is lay out some bread, meat, cheese, and condiments like mayonnaise and ketchup. You can add as many filling options as you want. Guests can eat what they like on their own timetable. You can pick up all of the groceries that you need at a basic grocery store.
Remember Dessert
Even when times are tough and people are grieving, they still enjoy eating sweets. Dessert is often saved for special moments but that doesn’t have to be the case. Eating something sweet can perk you up, even it’s something small. Once again, you don’t have to lay out an elaborate spread here. A few store-bought cookies would be enough. You’re providing for your guests’ needs. No one cares about the food. They want to talk about the deceased.
Special Items
If there are particular foods that the deceased enjoyed, it could be very moving to serve them at the funeral reception. It’s up to you if you decide to share this knowledge or keep it to yourself. It’s the type of small touch that will go unnoticed if you don’t point it out. Adapting the entire menu to fit the deceased’s tastes might be hard, but you can certainly add a dish or two.
Hire Caterers
Hiring a catering company allows you to step back completely. You don’t have to worry about cooking or cleaning or anything else. Working with caterers isn’t the cheapest option but is definitely one that you should consider. The food might not be better, but there’s a lot of value in not having to worry about anything.
Ultimately, your goal is to say goodbye to the deceased. Nothing else matters. Funeral receptions are popular because they give people a chance to discuss the deceased. During the funeral itself, it’s common for only a handful of people to speak. The reception gives everyone a chance to be heard.
All funeral homes Northern Cambria, PA, serve a critical purpose. Putting your loved one’s memory to rest won’t be enjoyable, but it can be special. Everyone dies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of food do you serve at a funeral reception?
Here’s some of our recommended foods.
Casseroles – can be reheated easily
Finger foods – perfect for small group
Fruit and vegetable trays
Salads.
What do you call the reception after the funeral?
It’s called funeral reception. It is customary to hold a reception following a funeral. Years ago, the funeral reception was called a “repast” – meal shared by close friends and family after the funeral.
Why is food served after a funeral?
Many people believe that food served after funerals is a form of charity for the friends and relatives of the deceased. Some people also believe that the more that guests eat, the more blessing goes to the dead.
