A guide to funeral wakes by Variety Funerals™. Learn about traditions, locations, catering & more. Celebrate your loved one’s life & find support during this difficult time. Call us 24/7 on 0800 774 7804.

Losing a loved one is a deeply personal experience. A funeral wake, also known as a funeral reception, offers a space for mourners to come together, celebrate the life of the deceased, and begin the healing process. Here at Variety Funerals™, we understand the importance of creating a meaningful gathering to honour your loved one’s memory. This guide explores the traditions and practicalities of planning a funeral wake in England & Wales.

What is a Funeral Wake?

A funeral wake is a social gathering held after the funeral service. Traditionally, wakes were held before the funeral service, serving as a vigil where friends and family would keep watch over the body of the deceased. Today, wakes are more commonly held after the funeral and provide a space for mourners to:

  • Share Stories and Memories: The wake offers a chance to reminisce about the life of the deceased, share funny anecdotes, and celebrate their accomplishments. This can be a powerful way to find comfort and begin the healing process.
  • Offer Condolences: The wake allows mourners to express their sympathy and offer support to those closest to the deceased. It fosters a sense of community and shared grief during this difficult time.
  • Find Closure: Saying goodbye in a supportive environment can help mourners find a sense of closure after the loss of a loved one.

The Importance of Funeral Wakes

Funeral wakes serve several purposes that extend beyond simply offering condolences:

  • Provide Social Support: Grief can be an isolating experience. The wake allows mourners to connect with others who are grieving, share their emotions, and receive support from their community.
  • Celebrate Life: Wakes can be a time to celebrate the life of the deceased by focusing on the positive aspects of their life and the joy they brought to others. This can help mourners begin to heal and move forward.
  • Religious Observances: For some families, the wake may incorporate religious traditions or prayers, offering comfort and spiritual guidance during a time of loss.

Planning a Meaningful Funeral Wake

While there’s no strict etiquette for wakes, some key considerations can help you plan a gathering that reflects the personality of your loved one and provides comfort to those who are grieving:

  • Guest List: Decide whether to hold a public or private wake. A public wake allows anyone to attend, while a private wake is by invitation only. Consider the wishes of the deceased and the size of the venue when making this decision.
  • Location: Choose a venue that is convenient for guests and reflects the personality of the deceased. Here are some popular options:
    • Church Hall: A familiar and comforting setting for religious services, church halls can be a good option for wakes following a church funeral.
    • Social Club or Community Centre: If the deceased was active in a particular social club or community organization, holding the wake there can create a more intimate and personalized atmosphere.
    • Restaurant or Hotel Function Room: For a more formal gathering, consider a function room in a local restaurant or hotel. This option offers catering services and may be suitable for larger wakes.
    • Unique Venues: For a more unique touch, consider a venue that reflects the deceased’s hobbies or interests. This could be a garden centre for a nature lover, a sports bar for a sports fan, or a theatre for someone who loved the arts.
  • Food and Drink: Depending on the budget and time of day, you may choose to cater the event or provide refreshments yourself. Light finger foods, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages are typical wake fare. Consider the preferences of the deceased and any dietary restrictions of guests. You may also want to offer a variety of beverages, including water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
  • Music and Entertainment: Some families may choose to incorporate music or other forms of entertainment to create a more celebratory atmosphere. You could create a playlist of the deceased’s favourite songs, hire a musician, or even arrange a slideshow of photos.

Personalising the Funeral Wake

Beyond these considerations, there are many ways to personalise the wake to reflect the unique life of your loved one:

  • Decorations: Decorate the venue with flowers, photos, and mementos that reflect the deceased’s personality and interests.
  • Guestbook or Memory Book: Provide a guestbook or memory book for guests to leave messages of condolence, share stories, or offer prayers.
  • Tribute Videos or Slideshows: Create a video or slideshow that showcases photos and videos of the deceased throughout their life.
  • Themes: Consider incorporating a theme into the wake that reflects the deceased’s hobbies or interests. For example, a sports fan’s wake might feature team colours and memorabilia, while a nature lover’s wake could have an outdoor theme with plants and flowers.
  • Activities: Offer activities for guests to participate in, such as writing messages in a memory book, lighting candles, or planting a tree in memory of the deceased. These activities can provide a sense of comfort and connection for mourners.

Variety Funerals™ – Your Trusted Partner in Funeral Arrangements

Our experienced consultants will guide you through every step, offering personalised service and a variety of options to suit your needs and budget. Choose from our:

  • Variety Solo: A simple and dignified unattended direct cremation with all necessary arrangements included.
  • Variety Plus: This plan includes a simple service at the crematorium, allowing you to say a final goodbye in a formal setting.

Both packages come with the exclusive Variety VIP benefits that includes:

  • 10% off catering: Our trusted partner offers delicious and stylish delivered meals prepared by expert chefs. They can accommodate any dietary restrictions and even include special touches like wine or gift baskets.
  • Stress-free delivery: Enjoy almost unlimited address drop-offs throughout mainland England and Wales. Your order will arrive chilled with industry-leading packaging to ensure freshness and quality.

We understand that planning a funeral can be a difficult time. Let Variety Funerals™ take care of the details so you can focus on what matters most.

 

Contact Variety Funerals™ Today

We are committed to helping you create a beautiful and dignified wake that honours the memory of your loved one. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you through the planning process. Contact Variety Funerals™ today to learn more about our funeral wake services and how we can help you plan a meaningful gathering for your loved ones.