Planning a funeral wake is something most of us have to do at some point, often at short notice and during an incredibly difficult time. One of the first questions that comes up is how much it will all cost.
This guide breaks down the typical costs of hosting a wake in the UK, with a focus on the North West. The aim is to give you a clear, honest picture so you can make decisions that feel right for your family.
The Main Costs to Consider
A wake typically involves four main expenses: venue hire, catering, drinks and any additional extras. The total cost can vary enormously depending on the choices you make, from a few hundred pounds to well over a thousand. Most families in the North West spend somewhere between £500 and £2,000 in total, though simpler gatherings can certainly come in below that.
Venue Hire
Pubs and Hotels
Many families hold wakes in a pub function room or hotel. Pubs will sometimes offer a room free of charge on the condition that you use their catering and bar, which can be a straightforward option. Hotels typically charge a room hire fee of £100 to £500 or more, depending on the size of the room and the location.
The trade-off with pubs is that you may have limited privacy, especially during busy periods. Hotels offer more formality but often come with higher minimum spend requirements.
Community and Independent Venues
Community halls, church halls and independent function venues are often the most flexible option. Hire fees tend to range from £100 to £400 for a few hours, and you usually have more freedom over catering arrangements. Independent venues often provide a quieter, more private setting, which many families prefer.
When comparing venues, check whether the hire fee includes tables, chairs and setup time. It is also worth asking about parking and how close the venue is to the church, crematorium or cemetery.
Catering
Food is often the largest single cost after the venue. The style of catering you choose will have a big impact on the overall budget.
Buffets
A cold or finger buffet is the most common choice for wakes. Expect to pay around £5 to £12 per head for a basic sandwich and savoury selection, or £12 to £20 per head for a more generous spread with hot items.
A hot fork buffet, where guests help themselves to warm dishes, typically costs £12 to £25 per head and offers something more substantial without the formality of a sit-down meal.
Sit-Down Meals
A plated meal with table service is less common for wakes but sometimes chosen for smaller gatherings. Costs usually start at around £20 to £30 per head.
Tea, Coffee and Light Bites
For a simpler gathering, tea, coffee, sandwiches and cake can be perfectly appropriate. This might cost as little as £3 to £7 per head and works well when guests may not stay for a long time.
In-House vs External Catering
If your venue has an in-house caterer, this is often the simplest and most cost-effective route. The caterer knows the kitchen, the setup and the timings, which means less for you to organise. At Bolton Masonic Hall, for example, all catering is prepared on-site by Burnt Fig, which removes the hassle of coordinating with an outside supplier during an already stressful time.
External caterers can work well too, but remember to factor in delivery, setup and equipment hire costs, which are not always included in the per-head price.
Drinks
Cash Bar
The simplest option for managing costs is a cash bar, where guests buy their own drinks. This is completely normal and widely accepted at wakes. There is no expectation for the family to cover everyone’s drinks.
Tab or Partial Tab
Some families prefer to put a fixed amount behind the bar, perhaps £100 to £300, to cover the first round or two. Once the tab runs out, guests switch to buying their own. This is a generous gesture without being open-ended.
Do not overlook tea, coffee and soft drinks either. Many guests, particularly older relatives, will appreciate a good cup of tea as much as anything else.
Extras Worth Budgeting For
A few smaller costs to keep in mind.
- Order of service printing can cost £30 to £80, though many families now create these digitally.
- Photo displays or memory boards are a lovely personal touch and cost very little.
- Parking is worth checking. Some town centre venues have limited parking, which may mean car park fees for guests.
Many funeral directors can also help coordinate wake arrangements or recommend local venues, which takes some of the pressure off.
Keeping Costs Manageable
- Get accurate guest numbers early. Catering is charged per head, so over-estimating means wasted food and money.
- Choose a buffet over a sit-down meal. It is less expensive, more flexible with numbers, and suits the informal nature of most wakes.
- Book a venue with in-house catering. It reduces coordination and means fewer things to worry about on the day.
- Keep drinks simple. A cash bar or a modest tab is perfectly acceptable.
Hosting a Wake at Bolton Masonic Hall
We understand that organising a wake is not something anyone looks forward to, and we try to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Our rooms provide a quiet, comfortable setting with flexible capacity for both smaller family gatherings and larger groups. Burnt Fig, our in-house caterer, prepares all food freshly on-site and can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diets. Just let the team know what your guests need when you book. We also have a fully licensed bar for your guests.
We work directly with families and funeral directors to arrange everything at short notice when needed. If you would like to discuss options or get a quote, please call us on 01204 525711 or send us an enquiry. There is no obligation, and we are happy to help in any way we can.
