Funeral Receptions/Wakes

It is common practice to host a funeral reception for family and friends after the funeral or cremation. The event can be as simple or fancy as you like.

These events are often arranged at short notice and there are several options to consider. Firstly, consider the number of people you wish to invite, as this will provide the size of venue required. Will you require catering, a bar or accommodation for relatives who have travelled a long way?

Hotels and function venues can usually accommodate all of these requirements and will have the staff and facilities to ensure a more relaxed and dignified time for you and your guests attending the event.

If you are having a reception, ask the funeral director, family member or friend to make an announcement letting people know where and when the event is taking place. This can be done at the funeral home or at the end of a memorial service.

If it is a family-only reception, tell the appropriate family members to pass the word among family and let them know it is a family-only event.

You can personalize the event by bringing a favourite CD of the deceased, or a memorial DVD and playing it in the background. You may wish to have an open-mic session where loved ones can share memories of the deceased, or to have someone say a few words about the deceased.

The event is a send-off for someone very close to you, and you have total freedom to include whatever feels right for you and your family.

The Bereavement Today search facility will help you to find the best venues available in your region.