How to Plan a Meal for a Funeral
The funeral meal is a long-held tradition among many people. An event that focuses on the needs of the living, it is a time when the grieving can spend time together in remembrance while enjoying the comfort of good food and the loved ones around them. While this ritual is practiced throughout the world, family traditions and heritage often dictate the particulars. Meals may be simple or extravagant. Some families use this event as a time to express sadness while others use it as a time to celebrate life. It is important to consider those factors when planning a funeral meal.
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Instructions
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Estimate a head count for the meal by making a list of attendees you know plan to be there. Call a member of the deceased's family who would be able to estimate the number of people expected at the funeral. Increase the total attendee list by one-third to account for anyone you may have not counted.
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Talk to members of the family to determine if there are any special funeral traditions.
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Prepare foods that characterize the heritage or region of the country from which the family originates.
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Cook some of the deceased's favorites foods or unique family recipes as a way to honor the deceased and his family.
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Choose simple foods that are not messy, such as cold-cut sandwiches, cut up pieces of fruit and side salads. People will want to grieve together by talking and even sharing words of remembrance. Messy meals hinder this interaction.
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Prepare snack trays with finger foods such as cheese, crackers, olives and vegetables with dip. Not everyone will enjoy eating at meal this time, but they may still need some nourishment.
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Serve desserts that are easy to pick up and eat with your hands. Include sweets such as cookies, tarts or brownies.
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Provide a variety of drinks including coffee, water, punch and lemonade.
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Tips & Warnings
Any extra food should be given to the deceased's family so they can focus on grieving, not meal preparation.
Catering can be just as affordable as preparing the meal yourself and may be worth the work it will save.
Hold the funeral reception at a nearby restaurant; many have private party rooms.
Remember to account for any meal preparation or serving products: paper plates, serving utensils, forks, spoons, knives, coffee filters, etc.
