cremation services in Eatonville, WA

A Guide for the Funeral Reception

When people lose a loved one, their worlds are shattered. It takes effort just to get through the day, let alone plan a funeral reception. As a result, the cremation services in Eatonville, WA have put together your best guide to surviving the funeral reception. This way, whether you’re attending as a guest or planning the majority of the event, everything you need to know is in one place. Continue reading for helpful information and other coping strategies.

What Exactly Is a Funeral Reception

A funeral reception, distinct from a memorial service, is a special event for family members and friends to honor the deceased without a formalized structure. The gathering following a funeral usually includes food and drinks and serves as a place to express condolences to the family. This is also referred to as a repast.

While a reception following a funeral is not required, it serves as an event to help people grieve. Given all of the preparation, hosting one may appear overwhelming.

There are invitations, set-up, cleanup, and other logistics to consider. But that’s why we have close friends and family. It is acceptable to seek assistance when necessary.

What Must Be Done to Prepare for the Reception

For different people, hosting a funeral reception will look different. Various cultures, religions, budgets, and other factors will determine how and when a memorial gathering will take place, as well as who will attend. However, there are some similarities in planning a funeral reception.

It is best to think about the following.

  • Who are you going to invite?

Consider how you want to commemorate your deceased loved one with friends and family. Frequently, the host will send invitations to everyone who attended the memorial service. Sometimes the host prefers a more intimate setting with just a few close friends and family.

  • What are your food plans for the funeral reception?

After you’ve determined your budget and the number of guests you intend to invite, it’s time to think about how you’ll feed them. There is no correct or incorrect method. However, because food is an important part of the funeral reception, having a plan is essential.

  • Where will the funeral reception take place?

When planning a post-funeral reception, it’s critical to start thinking about location early on, especially if you need to reserve a space ahead of time.

What date and time will the reception be held?cremation services in Eatonville, WA

A hard start and stop time are ideal for funeral receptions. Overstaying guests can be exhausting, so setting an end time can help. A typical gathering following a memorial service lasts a couple of hours. There are, however, no hard and fast rules, and you should plan for what is best for you and your family. You should be considerate of anyone visiting from out of town. If you choose to hold the reception on a different day than the service, travelers may find it difficult to plan ahead of time, especially if the gathering is during the week.

Whether you are hosting or attending a funeral reception, it is helpful to have a resource to help you get through the day. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve and that you should take time for yourself during the service and reception. If you require assistance, please contact the cremation services in Eatonville, WA. You can also call us right now.