Funeral Catering & Reception Services

Meals bring people together. A shared meal can provide a sense of comfort, connection and healing—something much needed after the loss of a loved one. Though you may know funeral homes offer caskets and urns, it may not be apparent that many funeral providers also offer food and beverage services as well. Whether you’re planning a traditional funeral ceremony or a celebration of life, many Dignity Memorial® providers offer catering for receptions, from breakfast buffets to sit-down dinners, casual lunch spreads to festive toasts.

 

Catering is a beautiful way to personalize a service and honor a loved one. When caterers get creative, the details of a loved one's life can shine through. For example, for an Irish nana, we can do a dessert bar with shamrock tarts, pistachio cupcakes and mint chocolate cheesecake. If Dad was proud of his Italian heritage, we could design a charcuterie spread to pair with wines from his family’s region in Italy.

We can even create menu items from beloved family traditions. Every guest at grandmother’s memorial can take home a sweet reminder in her famous oatmeal cookies or sit down together for Papou's pastitsio. All you need to do is provide the recipe. We take care of the rest.

 

 

Catered celebrations and funeral receptions

When a loved one dies, family members may feel overwhelmed by the decisions and tasks involved in planning a service, including refreshments for guests. Choosing to cater a funeral or celebration relieves you of this weight, giving you more time to focus on mourning, spending time with friends and healing.

With the catered reception services offered through many Dignity Memorial providers, you won’t need to find an outside caterer, schedule an appointment to plan the menu, or find time to shop for food and beverages. Working with licensed, professional caterers, we arrange it all for you, from setup to serving to cleanup.


A waiter providing refreshments at an outdoor celebration


Funeral catering options range from simple to full-service, from casual to formal. Snacks and soft drinks may be all you need for an afternoon viewing. Light appetizers and wine might be appropriate for an evening visitation. Depending on the time of day and your budget, you may arrange for a breakfast bar, soup and sandwiches, passed hors d’oeuvres or a formal seated dinner.

Dignity Memorial locations have set catering menus to help remove the guesswork, but you're welcome to make adjustments or add on something that feels really personal. Not every location offers the same menus, but your funeral planner can walk you through the offerings. We do our best to meet every family’s request, including accommodating special dietary needs, such as vegan, gluten free and kid friendly, whether for one person or hundreds.

Not every family knows that a catered event can take place anytime. We can serve you and your guests before, during or after a service. You can also use catering services to thank caregivers or nursing facilities for the compassionate care they provided your loved one.


A grandmother and grandson serve themselves at a catering table while attending a funeral reception

A shared meal at your venue of choice

If you have a large group, reserving a room in a restaurant, banquet hall or similar location on short notice may be challenging. A Dignity Memorial funeral home is the perfect venue for a memorial reception. A reception room is included in most funeral catering packages, and if you host the service at the funeral home, guests won't have to travel or find parking. Hosting a reception at the funeral home creates a more comfortable, streamlined experience. 

If you'd like, we also can arrange for food and beverages to be delivered to your home or another venue, giving you more time to focus on what’s most important—honoring the life of your loved one.

Catering packages 

We understand how important it is to create a tribute that honors the unique life of a special person. Convenient, customizable catering is often part of that. 

Though some items may not be included in every reception, most Dignity Memorial catering packages include:

  • Food and beverages
  • Delivery
  • Reception room
  • Waitstaff (1 server per 25 guests)
  • Heating and cooling equipment
  • Serving dishes
  • Tableware and glasses
  • Linens and centerpieces
  • Setup and cleanup
  • Gratuity

Funeral Catering and Reception Services_2

Sample catering menus

From a simple, homespun spread featuring coffee and desserts, to a formal seated dinner with handpicked wines, we have menus to accommodate all budgets and tastes. Here are sample catering menus to give you a taste of what we offer*.

Appetizers

  • Parmesan flatbread with basil pesto
  • Jumbo crab stuffed cremini mushrooms
  • Baked tomato mozzarella salad
  • Beef tenderloin crostini
  • Crisp flaky assorted mini quiche
  • Mini sliders
  • Brie with caramelized almonds
  • Fresh fruit tray
  • Freshly brewed iced tea

Light fare

  • Southwestern chicken salad sandwiches
  • Almond chicken salad croissants
  • Black Forest ham and cheddar on King’s Hawaiian rolls
  • Roasted turkey sandwiches
  • Spring mix greens and tomatoes
  • Assorted selection of fresh-cut tropical fruits
  • Chef’s selection of assorted desserts
  • Freshly brewed iced tea and lemonade

Full fare

  • Artisan breast of chicken
  • Maple-glazed salmon
  • Romaine and red leaf salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes
  • Buttery mashed potatoes
  • Seasonal roasted vegetables
  • Specialty rolls and butter
  • Mini dessert trio display
  • Freshly brewed iced tea and lemonade

*For specific menu options and details on event spaces, ask your funeral director. Pricing and menu offerings vary by location and are subject to change. Catered receptions may not be allowed at funeral homes by law in some states.

 

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