Tips for a Catered Funeral Reception
If you are planning a funeral reception to be held after your loved one’s funeral, one element you will need to decide on is what food would you like to have for the reception. Some families may decide to have a buffet-style service while others may choose a formal sit down plated meal. However you decide to serve the food, you most likely are considering having it catered in. To help you plan the perfect reception, directors of funeral homes in Barrington, IL share what you need to know about having food catered.
Know the Guest Count
If your funeral reception is private, you should be able have a pretty good idea of what the guest count will be. If you are having a public reception then you will need to do your best to estimate how many guests you are expecting.
Caterers will need to have this estimate so that they can be prepared and have enough of all items they are serving as well as for things like napkins, silverware, and drinks.
Select the Menu
Working with a caterer, you will find that most of them can offer a wide range of foods. You may choose to have lighter menu with things like sandwiches, crackers, dip sauces and chips, or you may go with foods like salads, pasta dishes, chicken entrees, and more.
If you would like a special menu, maybe one that incorporates some of your loved one’s favorite dishes, caterers are great for creating special menus.
Consider the Venue
When having food catered in consider the venue of your funeral reception. For example, if you are having an outdoor reception, the caterers may need a specific area they can use as their base. They may also need access to things such as electricity and/or a sink so things like this should be kept in mind.
Know Your Budget (And Stick To It)
It can be very easy to get carried away and overspend when you are having an event catered in. Make sure you know your budget before you start planning the food portion of your reception. Let the caterer know your budget beforehand so that they can hep brainstorm ideas to help keep you within your comfortable budgeted range.
How to Find a Caterer
Finding the right caterer for the job is important. If you already have an idea of the menu and food you would like to serve, you may already have a certain caterer in mind that specializes in such menus. If not, a great way to find a good caterer is to ask around. Asking your friends and family for recommendations. You can also do a search online for caterers in your area. Just make sure to read their reviews to see how their past clients feel about their service.
Final Thoughts
No matter how you decide to serve the food, having it catered in can be a big stress reliever off of you. Knowing that the guests will be provided with good food and everything will be taken care of by the catering company can give you the opportunity to focus on and visit with your guests.
If you would like more information on funeral recaptions or other services from funeral homes in Barrington, IL, know that we are here and avail for you anytime.
