What is a funeral wake?
A funeral wake is the name given to the social gathering that generally happens after the formal funeral proceedings have taken place. A wake and funeral might be attended by the same people or there may be reasons mourners could attend one, but not the other. A wake often celebrates the life of the deceased and is typically less formal than the ceremony which precedes it. .
Do I have to organise a wake?
It isn’t compulsory to arrange a wake for after the funeral. Although it is a very widely held custom to have a reception for mourners after the service, people will understand if you would prefer not to do this. A funeral wake does, though, provide an opportunity for other people who loved the person who died to talk about how much they’ll miss them – and express their sympathies to you.
Who should attend wake?
People may choose to attend the wake if they cannot attend the funeral; while some guests who were at the funeral may be unable to attend the wake. A funeral reception may be a chance for children to attend, especially they did not attend the funeral. Hookwood Memorial Hall overlooks and has access to a well equipped children's playground and a beautiful park
Notifiying freinds and relatives
You may decide to place a funeral and wake announcement in a local Horley or Surrey newspaper or you may choose to announce it at the end of the funeral service, inviting mourners to the venue for refreshments, You may prefer the wake to be private and just send invitations.
Catering
I can bet difficult to supply food for all the guests yourself, so you may want to hire a catering company, If you are hiring Hookwood Memorial Hall they can advise in this regard. Another option is to ask friends and family members to bring food for the wake, they will need some guidance to avoid 20 trays of egg sandwiche arriving on the day.
When and where should a wake take place?
A wake usually takes place after the funeral service and can take place anywhere you want, as long as the number of people you are expecting can be accommodated comfortably. Hookwood Memorial Hall is a popular choice in Horley for its capacity and extensive modern facilities
When should I book the hall?
When arranging a funeral wake, remember to book the hall at least a week in advance. and insure everyone has directions. Hookwood Memorial Hall is very easy to find and there is a map on their websiterIf you want to decorate the venue with flowers or photographs, or set up entertainment (see below), you may need to visit the venue beforehand. Talk to the venue staff to organise when you can set up.
How long should a wake last?
There is no strict time frame for a wake, unless you’ve hired the venue for a limited time. Less formal affairs, for instance, at home, a pub or a social hall, the wake might run longer.
If you’re anticipating lots of people, a hired venue might be a good option– so that you can simply go home when you are ready, on a tiring and emotional day.
What do you serve at a wake at a funeral?
Some venues can provide catering for funeral receptions. If in doubt, ask your funeral director, who should be able to recommend a good caterer who does food for wakes.
If you wish to serve your loved one’s favourite food or drink or something culturally specific, many venues and caterers will be flexible with these kinds of requests.
If you are looking to keep cost at a minimum, an alternative is to provide your own food. Ask friends and relatives to make up sandwich platters and other buffet food items. Be sure to check with the venue that’s its okay to being your own food or drink.
Do people drink at funerals and do people drink at wakes?
As it is a formal, often religious and generally solemn occasion, drinking is not something that’s done at a traditional funeral, or may not be permitted at certain venues, such as a church hall.
A toast or drinking ritual in someone’s honour might form a part of an alternative civil funeral ceremony or celebration of life rites.
A wake is often, but not always, held in a place where refreshments are available or expected. Depending on your culture, religion and lifestyle alcoholic beverages may, or may not, be acceptable.If the wake’s being held in a pub, then that’s usually a sign it’s okay to raise a glass (or two).
What sort of entertainment can you have at a wake?
Many funeral wake ideas reflect the loved one’s life and personality, and so entertainment may be appropriate.Slideshows can be a great way of remembering the life of your loved one with favourite photographs of them, accompanied by their favourite songs, or in silence for quiet reflection.. Hookwood Memorial Hall has the facilities to have slideshows
How much does a wake cost?
The cost of a wake can vary greatly and if you’re organising a funeral wake you may have to adopt a cost-conscious approach to planning your loved one’s wake.
Choosing a venue that is within your budget?
For example, Hookwood Memorial Hall has fantastic facilities for a funeral wake, see below. Shopping around for venues for a funeral reception, rather than settling for the first one you find
Choosing a venue that is low cost.
For example, Hookwood Memorial Hall has fantastic facilities for a funeral wake, see below. Shopping around for venues for a funeral reception, rather than settling for the first one you find
What is some general wake etiquette?
A wake might be a less formal event than the funeral service itself, but a respectful and thoughtful approach is still recommended. Whether the wake is a celebration of life or a more sombre event, be considerate of the feelings of the bereaved family. Listen to what they have to say and have some kind words of condolence. If you are unsure exactly what to say, or are worried the words come out right, the most important thing is sincerity.
Should I go to a wake?
Attending a wake is the chance to speak to the bereaved family and express condolences and talk a little about the person who has died. It’s also a time for sharing memories about them with friends when you all may be grieving.
People will appreciate if you paid your respects at the funeral, so there’s no obligation to attend the wake – although most people do.
What is the dress code for a wake?
Most wakes take place after the funeral service, so go suitably dressed for the funeral. The funeral director or family will usually say if they’d like to wear mourners wear a particular colour, or dress less formally – if in doubt, keep it smart and sombre. If the event’s being held as a celebration of life or memorial instead of a funeral service, the dress code for the wake may be more informal.
Should I bring flowers or anything elseto a wake?
There is no formal expectation on what one should bring to a wake.It’s a thoughtful gesture to bring sympathy flowers to a wake but there are alternatives to sympathy flowers and it may be that people would prefer you you donate to a charity rather than buy flowers. Ask the funeral director if the family would prefer a donation made to a charity, rather than you bringing flowers. If you want to know whether or not you should be bringing something specific then the family or the person organising the wake will be able to let you know.
Hookwood Memorial Hall has fantastic facilities for a funeral wake...
....situated in a quiet rural setting with ample FREE parking
