Often, the death of a loved one occurs suddenly. Even if the person was of an older age, there may have been no reason to believe it was his or her time yet. When this occurs, you are likely scrambling to do many things, whether it’s organizing the funeral or getting finances in order. When a loved one passes, it can be overwhelming to do tasks because you’re also grieving. However, if you are in charge of putting together the funeral reception, it doesn’t need to be complicated.
Whether you decide to congregate at a restaurant or gather at someone’s home, it’s a good idea to have a plan or reservation in place, so close family and friends are not looking for food with no quick options.
There are many options to spend more time with funeral guests and loved ones post funeral, where you can exchange words, memories, and refreshments. It’s a good time and place for you to honor your loved one while catching up with people.
When planning a funeral reception, set a date as soon as you can and spread the word to family members and friends. Give as much notice as you can to out-of-town people, so they can make travel arrangements. Depending on your budget and wants/needs, decide if you want your funeral reception at your home, the funeral home, bar, restaurant, social club, an outdoor space, etc.
If you’re not hosting a funeral reception at a restaurant, arrange for food and beverage. You can either hire a caterer or ask family members to help with the cooking or purchasing of food.
Remember, your reception doesn’t need to be fancy or elaborate with a huge meal or gourmet food. You can simply serve appetizers, sandwiches, chips, cookies, brownies, salads, pizza, tea, coffee, soda, and water. There are many stores where you can buy in bulk to stick within your budget.
Don’t be afraid to ask loved ones for help in planning the reception – many people would love to help out and honor your loved one, as he/she was important to them as well.
If you want to or have time to add a special touch, serve a favorite food or drink or play favorite songs of your loved one to honor them. Display photos to share memories.
Looking for a Funeral Home in Jacksonville, Florida?
As a funeral home in Jacksonville, our team at Evergreen Cemetery, Funeral Home & Crematory knows every family has different needs, and we can help you host a funeral reception or point you in the right direction of a location or caterer that would be happy to provide you with services for your reception. We want to help you honor your loved one’s final wishes in any way we can.
Whether you’re looking for a burial or cremation or funeral reception services, we will work with you from start to finish throughout this process in your time of need. We know this is a difficult time, and we want to make this process as easy and seamless for you as possible.
We have served the Jacksonville community since 1880. We provide personalized and meaningful funeral services in Jacksonville and cremation services in Jacksonville to our clients in the community.
If you have any questions about funerals, cremations or burials, please reach out to us. We want to help you during this difficult time.
If you’re looking for a funeral home in Jacksonville, Florida, Evergreen Cemetery, Funeral Home & Crematory can help you with the process every step of the way. Call us at 904-353-3649 for more information, or visit our funeral home Jacksonville, FL contact page.
