After someone you care about has passed away, there are a lot of tasks to tackle. While the wake and funeral tend to get a lot of attention, there are other aspects of the ritual that can be easy to forget. After the funeral has come to a close, it is commonplace in some circles for the closest family members and friends of the departed to come together one last time before going their separate ways. Often referred to as a repast, this gathering can be a meaningful way to say goodbye and catch your breath after everything has finished. 

Hosting a post-funeral reception does not need to be an involved or complicated affair. Use these suggestions to guide you, and put together a plan that works for the needs of your group. 

The Venue

Your first concern about a repast might be where to host the gathering. Thankfully, there is usually no need to go out of your way and rent a reception hall or anything like that. Most of the time, a repast is held at the home of one of the deceased’s relatives or at a local restaurant that has enough space to accommodate all. No matter the venue option you consider, you definitely want to arrange the details in advance. Be sure to make a reservation at a restaurant early, as last-minute bookings can prove quite challenging for some spaces.

In most cases, a repast is limited to the close friends and family members of the deceased. This means you likely won’t need a large amount of space. However, try to get as accurate a headcount as possible when booking a reservation. Showing up to the restaurant and realizing there isn’t enough space because you miscounted the guests is an issue you definitely want to avoid. 

The Time

It’s most common to host a repast right after the funeral itself. However, some families opt to host this gathering within a few days of the funeral in order to have a little time to prepare. Either way, the repast doesn’t need to last long. An hour or two is usually more than enough time to come together, share in a few memories, and have a small meal. Though it doesn’t need to be long, you may find you want to keep things going. 

One unfortunate truth about life is that it becomes more difficult to see certain people as you get older. Busy schedules and changing responsibilities mean you may only see particular friends or extended family during major events like weddings and funerals. If this is the case, keep the repast going as long as needed. It may serve as a perfect opportunity to connect with the people you care about before life scatters you to the wind once more.  

The Refreshments

It is not necessary to serve a full meal at the repast. Typically, the event will include light fare and drinks. If held at a home, it is commonplace for guests to bring a dish in order to make the burden easier on the hosts. If you’re holding the event at a restaurant, shared plates and appetizers will usually work best for the budget and keep the crowd satiated. Wine and beer also work as excellent libations alongside non-alcoholic options like soda and water. Coffee and a small dessert can also put a perfect cap on the gathering. 

Unlike a funeral, which generally follows a specific process, a repast is much more flexible. Whether you decide to keep it short and simple or you extend it well into the night, hosting a repast could be the perfect way for you to connect with the people who matter and pay final respects to the departed.