Should You Plan a Post Funeral Reception? (2024)

Life is a series of beginnings and endings. When someone dies, you usually hold a funeral for them; if they're close to your heart, having family members, close friends, and acquaintances of the deceased gather for a post funeral reception is an ideal way to reminisce and connect with the grieving family.

Does your family need to host a reception after the funeral?

When you have a lot on your mind. Dealing with the death of your loved one isn’t easy. After you decide to host a funeral, you need to start thinking about the reception.

"At , we’re committed to serving our community. You can reach us by calling (610) 838-9191 or visiting 1418 Main St, Hellertown, PA 18055. We’re ready to help you plan your loved one’s funeral."

Planning a post-funeral reception can be difficult, especially if you do not know what to expect. This guide explains what you need to think about. To help navigate the process and provide some helpful hints on how to make this time easier for all involved.

If you're hosting a post-funeral reception, it can be difficult to know what music is appropriate. It's different from your typical party as the mood and tone are more like that of visiting someone at their house instead of out on the town. If the deceased loved any particular artists, then listening to them might also be a nice touch, but make sure they have slower tunes.

If you're having a post-funeral reception, there are so many reasons for people to attend. It's an opportunity for friends and family of the deceased person to meet up to offer their condolences and express sympathy about what happened. The time is also perfect for people who know that individual best to come together as they mourn his or her loss while celebrating this human life. It also gives those grieving the chance to focus on celebrating someone's life rather than mourning them.

There are many reasons why it’s wise to have a repast following someone who passed on from living, but we must remember that even after passing on, those left behind still need time to heal. What happened was inevitable no matter how many things change or don't.

What is a Post Funeral Reception?

A post-funeral reception is a social gathering after the funeral service where mourners can share stories about the deceased. Food is usually served. It’s used as a way to further connect people.

Funeral receptions are common but you’re under no obligation to host one. It could be too much for you. If you’re overwhelmed with grief, you may not have the energy to do anything beyond the bare least.

One thing you should think about is your family’s expectations. Will most people expect you to host a reception? Not doing so, in that case, will be considered odd. You’ll have to explain yourself to curious people.

If you believe that most people are expecting a funeral reception, but you don’t want to plan it by yourself.

Here are the things you can do.

1. Reach out to people who are close to you.

Splitting the planning obligations with other people makes your task easier.

2. Plan by keeping it small

You can make the reception easier to plan by keeping it small. Remember, you’re not trying to impress anyone. You don’t need to organize a great party. People want to get together and reminisce about the deceased. It’s your job to make that happen.

For example, the menu is often the biggest headache. Feeding people can grow expensive. And you have to worry about finding food that will please everyone. Some people are on a diet, others have allergies, some are picky. It’s a lot to think about.

3. Make it easier on yourself by sticking to basic food.

If someone can’t find something that they like, oh well. They can eat later. A sandwich tray, a fruit and veggie tray, and a cheese platter should be enough to please your guests.

4. Host a potluck dinner

If you want a more elaborate meal, you can try to host a potluck dinner. That way, you only have to be responsible for one or two dishes. You should figure out your family’s thoughts on this before you plan on it. Some people have strange ideas about potlucks. They wouldn’t think it was an appropriate funeral reception.

5. Host everyone at your own home

Finding the right location is also tricky. It’s easier if you can host everyone at your own home.

If you can't host at your home, you’ll have to rent a coffee shop or restaurant. This drives up your costs but also makes everything more convenient.

A funeral reception is a good way to express your grief. You can share memories that you couldn’t mention during the funeral. It’s a more relaxed setting. You have the freedom to express yourself in unusual ways.

Should You Plan a Post Funeral Reception? (2024)

FAQs

Should You Plan a Post Funeral Reception? ›

The Funeral Reception. It is customary (but not required) to hold a reception following a funeral or memorial service. This gathering offers friends and family the opportunity to meet in an informal environment.

Should you have a reception after a funeral? ›

The funeral reception gives mourners the chance to support each other, share fond memories, and celebrate the life of the one who passed on. There are no hard and fast rules for these gatherings, so it's up to you to decide what your budget can accommodate and what your loved one would have wanted.

What do you call a reception after a funeral? ›

A repast is any gathering of people after a funeral service. Some people called it a reception, which is the term most commonly used. That said, repasts are less formal than a funeral service or memorial.

