During this difficult time, people are dealing with grief and trying to plan for the service. The last thing they want to worry about is cooking and cleaning for an entire gathering of loved ones. This is where funeral catering can help. The right menu can be comforting and help create a peaceful environment. There are many options for food at a funeral or memorial service. The best choice depends on the venue, expected number of guests and their dietary needs. Some people prefer buffet-style meals where they can serve themselves from a variety of dishes while others are comfortable with a sit-down meal served by waiters. Regardless of the type of menu, the selection should reflect the life of the deceased.
The first step in planning for funeral catering is to decide where the service will be held. This will determine what foods can be served and how complicated the menu should be. For example, if the service will be held in a church hall with a full kitchen then hot items can be served from slow cookers or chafing dishes. Having this information in advance will help the catering company prepare the correct menu and provide enough servings.
Some companies offer catering services for funerals, memorial services and after-funeral receptions either on-site or through food delivery. The caterers can make suggestions for menu items and can adjust them to fit a budget. They can also take into account a guest’s dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free to accommodate all of the guests attending.
A good menu for a funeral will include savory snacks, finger foods and desserts. Savory choices such as finger sandwiches, cheese and crackers or vegetable and fruit tray are easy to eat and can be prepared in advance. They are also light and filling. For a sweet treat, it is suggested to have cupcakes or cookies. It is also recommended to have coffee and tea available at the event for those who may need a pick-me-up.
If a more casual setting is desired consider having an outdoor picnic. This can be a nice way for family and friends to bond outside of the formal environment of a funeral service. This is especially the case if it will be in warm weather and a BBQ is an appropriate option.
Whether it is an informal outdoor setting or a more formal indoor setting, the final touch to any funeral is the food. With the help of a catering service, the most important thing is that the food is comforting and serves as an extension of love. A well-chosen menu can help create a peaceful atmosphere and allow mourning family and friends to spend time together without having to think about preparing food or worrying about cleanup. In the end, having a caterer can be very helpful in this trying time and it’s important to choose a company that understands the sensitive situation and is experienced in catering funerals.