Planning a Funeral Reception

Funeral planning may seem like a depressing topic, but the reality is that your loved ones will appreciate you taking the initiative to reduce the number of decisions they need to make during an emotional time. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that everything goes exactly the way you would like. This includes the music played at the memorial service to the types of potatoes served at the reception. Your funeral reception is a time for friends and family members to reunite from across the country (or the world!) to celebrate a life well-lived. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re planning your funeral reception.

Step 1: Find Plenty of Room

You may be surprised at the number of individuals who are interested in paying their final respects. The family home or a nearby park are good choices. You may find that a local church building is a great place to host a reception, even if your funeral is not a spiritual event. More than roomy, these gathering halls may also have tables and chairs you can borrow or places to store and prepare the food.

Step 2: Plan for Extra Food

When people hear you are having a reception they may offer to bring a dish or two to help out, others may arrive bearing extra finger-foods or treats. To provide adequate space for everything, long tables with few decorations are the best way to go. If they are narrow guests can peruse the various options before making their selections. You may want to consider bringing extra serving spoons.

Step 3: Consider Catering

Worrying about having enough food for unexpected guests is more stress than your family needs during a day when emotions are already running high. Consider catering or asking distant relatives or friends to help out and keep things moving. Depending on your family traditions, the party may turn into a high-spirited opportunity for people to share stories or a quieter meal that is more refined in nature. 

Advance planning for a funeral reception allows friends and family members to relax and enjoy themselves during a difficult time. Do you need additional ideas for planning a  memorial service or burial ? Contact the knowledgeable associates at  Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery  today at 480-832-2850 or contact us via email at  wecare@mvfuneralhome.com .