Like any party, a celebration of life catering can involve food, drinks, music, and speeches. A celebration of life planner can save time and energy by researching vendors and managing logistics, letting you focus on personal decisions (like when to start the slideshow or where to put cards).
The menu should reflect your loved one’s favorite dishes or culinary traditions. It can also help comfort family members and guests during the mourning process.
Budget
A celebration of life is typically a more casual event than a traditional funeral service. As such, the costs associated with the event can vary significantly. Some of the most important elements to consider include the venue, food, and activities.
A memorial or celebration of life can take many forms, including a buffet-style meal or a potluck with family favorites. Some even use food to tell a personal story or history of their loved one. Either way, memorial catering should provide wholesome, fresh, and calming foods that help create a comforting atmosphere for those attending the event.
A reputable catering company like AWG Private Chefs can help you decide on the best options for your budget. They have experience providing quality food and beverages to a variety of events, including funerals and celebrations of life. Their services are scalable to meet your needs and budget. Having them handle the details of the event can also save you time and money.
Venue
A celebration of life, also known as a memorial service or after-funeral service dinner, is a unique opportunity to bring loved ones together to reminisce and support one another in times of grief. The venue you choose is an important aspect of this ceremony, as it should create a warm and comforting atmosphere that encourages connection and remembrance.
To help guests feel comfortable and at ease, you should provide food that is wholesome and familiar. This may include light appetizer-like bites, a variety of desserts, and beverages like coffee, tea, and infused waters. You can even feature family recipes and dishes that hold special meaning.
You should also consider including music, as this can help guests connect with one another and find comfort in each other’s company. The music you play should reflect your loved one’s personality and passions, and it should set the tone for the event. In addition to music, you can place a memory table with items that reflect your loved one’s unique personality.
Food
During times of loss, food has the ability to bring people together in a way that comforts and nourishes their souls. For this reason, a well-planned memorial catering menu can create an environment that is warm and inviting for those attending. This type of catering can include a variety of appetizer-like bites that promote mingling and storytelling or a buffet style meal consisting of foods the deceased loved and treasured.
Other options for memorial event catering include a variety of beverages to quench thirst, a selection of desserts, and signature dishes that are familiar and comfortable. In addition, a potluck option can be a convenient and economical choice for memorial events. Providing an array of ingredients for guests to make their own pasta dish, casserole, or salad is a great way to allow them to be part of the celebration. This kind of catering allows you to focus on what matters most: remembering and celebrating your loved one.
Activities
A celebration of life can take place in a variety of settings. From a family home to a public event space, you can choose the setting that best reflects your loved one’s personality and lifestyle. You may also include themed activities to honor their hobbies and interests.
A slideshow of photos can help create a moving visual tribute. You can include music that was meaningful to them and evokes cherished memories. You can also incorporate a “share your memory” jar or open mic time, for guests to share their stories and memories.
You can also have collaborative art, such as a memory quilt, where each guest contributes a fabric square with drawings or messages. Other meaningful activities can include a toast, releasing balloons with handwritten messages, and planting flowers or trees in their honor.
