Funeral Wake Ideas
Losing a loved one is a difficult experience, and planning a funeral wake can be overwhelming. Planning on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing meaning or atmosphere. Whether you opt for a home gathering or a local venue, this guide helps you host a meaningful, personal, and cost-effective wake that honours your loved one’s spirit. With suggestions for personalisation to eco-aware choices that can make all the difference.
Table of contents
Do you need to have a wake after a funeral?
There is no requirement to hold a wake after the funeral, it is personal choice, or if the deceased requested one in a will.
What is a funeral wake and why have one?
- A funeral wake is a gathering of friends and family after a funeral service
- It provides an opportunity to offer condolences to the bereaved family
- Guests can share memories of the deceased and reflect on their life
- The wake acts as celebration of life
- The wake offers emotional support and collective healing during a difficult time
- It helps loved ones begin to move forward after the loss
A wake in more detail
While a funeral service is often a sombre occasion, a wake can be a more relaxed and informal event. People can share stories and memories of the deceased, toast to their life, and celebrate the life and positive impact they had on those around them. This celebration of life can be a healing experience for those in mourning and can help them to focus on the positive aspects of their loved one’s life.
After a funeral service, people often feel a sense of disorientation or detachment from reality. Attending a funeral wake can help to ground people and create a sense of closure, allowing them to acknowledge the reality of the situation and start to process their grief. By spending time with others who are going through a similar experience, people can feel less alone and more prepared to move forward.
By sharing stories and memories, people can keep the memory of the deceased alive and ensure that they are not forgotten. This can be especially important for people who were not able to attend the funeral service or for those who want to continue to honour the memory of their loved one in the months and years to come.
Importantly a funeral wake can help to strengthen social bonds. In today’s fast-paced and often isolated society, it can be difficult to maintain close relationships with friends and family. A wake provides an opportunity to reconnect with people and build social bridges. This can be particularly important for people who live far away or who have lost touch with family members.
Why is a wake called a wake?
The word “wake” originates from the Old English word “wacian”, which means “to watch” or “to be awake”. In medieval times, it was customary for family and friends to keep watch over a deceased person’s body overnight, as a way of showing respect and guarding against evil spirits. This practice became known as “sitting up with the dead” or simply “the wake”. Over the years, the term modern use of the word wake has come to refer not just to the vigil itself, but to the remembrance that follows a person’s death.
Where to host a funeral wake: Home vs venue
At home: A home wake can be deeply personal and budget-friendly. You’re in familiar surroundings, and you can control every detail, from food to décor. Just be mindful of the emotional energy required during a sensitive time.
At a venue: Hiring a hall or pub directly often costs less than going through an undertaker or event planner. Many local church halls offer affordable options. Pubs especially offer a relaxed environment, sometimes with food and a private area, letting guests order their own drinks, which can significantly reduce hosting costs.
Affordable venue ideas
- Church or community halls: Low-cost rental for a few hours; you supply food/drinks
- Local pubs: Easy to arrange, warm atmosphere, flexible guest beverage arrangements
- Other local venues: Museums with small rooms, sports clubs, or favourite cafés
Personalising the wake
Make your funeral wake feel meaningful with these simple ideas:
- Create a photo display or memory table with personal items and photos
- Video montage of the deceased is often an engaging way to celebrate their life
- If your loved one enjoyed spending time outdoors, consider hosting an outdoor picnic and ask guests to bring their own food and drinks
- A balloon release is a way to honour your loved one. You could choose a favourite colour and have guests release the balloons together
- Release doves, which most undertakers can arrange
- Hold a candle lighting ceremony in memory
- Decorate the venue with images of the deceased pinned around the venue and personal possessions are often a good idea to display
- Host a casual game or group activity (like bingo or memory prompts) if it suits the person’s spirit
- Ask the mourners if they would like to say a few words to celebrate the life of the deceased
- Have a memory table where guests can write down their favourite memories of your loved one
Eco ideas for wakes
If the deceased was an environmentalist, consider adding:
- Use locally grown flowers or suggest “in lieu of flowers” donations to an eco-charity
- A vegetarian or vegan menu to reduce environmental impact
- Encourage car-sharing or public transport to lower carbon emissions
Different venues
Church halls
If you’re looking for an affordable venue to host a funeral wake, consider checking with your local church. Some church halls offer low-cost rentals for a few hours, making them a budget-friendly option. However, keep in mind that you will need to supply the food and drinks, or hire a catering firm, which may not be suitable for everyone. You can also look in local directories and online for function rooms, church and hall hire.
Public houses
Another option for hosting a funeral wake is at a local public house (Pub). This venue can be easier to arrange and often has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Many pubs have a private area that can be reserved for mourners, and they can often supply the food. Guests can purchase their drinks, so there is no financial pressure on the family to cover the drinks bill.
Families who do not want the wake to be dreary will often find a brighter atmosphere in the pub. These brighter receptions are often lower in cost compared to hiring halls and catering companies.
FAQ’S
Can I hold a funeral wake at home on a tight budget?
Yes, hosting at home can be cost-effective and deeply personal, ask for support from others to help you.
What’s a low-cost venue option for a wake?
Church halls, pubs or community centres often offer affordable rates.
How can I personalise a wake without it costing a lot?
Display photos, invite memory sharing, DIY décor, candle lighting, and a memory table can make it meaningful.
What eco-friendly ideas work well for a wake?
Offer vegetarian/vegan refreshments, use local flowers or request donations to charities and encourage car-sharing.
Summary
Planning a funeral wake can be a challenging task, but with the right ideas and planning, you can create a unique and memorable event without a arge budget that brings people together to celebrate the life of your loved one. Whether you choose to host the wake at a venue or at home, remember that adding personal touches can make all the difference.
To read more on funeral reception wake ideas visit Discover Economical Funeral Wake Ideas.
Step 1: Low-Cost Funerals
Step 2: Funeral Service
Step 3: Coffin Prices
Step 4: Funeral Wake Ideas
Step 5: Home & Natural Burial
For further helpful information covering different aspects of funerals from poems, flowers, bereavement gift ideas, what to wear at a funeral, low-cost headstones and much more, visit the Save Funeral Costs™ blog.
