Steps for Planning a Funeral Reception

With so much to plan, arrange, and take care of after a loved one’s passing, the family might have asked you to help in planning the funeral reception. Although this can be looked at as a great honor, it can also create feelings of stress and anxiety as you aren’t sure where to even start with the planning. As directors of funeral homes in Streamwood, IL., we understand planning a funeral reception can be tricky and that is why we are laying down the steps one at a time to help you get started.

Determine the Overall Budget

The first thing you need to do is set the overall reception budget. This is because everything you do will effect this budget. Ordering food, renting the location, any funeral favors or other special considerations will all increase the cost. There are several costs associated with a funeral reception and if you are not careful and have a strict budget to follow, it can get out of hand fairly quickly.

Select the Reception Location

While most funeral receptions are held in churches, funeral homes, or a family member’s home, they certainly don’t have to be. Many families may choose to hold the event at a local park or museum, hotel, restaurant or other event space.

• Things to consider when deciding on the location, consider things such as:
• Is the space able to accommodate all of the guests?
• Does the location have a kitchen or can food be catered in?
• Does the location have things like chairs and tables or will those need to be rented?
• Will the weather interfere with the reception should it rain or storm?
• Is there enough parking for all of the guests?

Creating the Menu

With most funeral receptions, guests will expect some sort of meal or refreshments. This could be anything from cookies and punch to a full blown three course meal. Of course, budget will play a big role in what type of food is offered and how. Some options that families may choose include:

• A buffet being offered
• Having a sit down meal catered in
• Catering in sandwiches and other “lighter” options
• Having guests bring in dishes for a potluck style reception

What you decide to serve and how you decide to serve it is entirely up to you as these are all appropriate options. Some factors that may impact your choice are

• Cost – Catered meals can be more expensive than lighter refreshments
• Space – Does the room have ample space for tables and chairs for a sit down meal? Is a buffet style table better for the space?
• The tone of the reception – If you want more of a casual environment where guests walk around and mingle then serving lighter refreshments may be good whereas a catered sit down meal has a more formal feel.

Invite the Guests

After all of the planning has been completed, it is time to invite the guests. If you would like to do it “old school”, you can invite by paper invitations in the mail. This is more appropriate for an older guest list who may not be online or on social media much. If it is a younger aged guest list, using social media or a digital invite is entirely appropriate. Just make sure however you invite your guests, you provide the day and time of the event as well as the address and directions.

As directors of funeral homes in Streamwood, IL., we understand how stressful this time can be. Know that we are here to help you in any way we can in this difficult time.