Steps for Planning a Funeral Reception

If you have been tasked to help plan a funeral reception after a loved one has passed away, you may be nervous and not sure exactly where to start. While these receptions can be held in a variety of ways, you want to ensure you create one with dignity and creates a comfortable space for guests to mingle and support one another. Providers of cremation services in Irving, TX. know this can be a daunting task and share these steps for getting started.

1. Decide on a Budget

It is important to set a budget before you even begin planning the reception. This is because the budget will be your guide when it comes expenses for things like the location of the reception, food costs, table and chair rentals, and any other costs associated with the reception. If you do not have a set budget, the cost for a reception can get out of hand very quickly.

2. Select the Location of the Reception

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?

3. Set 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. 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?
• 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.

4. Invite the Guests

The final step is inviting the guests. This could be done as an announcement on a social media post or at the end of the memorial service. You could also send paper invitations in the mail. Just make sure however you invite your guests, you provide the day and time of the event as well as the address and directions.

After your loved one’s cremation services in Irving, TX. having a reception after the funeral or memorial service is a wonderful way for guests to gather, honor the deceased and support one another. Planning such an event can be stressful but if you take it step-by-step it can make the process much more manageable.