When someone we love passes away, there is a lot to think about at a time when emotions are understandably running high, so when someone offers advice on how to plan a funeral wake or celebration of life it can help to lighten the load a little and provide some relief in a difficult time.
Alongside making funeral arrangements, many families want to find a suitable place where friends and relatives can come together afterwards to share memories, offer support, and celebrate the life of someone special.
A funeral wake or celebration of life doesn’t have to be complicated. The most important thing is having a comfortable, welcoming space where people can spend time together without the family having to worry about every little detail.
How to Plan a Funeral Wake or Celebration of Life
If you’re currently planning a gathering following a funeral service, here are some things to consider:
Choose a comfortable and suitable venue
One of the first decisions is where you’d like family and friends to gather following the funeral service.
Depending on the number of people attending, you may want somewhere private and relaxed that gives everyone enough space to sit, talk and remember your loved one. For a larger gathering, a dedicated event space can also make the practical side of the day much easier.
A stadium might not be the first place that comes to mind when considering a funeral reception, but dedicated hospitality and event spaces can provide a calm, private setting for families to come together.
At the BrewDog Stadium, a number of lounges are available for funeral receptions and wakes, with spaces suitable for different group sizes. The Marching Inn Café Bar can also be used exclusively for a funeral wake or celebration of life.
Think about what feels right for your family
A wake doesn’t have to follow a standard template. Some families prefer a quiet gathering with close relatives and friends, while others want to invite a larger circle of people who knew and loved the person who has passed away.
To help you make any decisions, think about what your loved one would have enjoyed…
Would they have preferred something informal, with people chatting over food and drinks? Would photographs, music or personal memories help make the gathering feel more personal? Or would a simple, private space for family and close friends be more appropriate?
Taking a little time to think about these things, can help you choose a venue and arrangements that feel right.
Keep catering simple
Food is often an important part of a funeral wake, giving guests the opportunity to sit together and talk in a more informal setting.
You don’t need to plan an elaborate menu. A buffet can be a practical option, particularly when you’re accommodating a larger number of guests. Tea, coffee and refreshments can also give people a reason to sit down together and take a moment.
On-site catering can make things considerably easier for you and your family too, as it means there’s one less thing to organise or coordinate on the day.
The BrewDog Stadium offers on-site catering, with options ranging from a simple buffet through to arrangements for larger wakes.
Consider personal touches
A wake is ultimately about remembering a person and the life they shared with others.
Small personal touches can make a gathering feel much more meaningful. You might want to display photographs, play some of their favourite music or share stories that capture their personality and the memories people have of them.
For families connected with St.Helens R.F.C., the BrewDog Stadium can also offer a number of club-related touches. These can include purchasing a Wall of Legends tile, scattering ashes in the Steve Prescott memorial garden, having a loved one’s name read out at a Saints memorial match, and permission to use the club’s music and crest.
These options won’t be right for every family, but for a lifelong Saints supporter, they may provide a particularly personal way to remember them.
Don’t feel you have to organise everything yourself
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to manage every detail alone.
Funeral directors can help with many aspects of the funeral itself, while a dedicated venue team can take care of the practical arrangements for the gathering afterwards.
At the BrewDog Stadium, the events team works with families to help arrange funeral receptions and wakes, from smaller, more private gatherings through to larger celebrations of life. The aim is to provide a relaxed setting where families and friends can come together and remember the good times.
If you’re considering a funeral reception at the stadium, the team can discuss your requirements and help you understand what arrangements may be suitable for your gathering.
A place to come together and remember
Planning a wake can feel like another responsibility at an already difficult time. Choosing a venue that can accommodate your guests, provide catering and help with the practical details can take some of that pressure away.
Above all, a funeral reception is an opportunity to pause, be together and remember the person who has passed away.
Whether you’re looking for a simple buffet for close family and friends or a larger space for a celebration of life, the BrewDog Stadium has a range of spaces and catering options available for funeral receptions and wakes.
To find out more about holding a funeral reception or wake at the BrewDog Stadium in St.Helens, speak to the team on 01744 455 086 or click here to enquire.