Meals for a Funeral

Funeral meals can range from simple finger food to sit-down repasts.

When a loved one dies, we often look to customs and traditions to bring comfort. This is also the case when planning funeral meals. Most meals take place after the ceremony and burial of the body. In some cases, only family members of the deceased are invited. In other cases, friends and funeral attendees are welcome to join with the family for a repast.

Finger Food

In large funerals, a sit-down meal may not be practical due to space issues. Therefore, finger foods such as sushi rolls, chicken wings, meatballs on a toothpick or shrimp cocktail can be placed in strategic points of the room or circulated by servers.

Casseroles

Casseroles are a staple for funeral repasts. These dishes can be prepared at home, then rewarmed at the site of the dinner. The content of casseroles varies by ethnic preferences and geographic location and can include tuna, beef or chicken. Casseroles can also be based on pasta or rice. Because the casserole is warm, it can be a comfort food for grieving families.

Sit Down Dinner

Church groups often provide a full meal for family members following a funeral. That meal can consist of the main course (chicken or beef, mashed potatoes and green beans), a light drink such as juice or a soft drink and a dessert (pound cake or pudding). These meals are often prepared on site at the church and served following the return of the family from the burial site.

Desserts

Desserts can be served alone or as part of a more elaborate funeral meal. In some cultures, eating desserts at a funeral shows that loved ones are willing to continue with life, even as they mourn their loved one's death. Some appropriate desserts include rice pudding, chocolate sheet cake, sweet potato pie or peach cobbler.

References

• Protocal Matters: Wakes and Post-Funeral Meals
• "New York Times," He Would Have Wanted Everyone to Eat, Abe Opincar, 2005