Setting up a funeral service and preparing for the rituals when a loved one is no more is a difficult process, and it could be too overwhelming at times.
While grieving is a natural part of the process, funeral planning presents a special kind of challenge. The emotional turmoil one goes through can add to the stress when it comes to choosing the right menu and setting an appropriate budget.
Relying on a potluck for a memorial service might be impractical; those still processing the turn of events may not feel up to mark with cooking for a large crowd. This is where hiring a catering service can be beneficial.
In this article, we look at what you should consider when looking into funeral catering.
Check the attendee list
When planning to cater for a funeral, it is always best to have an informed estimate of how big the crowd will be to best serve them for the occasion.
Once you have the estimated headcount, with a reliable team taking care of the more tedious tasks, you’ll be able to focus on supporting your loved ones during this difficult time and strengthen one another.
You can also be free from the burden of having to look after, clean up, serve and plan—a professional catering service that will have your best interests at heart.
Choose Comfort Food and a Flexible menu
The beauty when it comes to preparing a beautiful memorial service is its simplicity. Some catering services come up with their tried-and-true menus that are delicious but not too over the top.
Serving grilled chicken sandwiches and tomato soups, salads, and a light dessert is ideal when catering for a funeral. They achieve the goal of being classy yet tasty but be able to sustain members attending the service.
Keep in mind that what guests are looking for is not a messy or heavy meal that will take away from the reason they have attended.
Match Menu with the customs and Traditions of the Funeral
Speak and inform the catering service that you are planning to hire about your culture and traditions. This would help your catering service provider set up a menu that resonates close to home.
No matter the occasion, food has a comforting way of breaking the ice and allows people to interact amicably. With funerals, opt for a more practical solution when it comes to the menu; this would usually be a buffet-style menu over a plate-by-plate setup.
Remember that the key to having less stress during this difficult period is communicating your expectations with the catering service.
When picking your catering service, choose one that understands the trying time you are going through and is aware of the pressures of funeral catering but can handle it with grace and empathy.
Decide on the Venue of your service
Different locations require different types of catering. Whether you choose to have your service in a more personal and intimate setting like your house or somewhere a little more spacious like a community hall, inform your catering service beforehand to make the necessary arrangements.
Whichever setting you decide, be sure to start your guests off with some comfort finger foods as an appetizer and a warm beverage like coffee or tea.
Do not get too caught up in the details of how the venue should be; remember that this is a time to pay respect and be there for one another in spending together remembering the precious moments you shared with the dearly departed.
Hire Funeral Caterers that are reliable and resourceful
Although no words can express the painful experience of losing a loved one, there are ways in which you can go about making such times a little easier.
By handing over the responsibility of funeral catering to the professionals, take the time to be present with your loved ones and lean on their support to help you get through these difficult times.
