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A Brief Guide to Planning a Wake

The loss of a loved one is never easy but many people find that a funeral and a wake helps them to process their grief. A wake is the name given to a social gathering that happens after the formal funeral service has taken place and they offer a chance to share memories with family and friends.


Wakes are often held as a celebration of the deceased, however, organising a funeral can be stressful and you may feel overwhelmed at the thought of planning an additional event. Funeral directors are on hand to help you organise both the funeral and the wake, but if you want to know where to start, see below for our brief guide.


Choose a location


Start by choosing a location for the wake; this can be anywhere you like but bear in mind how many people are likely to attend. Common venues for a wake include a pub, church hall, hotel, sports club or a family member’s home. You may want to decorate the location in advance first so factor this in when choosing a time for the wake to start.


Who should I invite?


A wake can be for close family and friends only, or you may want to extend an invitation to anyone who knew the deceased. Some people attend the wake and the funeral, or the wake can be an opportunity for people to pay their respects if they couldn’t attend the funeral service. If you want the wake to be small and exclusive, send invitations directly to family and friends. If the venue is larger or you’d like an open invitation, details of the wake can be shared as part of an obituary or in a local paper.


Do I have to provide food?


Food is typically provided at a wake, as well as drinks. Some venues may include catering in their booking costs, or you can provide the food yourself. A wake doesn’t have to include a formal sit down meal (although you can of course do this if you wish). A buffet-style meal is often the easiest option and it allows guests to relax and mingle.


If you need help planning a funeral or a wake in Paignton or Brixham, get in touch with the experts at Stockman & Loram. We pride ourselves on offering a sensitive, professional service and our staff are on hand to help you plan a funeral that’s unique to you and your loved one. We can help you with the funeral service, transport, memorials, notices, flowers and planning the wake, so give us a call today or contact us online.

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