How to Choose the Perfect Menu for a Celebration of Life
Tips for creating a thoughtful, balanced farewell menu.
Planning catering for a funeral or wake can feel overwhelming, especially when time is limited and emotions are high. At Farewell Catering, we’ve helped hundreds of Melbourne families create beautiful, meaningful gatherings, starting with a perfectly balanced menu that reflects the tone of the day.
When selecting the right funeral catering menu, several factors should guide your decision:
Timing Matters: Morning, Midday or Afternoon
The time of day the service is held has a big impact on what type of food is appropriate:
Morning Services (e.g. 9am) – Light morning tea options work well here: simple, elegant finger food and baked goods that are easy to enjoy with a tea or coffee.
Midday Services (e.g. 11am) – Guests will likely be quite hungry, especially if they haven’t eaten since breakfast. A more generous, hearty lunch-style menu is ideal.
Afternoon Services (e.g. 2–3pm) – Think warm, comforting platters and sweet and savoury selections that are easy to enjoy while mingling. This is especially appreciated in cooler months.
Guest Numbers & Budget
All of our menus are priced per person, with a clear number of items included for each guest. This helps families stay within budget while ensuring everyone is well looked after. Whether you're expecting 30 guests or 300, we offer flexible options that scale to suit your needs.
Thoughtful Food Selection
Our menus have been thoughtfully curated over many years, with a balance of sweet and savoury options that are comforting, familiar, and loved by most. Each menu has been refined through experience to suit the tone and flow of a celebration of life.
We understand the practicalities too, every dish is designed to be easy to eat while standing and substantial enough to satisfy your guests, making the experience seamless and plentiful. We also factor in convenience with minimal waste, discreet rubbish handling, and smooth service, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Alcohol & Beverage Service
Some families choose to include drinks and alcohol, especially for afternoon services. We can provide everything you need, from glassware and serving staff to beverage service so you can focus on what matters most.
Alcohol Can Influence Food Consumption
If you plan on offering drinks, whether that’s a celebratory glass of champagne, or a full beverage package, it’s helpful to know that guests tend to eat more when alcohol is served. Including a little extra in your food order helps ensure no one goes hungry. We also offer alcohol packages to help you manage this with ease.
Support Every Step of the Way
We know this is a difficult time, and we’re here to help. Our experienced team is always happy to guide you through your menu choices, offering gentle advice and support based on years of experience in funeral and wake catering in Melbourne.
Choosing the right food for a celebration of life is a small but meaningful way to honour your loved one. Thoughtful, balanced catering helps bring people together, creating space for connection, comfort, and shared memories.
Have questions or need help planning your farewell? Contact us, we’re here to help you honour your loved one.