Putting Together a Post-Funeral Reception

Planning a funeral for a loved one is never an easy thing to do. First and foremost, you’re in the middle of grieving a devastating loss and all the emotions that come with it. Amid all that, you’re expected to make lots of important decisions regarding what kind of services will be held. Fortunately, your funeral home near Orlando, FL, is there to help you get through this process with as little stress as possible. One thing you might not have considered is what will happen after the funeral is over.

Funerals often take place over the course of two days. A viewing or visitation is followed by a traditional funeral service, which then concludes with the burial. This period of time can be harrowing and difficult, especially for the close family members who are present throughout the entire process. After it’s over, everyone is usually tired and emotionally drained, in need of a little downtime to decompress. This is where the post-funeral reception can be of benefit. It’s typically a time when family and friends can gather in a more informal setting, share a meal, and reminisce or catch up.

Many people hold the reception at the funeral home or place of worship where the funeral took place. This is convenient because people don’t have to travel to a separate locations. You can have it be a potluck style, with those attending being asked to bring a passing dish to share. On the other hand, you can have it catered, or order carry-out food to bring in to share. The latter options will be a bit pricier, but they will save everyone from the responsibility of having to cook, amidst everything else.

If you have a little bit larger budget, you might want to reserve a place in a restaurant or gathering hall, where everyone can order the food and drinks that they want. This is probably the most expensive option, but it also comes with the least amount of stress. No one will have to worry about cooking, serving, or cleaning up after, and everyone can enjoy each other’s company as much as possible under the circumstances. People can share funny or memorable stories about the loved one they lost, and they can have a chance to catch up if they haven’t seen each other in a long time. These are the biggest reasons why a post-funeral reception is so important.

You’ll want to consider how many people are going to attend and what your budget is when you’re planning what to do for a post-funeral reception. Whether you choose to have a potluck-style dinner or have a nice meal at a restaurant, the purpose served is the same. It’s a chance to unwind and catch your breath after an emotional and difficult day. You can speak to your funeral home near Orlando, FL, about holding the reception there, or you can ask them for any local suggestions that might work too. Then, you can move forward with a little bit less stress about the difficult days to come.