What is a Repast After a Funeral?
When someone dies, the family hosts a repast. It is usually less formal than an actual funeral service or memorial and much more informal. It’s common for anyone who attended to join in on this gathering. Funeral repast has long been a tradition to honor the deceased with one last gathering before sending them off into their eternal rest. You might have heard this event called by many names, such as reception or wake, but it doesn’t matter what you call it because they all serve the same purpose: bringing family and friends together for an intimate remembrance of someone who was cherished in life. Whether they’re open or private, these gatherings serve as an important time for friends and family alike to share their condolences with the bereaved while also celebrating the life of your lost friend.
What is the Purpose of a Repast?
A repast can help you heal. They serve to celebrate the life of your loved one and get support from family who wants to stand by you through it all. The act should be celebrated to commemorate their life’s work and stop dwelling on how they will never come back again for good times – it’s time now for new memories!
Rather than hosting an elaborate meal in honor of remembrance of your loved ones, you might want something that lets mourners linger but doesn’t interrupt their tearful reflections too much. A traditional meal consisting of light appetizers such as finger sandwiches with condiments is served along with heavy courses including pie or cake desserts while attendees sit down around tables set up inside homes where families often live nearby one another.
What Usually Happens During a Repast?
The repast is a time for friends and family to come together after the loss of a loved one, offering condolences with food as comfort. It is followed by an informal dinner following a funeral or memorial service, allows family members to spend time with loved ones to process and heal after the loss of someone close. What exactly happens during a repast will vary depending on your family’s wishes as well as religious customs. You can read through the explanations below for further insight into what some people might do:
Reception
The reception of the repast will typically depend on where it is being hosted. Most begin immediately after the service, so it’s not uncommon for them to be in a church or funeral home. Many people may not know that there are different types of funeral repasts, and they can be at a restaurant or in the family’s home. Usually, these events include everyone who attended but sometimes it is reserved for only immediate friends and family members. If you’re unsure about whether an event will have limited guests then just ask!
Catering
Traditionally, the repast after a funeral should include food. The meal may consist of religious or culturally significant items like bread and wine, but this will depend on what is appropriate for your family’s beliefs. Of course, it could also be some favorite dish from when you knew the deceased person as well which can help make memorials feel more personal than just being at a restaurant with strangers who are there to partake in generic dishes that aren’t made specifically for them or their loved ones who have passed away. Some families may opt for a simple snack while others might go all out with hors d’oeuvres. No matter what the budget or wishes are, there is always some food and drink available during repast to satisfy your hunger needs.
Offering Condolences
Funerals are a time to celebrate the life of your loved one, but it can be tough. The funeral repast is an opportunity for friends and family members to offer their sympathy in person while still celebrating what was great about that individual’s life over food. It usually includes stories from those who knew them best as well as speeches by some closest family members or relatives because they want everyone there to know how much they meant not just locally, but globally too! Saying a few words of condolences at the funeral reception can be an easy way to honor someone that has passed away. This will help them know how much you appreciated their life and everything they did for others, as well as all the memories you shared with them while still alive.
Other customs
Traditionally, customs depend on the specific family and culture that has them. It’s not uncommon for religious aspects to be included in a meal like prayer readings or candle lightings. The funeral reception has changed from the traditional gathering of mourning to a celebration of life. Today, it is not uncommon for guests at funerals to be offered an open microphone or video tribute, something that was unheard of in generations before this one. Playing their favorite songs and honoring them with remembrances are ways these new customs serve as comfort during what can be a difficult time especially when grieving loved ones may feel otherwise alone without someone they know by their side.
How Much Does a Funeral Repast Cost?
The cost of the funeral repast will depend on several factors. The good news is that there are many options to customize the experience, so it fits both your budget and personal preferences. But there are many ways that you can customize your experience and help keep costs down. Here’s how:
- Reception: Location is usually one of the most expensive parts about hosting a funeral repast, but when it comes time for picking a venue remember not all spaces have identical costs. Church and funeral homes often have plenty of space to host your event for free or at very affordable rates; however, if not you could opt for hosting it in an outside location which can cost hundreds more dollars without added benefits.
- Food: Repast can be made so much better when you have the perfect food, with a menu that is both delicious and unique. The most important thing to keep in mind on this: it’s all about what tastes good! Guests will appreciate the effort of homemade food or store-bought dishes they personally helped prepare-the memories made with your loved ones will last much longer than any small monetary savings.
- Decorations: It’s common for people to have some decorations or items that represent the deceased in their repast venue. These can include photographs, guestbooks, and flowers. This can be done in any way desired so that there is some level of comfort for those who are grieving or attending.
The repast is the final course of a funeral. These events are often hosted in homes and include homemade food, but if it’s done at a traditional venue with catering then prices can range from $150-$500 dollars depending on how much you want to spend.
Repast Funeral Etiquette
What You Should Be Aware of When Attending a Repass?
Gatherings are often held to commemorate the life of a loved one. It is important to adhere to proper etiquette when attending a repast.
- Don’t Be Late and Be Discreet – for those attending the post-funeral reception if you arrived early, always be discreet and put your smartphone in silent mode. avoid attracting attention during the funeral service by going into a room or out of sight from everyone to send text messages.
- Express Your Condolences Properly – the death of loved ones is never easy. when it comes to expressing your condolences, a few words are enough. no need for poetic prose or flowery gestures – just let them know you care, and they’ll appreciate that more than anything else in the world!
- Dress With Dignity and Respect – dressing in somber colors is the best way to show respect for a person who has recently passed away, but you don’t need to wear all black. avoid wearing something that could be considered too flashy or colorful and leave your flip-flops at home.
- Don’t Miss to Register – the register book is a cherished family keepsake that will be treasured for many years. no matter what you did to help, they’ll have the knowledge and comfort of knowing someone cared enough to make it through their time in darkness.
- Remember To Bring a Gift – sympathy gifts can be a way to show your appreciation for the family’s pain, by giving them something that will make their day brighter. Flowers are always a good option when you don’t know what else to get someone who is grieving; not only do they brighten up any room but they also provide comfort and relaxation as well.
- Drink and eat in moderation – avoid the temptation to overeat. if you’re sitting for dinner, eat as much food as you want but don’t take more than what your appetite can handle. The best way to enjoy a meal is by listening and conversing with those around you rather than stuffing yourself in silence while staring at an empty plate or glass of wine!
- Manage Your Children’s Behavior – post-funeral receptions are often easier if you bring your family with you. Kids, however, will need to be briefed on what the occasion is and why they’re there.
- Laugh and Reminisce – if you’re attending a repast or post-funeral reception, be prepared to offer stories and anecdotes about the deceased. Remember that it’s not appropriate to start gossiping at this time of grieving; focusing on happy memories is better for everyone.
- Observe Traditions – people have a variety of rituals that take place inside the home before or after eating meals with friends or family members to preserve tradition while honoring guests. Follow their traditions and do not try to impose your beliefs on them.
A repast is still a somber event hence you should keep everything in moderation. Drink moderately, eat moderately, laugh occasionally and sparingly while remembering the good times with the deceased from time to time as well as sharing their stories which allow them to live on through others’ memories of them. If you need help with funeral receptions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Naugle Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
