There are many areas offuneral planningafter the passing of a loved one that may feel silly or empty, and this is part of what the caring staff at McDougal Funeral Home are here to help with. Ourfuneral planning servicesare designed to help handle many of the details here in advance, and we’re happy to assist you with others that come up during the stressful period after a loved one’s passing.
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 are the types of food that generally are best for funeral services, both large and small? Let’s go over a few basics here.
Simple Snack Options
In many cases, particularly for smaller services or memorials, it’s appropriate to serve simple snacks that can be easily prepared and presented. These kinds of snacks are often placed out during visitation hours if the family chooses to arrange these before or after the funeral itself, or may be left for the entire service process. They allow people to snack as they see fit, not placing any onus on anyone to eat if they don’t want to.
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
- Pickles and other condiments
- A wide array of fruit or vegetable trays, often in combination
- Cookies, brownies or other bite-sized dessert options
- A small array of beverage options, potentially including bottled water, canned soda or lemonade choices
Larger or Traditional Gatherings
In other situations, families may choose to have a larger gathering for the funeral or memorial. These are often religious or traditional ceremonies held in churches or other religious buildings, or at community centers if needed.
In these circ*mstances, it’s many choose to present a larger meal to those who attend. This meal will often include a basic protein plus some side dishes – you may choose a plated meal if funds are available, but there are plenty of good buffet options here as well. Generally speaking, it’s good to select a protein that’s widely eaten by lots of people, such as chicken, to ensure there aren’t too many dietary issues. In addition to this, it’s good to offer basic drink options like bottled water or others if available, including fountain drinks or lemonade and tea options in some cases.
For more on the food and drink options you should consider serving at a funeral service, or to learn about any of our funeral planning, casket options or cremation services, speak to the caring staff atMcDougal FuneralHome today.
FAQs
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.
How do you know how much food to order for a funeral? ›
Consider the budget, the number of attendees, and their preferences. A few more things you need to consider when planning catering menus for funerals are your budget, the number of attendees, and their dietary requirements, allergies, and food restrictions.
What food to bring to a bereavement? ›
You can still provide a nourishing meal even if you don't cook. Many grocery stores offer ready-to-eat meals in a variety of options. You could also bring fresh rolls, cold cuts, cheeses, and potato salad. Drop off a fruit and vegetable platter along with an extra-large sub.
What is usually served at a funeral reception? ›
Often considered a classic staple at funeral receptions, casseroles are one of the most common funeral foods at a potluck. They're easy to make, filling, and are great leftovers - which is often beneficial for a grieving family who doesn't have the time or energy to prepare a meal.
What is easy finger food for funeral reception? ›
They might include:
- Cut vegetables with spinach dip.
- Vegetarian tomato and mozzarella skewers.
- Baked kale chips.
- Tea sandwiches with your choice of watercress, cucumber, or pineapple.
- Individual fruit pizzas.
- Grapes or berries with marshmallow fruit dip.
If your event is large or if you would like to have a full meal together at your loved one's memorial service, serving entrées is a great way to comfort and satisfy your guests.
How much finger food for 100 guests? ›
Appetizers
If you're offering catered appetizers, plan for about six portions per guest. For a party of 100 guests, this adds up to roughly 600 appetizer portions.
How many sandwiches per person for a funeral? ›
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.
Who pays for the meal 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. Choose a comfortable venue.
What are grief groceries? ›
Grief groceries are care packages filled with essential food items and household supplies given to individuals or families experiencing difficult times due to loss.
Sending a meal delivery gift card means that your loved ones can order any meal or subscription that they choose, and at the time that is most convenient for them. If you are having a hard time thinking of a gift for a grieving family, consider sending meal delivery gift cards to give the gift of food.
What is the meal called 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.
What not to say at a funeral service? ›
Don't tell a husband or wife that they'll meet someone else. Avoid mentioning any negative interactions that you had with the deceased. Never mention it if a family member isn't crying or doesn't seem sad. People grieve in different ways.
How to plan a funeral luncheon? ›
Funeral Reception Checklist
- Get a Venue. Before you can plan the funeral reception, you first need to pick a venue. ...
- Choose a Time. The reception time is based on the choice of the family members. ...
- Make Invitation Cards. ...
- Provide Refreshments. ...
- Create a Welcoming Environment. ...
- Show Respect To the Deceased.
It's a custom in many families that friends and extended family members work together to provide a meal for loved ones who have experienced a loss. During this sad time, it can be difficult for families to focus on self-care when they are working through deep emotions.
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. These practices highlight the deep-rooted belief that food can serve as a spiritual and emotional bridge between the living and the dead.
