Are you Thinking of Catering for A Funeral Yourself? Here are some Tips (2024)

FAQs

What is the best food to serve at a funeral? ›

Most caterers will include a standard 15, 18, or 20% automatic gratuity in their contract. If they do not, then you should plan to tip a minimum of 15% of the final bill.

You may want to hire caterers to organise this or you could choose to do homemade food and drinks. Some venues will offer a bar service and catering facilities. Typical food to serve includes a buffet of sandwiches and snacks, or platters of pub snacks.

Finger foods. Sausage rolls and devilled eggs are a popular choice for funeral wake finger buffets. Incorporate more vegetables by adding crudités, hummus, dips, and fruit plates.

Funeral potatoes, crocks of macaroni and cheese, cakes, pies, cookies, and the ubiquitous casserole exist for a reason, she says. These foods, it turns out, do more than satiate an empty stomach. They bring us solace during a time of need.

A warm, cheesy helping of lasagna boosts your brain's serotonin uptake, making you feel satisfied and calmer, at least in the short term. Another bonus: these meals can be frozen and reheated for another night. Sugary foods, like cakes, cookies, and pies, are also comforting and popular as sympathy foods.

The most requested song for a traditional funeral service is “Amazing Grace,” a Christian folk hymn written by English poet John Newton. Many find the message of forgiveness and redemption a beautiful tribute to the mercy of God.

Fortunately, catering tipping etiquette is similar to restaurant tipping etiquette. While tipping a caterer isn't expected, it's customary under tipping etiquette to add 15-20% of the total catering bill, which helps the staff earn a more comfortable wage.

Providing a meal is a way of showing love, comfort and support while the family is grieving or overwhelmed by details related to the death. If preparing a meal be sure to inquire about any allergies or dietary restrictions. Do check with the family or funeral home before bringing food to the funeral home.

Main course: A funeral reception is not the time for a sit-down meal, but you should still have a main course option. Popular choices include cold cuts, pasta dishes, and casseroles. Dessert: No funeral reception is complete without dessert. Serve a variety of sweets, such as cookies, cakes, and fruit.

Who pays for dinner after a funeral? ›

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.

While it is customary in many families for immediate friends and family to bring family food like cake, cookies, or any sweet dish for the visitors. It is still a thoughtful gesture even if you're not a close acquaintance.

Simple Snack Options

A few good snack options here might include the following: Bread, pita or some other grain type. Sliced meat and cheese options. Chips or other finger foods.

For tough times, comfort food is the hug we all need. Bringing dishes like baked sandwiches, cheesy potatoes and pasta salads are a great way to show your love and support.

Savory Pies: Quebec meat pie, Chicken Pot Pie, Quiche, Steak Pie. Casseroles: Lasagna, Macaroni & cheese, Tuna noodle casserole, Shepherd's pie – turkey, beef or vegetarian… Sauced Meals: Chicken Parmesan, Meatballs & Sauce, Ribs, Meatloaf…

No Need For Catering Or Reception

If you plan to serve food and drink for the funeral, you can do it during the viewing to save time and maybe even money.. This is common and a great way to bring everyone together and make sure you have something to eat after a long day at the funeral home.

From simple magic equations such as for planning how much to make for each guest e.g. 1 serving = 4 sandwich triangles (2 slices bread), 1/3 cup potato salad, 1 pc cake, 2 biscuits or whatever; to hot servings of soup and sandwich or pies or indeed a bowl food, there is plenty of ideas out there.

A funeral reception luncheon, or funeral repast, is a gathering for a meal after the funeral service. The person who hosts the luncheon will decide with the family to hold the event at a restaurant, banquet hall, or someone's home.