Resources for families
Guides for families
Practical advice on planning a funeral wake or celebration of life, written with care.
How to plan a funeral wake
A step-by-step guide to organising a funeral reception — from choosing the right venue to catering, timing and what to say to guests.
Read guide →How many guests should you invite?
Guidance on estimating numbers, managing RSVPs sensitively, and choosing a venue with the right capacity for your gathering.
Read guide →Pub or hotel — which is right for a wake?
The pros and cons of different venue types for a funeral wake, including pubs, hotels, restaurants and function suites.
Read guide →What food and drink to serve at a wake
A practical guide to catering for a funeral reception — from buffets and finger food to dietary requirements and alcohol.
Read guide →How much does a funeral wake cost?
A realistic breakdown of wake costs in the UK — venue hire, catering, drinks and what to budget for different group sizes.
Read guide →Celebration of life — ideas and inspiration
How to create a meaningful celebration of life that honours who the person was — from personalised touches to music and readings.
Read guide →