Saying the final goodbye to a departed loved one is undeniably difficult.
On top of all of the emotions involved, many details must be attended to and the planning can seem burdensome. Fortunately, hosting the repast doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Before you begin your preparations, give some thought to the following six questions to help make the post-funeral reception as effortless as it is unforgettable.
Who should be in charge of organizing the event?
You may feel ready to tackle the task of planning the repast but if not, seek help from your friends and family. They will be more than happy to assist you during this trying time. There are also many options at your disposal if you prefer to have someone else handle the details. For example, places of worship often have volunteer groups at the ready. If you will be having the funeral or memorial service at a funeral home, they are likely to have a team of professionals available for this purpose. You could also consider engaging a professional event planner who specializes in making funeral or memorial service arrangements and receptions.
Where will the repast be held?
Popular locations for funeral receptions include the funeral home, a church hall, banquet facility, local restaurant, or the home of a close friend or family member. When thinking about the venue, be sure to consider how many guests will be in attendance and your overall budget.
How much can you realistically afford?
It may seem like the funeral reception isn’t an appropriate time to be concerned about finances, but the costs can add up quickly so they need to be assessed. When planning a large gathering, it is always wise to first decide how much you can comfortably spend and then develop the menu and other specifics based on that figure.
What type of food and drink will you serve?
When you plan the fare for a funeral reception, your location, cultural heritage, and family traditions can all play a role. You’ll also want to create a tasty menu that suits your budget and is easy for guests to eat. There is no need to serve a full meal; light refreshments are perfectly suitable. Regardless of what you decide to serve, remember that the purpose of the repast is to give those in attendance the opportunity to gather together, comfort one another, and share their fondest memories of the departed.
Will you have a theme for the reception?
If your loved one had a special affinity that always comes to mind when you think of them, incorporating it into a theme for the event is a great way to tie everything together. For example:
If the departed was an animal lover or avid bird watcher, feel free to work them into the décor. You could include the motif in the programs, napkins, centerpieces, and even your prayers and speeches.
Whether your departed preferred pastel lavender, midnight blue, or fiery neon orange, there’s a way to work it into the reception. Linens, flower arrangements, and even the food can all be used to add a splash of your loved one’s favorite hue.
In what other ways can you add personalized touches?
You can make the post-funeral reception even more special by including elements that call to mind your loved one. There are a number of moving ways you can accomplish this, such as:
- Serving the departed’s favorite food and drinks
- Playing background music of special significance to your loved one
- Creating a tribute video to display during the reception
- Setting up a display table with photos taken throughout your loved one’s life
- Offering an open microphone so that guests can share a favorite story or memory
- Providing a custom keepsake for guests to take with them
When it comes to hosting a memorable repast, your best bet is to plan accordingly for your budget and familial preferences. Avoid the temptation to over-extend yourself physically and/or financially. There is no shame in accepting help and keeping things simple.
Vaughn Greene Funeral Services is here to help you in your time of need. If you need additional information about planning a memorable repast or wish to make arrangements, please reach out to our caring staff anytime.
About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For 25 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.