Who attends reception after funeral? ›

There is no set rule on who should or should not be invited to the funeral reception. Who you choose to invite is purely a personal choice. Some families may choose to have a public recaption where everyone is welcome. Other families may opt for a smaller, more intimate affair with only very close friends and family.

How do you plan a gathering after a funeral? ›

Funeral Reception Checklist
  1. Get a Venue. Before you can plan the funeral reception, you first need to pick a venue. ...
  2. Choose a Time. The reception time is based on the choice of the family members. ...
  3. Make Invitation Cards. ...
  4. Provide Refreshments. ...
  5. Create a Welcoming Environment. ...
  6. Show Respect To the Deceased.
Nov 7, 2022

Is it okay to not have a repast after a funeral? ›

A post-funeral reception is a social gathering after the funeral service where mourners can share stories about the deceased. Food is usually served. It's used as a way to further connect people. Funeral receptions are common but you're under no obligation to host one.

What is the etiquette for the repass? ›

Etiquette At A Funeral Repast

It is important that you reach the repast on time. If a guest happens to arrive late, they make sure they enter discreetly. Since it is an occasion where they are paying respect to the dead and their family, they must ensure that their phone is switched off or on silent.

Who pays for the repast? ›

The cost of the repast is usually covered by the loved one's family, though a fraternity or sorority group, Sunday school class, trade union or other group your loved one belonged to might sponsor the repast as a gift to the family. Choose a comfortable venue.

What is the difference between a reception and a repast? ›

A “Meal Eaten after a Funeral” The term “funeral repast” specifically refers to a meal shared among attendees after a funeral or memorial service. More commonly, people refer to a funeral repast as a “funeral reception.”

Why is food served after a funeral? ›

Today, although symbolic rituals around food and mourning still exist, food's most important purpose is to comfort the mourners. Across cultures in America, whether it's Jewish or Mormon, Italian or Southern Black, food is often provided by the community for the family of the deceased.

Is it rude to not go to a funeral reception? ›

Likewise, it is totally acceptable to attend the funeral service but not the reception. If you have to miss the function, try to say a quick goodbye to the family after the service and let them know you are unable to join them afterwards.

How much do you tip a pastor for a funeral? ›

The typical gratuity for a clergy member who performs a funeral service is between $50 and $150. Be sure to also include a thank-you note. If live music is performed at the funeral service, the usual gratuity is $30 per musician, even if they are family members or friends.

Who walks out first at a funeral? ›

Funeral procession order

The officiant will usually lead the procession and pallbearers carrying the coffin tend to follow. Immediate family and close friends will often walk behind the coffin, followed by other guests.

Is it customary to have a reception after a funeral? ›

The Funeral Reception. It is customary (but not required) to hold a reception following a funeral or memorial service. This gathering offers friends and family the opportunity to meet in an informal environment.

What is customary to do after a funeral? ›

After a funeral, burial, or memorial service, it is customary to have a reception where people can gather, and often eat and drink.

What do most people do after a funeral? ›

What is a Funeral Reception? A funeral reception is a post-funeral gathering where friends and family members can come together to celebrate and remember the life of their loved one. The reception typically follows immediately after the funeral service.

What is the etiquette after a funeral? ›

After the Funeral: Acknowledgments (Thank You Notes)

While it can be time-consuming, acknowledging the thoughtfulness of those who contributed to the celebration of the life of our loved one can give us the chance to connect with them one more time.

Why is there a party after a funeral? ›

In summary, planning a funeral repast or reception is not just a tradition but a meaningful way to unite those who grieve a loss. It offers a structured setting for loved ones to connect, share stories, and find comfort in a communal experience, all while paying homage to the person who has passed away.

Is it customary to have food after a funeral? ›

One area of a funeral service that's traditional in most situations is the providing of food to family and friends who are able to attend. This food is usually provided at the end of the service, and is a form of support offered to those who are grieving.

What do you do after the funeral is over? ›

17 Things To Do After the Funeral
  1. Before you do anything, get a notebook. ...
  2. Request certified copies of the Death Certificate. ...
  3. Check to see if deceased had left a will. ...
  4. Get the mail redirected, if applicable. ...
  5. Stop health insurance coverage. ...
  6. Contact employer or union. ...
  7. Make sure to pay the bills. ...
  8. Initiate probate.

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