A wake is an informal way to celebrate the life of a loved one after their funeral service. It is a chance to share stories and memories of the deceased with those close to them. Organising a wake is not compulsory, but it is a widely held custom.
Many people think organising a wake is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the first things to consider is who to invite; you may want a small gathering with close family and friends, or something the wider community or those who couldn’t make the funeral service can attend.
The next step in organising a wake is choosing the venue. If you are keeping numbers low, you may wish to hold it at your home, or that of the deceased. If lots of people are expected, a local church hall or pub might be more suitable.
Another consideration when organising a wake is what food and refreshments you will offer. Finger foods or a buffet are popular, but you may choose to serve your loved one’s favourite meal. You may also want to serve their favourite drink, or simply tea and coffee. Some families choose to self-cater the wake, or ask guests to bring a dish. Others choose to hire professionals or ask the venue to provide catering.
Another consideration when organising a wake is how to utilise the space; some families choose to decorate the space with photos, or have a slideshow of the deceased, accompanied by their favourite music in the background. A special touch is incorporating a memory jar or book where people can share personal memories and anecdotes.
Organising a wake can be a daunting task, especially as it is considered an extension of the funeral. You can ease the burden on your loved ones by leaving instructions for your wake in a funeral plan from Capital Life.
Funeral plans are increasingly being used to detail all aspects on the day of a funeral, not just the service itself. To see how, contact us or call 0800 411 8683 and one of our friendly advisors will be happy to help. Alternatively, you can talk to us about setting up Wills, Inheritance Planning, Probate and LPAs.
Meta description; A wake is a post-funeral reception and a way to celebrate the life of a loved one; as an extension of the funeral, you can leave instructions for your wake in a Capital Life funeral plan.