Did you know that there are dozens of different funeral traditions around the world?
One of the most common ways people honor the deceased is to host a wake before or after the funeral services. If you’re thinking about hosting a wake at home, keep reading to learn tips about the timing, entertainment, food, and more.
What Is a Wake?
Wakes have evolved so much over the centuries that the definition may be different for everyone. In general, wakes are less formal events where loved ones can gather and celebrate the life of the deceased.
Wakes can be held in various locations. If you host a wake at a place of worship, you could have an open casket for guests to say their final goodbye. If you host a wake at your home, the body doesn’t have to be present.
Why a Wake After a Funeral Can Be Best
When you’re planning a funeral wake, you have to figure out which time feels best. Many people feel that at-home wakes are more comforting after the funeral takes place.
The reason why a wake can be uplifting after a funeral is because it can act as a peaceful conclusion. Funerals are dark, quiet events filled with grief. An intimate wake held at home can be filled with love, cheer, and hope. After you say your goodbyes at the funeral, it’s nice to end on a high note by celebrating all the happy times with the deceased.
What to Do at a Wake: How to Entertain
Planning a funeral can have a lot more logistics than a wake. Another benefit of hosting a wake after the funeral is that you have more time to focus on finding the perfect stonemason, funeral home, and more.
Wakes are the perfect time to admire photos, memorabilia, and share good memories. When planning a wake at home, make sure you gather every significant object and find a nice place to display everything. It could also be cathartic to create a scrapbook and let guests flip through it together.
Ultimately, a wake can be whatever you want it to be in order to best honor your loved one. Take some time to think about how they would want to be remembered.
If they were a fun person, you could hire a live musician, play games, or do any other activities they’d love. If they were sentimental, you could spend your time bonding over your love of this person by sharing stories.
Which Foods Are Best to Serve at a Wake?
Since at-home wakes are usually casual, don’t stress about the little details. To keep things simple, you can serve a few different kinds of finger foods. Not only are they easy to assemble, but they’re easy to eat and clean up.
Sandwiches, pastries, cheese and fruit platters, and quiches are a few examples of crowd pleasers that can either be bought at the store or prepared quickly. Another great idea could be to serve your loved one’s favorite food. If they went to a restaurant often, you could consider having your wake catered.
Final Tips for Home Wakes
Even though your wake may be a more positive event than the funeral, people will still be mourning. It’s important to provide a warm, relaxing environment for your guests.
Some final things you can do before the wake are purchase more comfortable seating, open the windows to let lots of sun and fresh air inside, light some candles with calming scents, and stock the room with plenty of tissues and a garbage bin.
Want More Helpful Home Tips?
Now that you know how to plan a wake at home, you can ensure your loved one is honored in the best way possible.
For more helpful advice, be sure to check out our blog. There you’ll find everything you need to know about making your house feel like a home.