Planning a funeral is a traumatic enough experience without having to think about the catering arrangements. However, food and drink are an important part of the memorial process, providing comfort and sustenance to the living, while celebrating the life of the recently deceased.

The taboos and traditions surrounding funeral rituals go back centuries and vary a great deal between cultures and religions, but one theme is common to all: food and drink. This may be used in celebration, to aid the grieving process, or have religious significance – something caterers need to take into account. A Chinese burial, for example, may be followed by a seven course banquet, while a good selection of alcoholic beverages is an essential at any Irish wake – not forgetting the comfort a nice cup of tea brings.

Whether the ceremony is a religious one or non-denominational, friends and family will need somewhere to go afterwards. A private function room at a local ‘watering hole’ popular with the deceased is an excellent choice. This may be a pub, hotel or even the local village club.
Caterers are often given little advance warning of funeral arrangements, but they can still provide a tasty spread by ordering ready-prepared ‘finger bites’ from wholesalers. These should not be too bland, and should include vegetarian and low-fat options, remembering that some mourners may be on restricted diets due to age, religion or health problems.

From liaising with funeral directors to notifying distant family members, there are a many arrangements surrounding the death of a loved one, so a professional caterer who can offer a reliable funeral food service can be a real blessing. Those wanting to branch into this side of the industry should contact hospices, funeral directors, churches and care homes who can help to make the bereaved aware of the caterer’s services in a thoughtful and diplomatic way.

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