Choosing food for a funeral wake is one of those tasks that can feel surprisingly difficult. You want to get it right for your guests, but you are often making decisions during a time when it is hard to think clearly. This guide covers the most common options, practical considerations, and how to take some of the pressure off yourself.
Traditional UK Wake Food
The classic wake buffet remains popular for good reason. It is familiar, easy to eat standing up, and suits a wide range of tastes. A typical spread might include:
- Finger sandwiches with simple fillings such as egg and cress, ham, cheese, or tuna
- Sausage rolls and mini pies
- Quiche slices
- Crisps and savoury snacks
- Fruit, cheese, and crackers
- Victoria sponge or other simple cakes
This kind of spread works well because guests can help themselves, eat as much or as little as they like, and it does not require formal seating. It also scales easily for different group sizes.
More Substantial Options
If the wake follows a long morning or early afternoon service, guests may appreciate something more filling. Hot food options that work well include:
Hot Buffets
A hot buffet gives guests a proper meal without the formality of a sit-down dinner. Think dishes like casseroles, pasta bakes, curry, or chilli with rice. These can be served from heated trays and still allow guests to move around and talk freely.
Pie and Peas or Soup
In the North West, pie and peas is a classic choice for a reason. It is hearty, comforting, and unpretentious. A good soup, served with bread rolls, works in a similar way and can be a warming option during the colder months.
Lighter and Modern Options
Not every wake calls for a full buffet. Smaller gatherings or afternoon wakes may suit a lighter approach:
- Afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, and cakes offers a gentle, unhurried feel that many families find comforting.
- Canapes and small bites can work well when you expect guests to stay for a shorter time.
- Tea, coffee, and cake is perfectly appropriate and sometimes all that is needed, particularly for a smaller, more intimate gathering.
Sit-Down Meals for Smaller Groups
For a close family gathering of 20 or 30 people, a sit-down meal can feel more personal. A two or three course lunch gives the group a chance to sit together, share stories, and take their time. This works especially well in a private dining room where the atmosphere feels calm and unhurried.
Catering for Dietary Requirements
With any group of guests, it is worth thinking about dietary needs. A few practical steps can make a big difference:
- Vegetarian and vegan options. Including at least one or two meat-free dishes means no one is left picking around the edges of the buffet.
- Gluten-free and dairy-free choices. Simple swaps, like gluten-free bread for sandwiches or labelling dishes clearly, show consideration without overcomplicating things.
- Other dietary needs. If you know some guests have specific requirements, raising this with your caterer early gives them the best chance of helping.
The key is to let your caterer know in advance. Most professionals deal with dietary requirements every week and will have suggestions ready.
DIY Catering vs Professional Catering
Preparing Food Yourself
For a small wake, preparing food at home can feel like a natural choice. Family and friends often want to help, and making sandwiches or baking a cake can be a welcome distraction during a difficult time. It also keeps costs down.
The challenge comes with larger numbers. Preparing food for 50 or more people while also managing the emotional weight of the day is a lot to take on. There is shopping, preparation, transport, setup, and clearing away afterwards, all on a day when your energy is already low.
Professional Catering
For larger gatherings, professional catering removes a significant amount of stress. A good caterer will handle everything from preparation through to clearing up, leaving you free to be with your family and guests.
The advantages are straightforward:
- Food is prepared and served without you having to think about it
- Dietary requirements are handled properly
- Hot food stays hot, cold food stays fresh
- Someone else deals with the washing up
When the catering is handled on-site at the venue, it works even more smoothly. There is no transporting food in cars, no reheating in an unfamiliar kitchen, and no last-minute scramble to find serving dishes.
Getting the Balance Right
There is no single correct answer to what food you should serve at a wake. The right choice depends on the number of guests, the time of day, your budget, and what feels appropriate for the person you are remembering. A simple sandwich buffet is just as valid as a three-course meal.
What matters most is that your guests feel welcome and comfortable, and that you are not carrying the burden of organising everything yourself on what is already a difficult day.
How We Can Help
At Bolton Masonic Hall, our catering partners Burnt Fig prepare all food freshly on-site, whether that is a light buffet, a hot meal, or tea and coffee. Our team works with families and funeral directors to arrange wakes with as little fuss as possible, so you can focus on being with the people who matter.
If you would like to talk through your options, please get in touch. We are happy to help at any stage of the planning process, and we understand that arrangements sometimes need to come together quickly.
