The gathering with drinks after a funeral is commonly called a wake, a funeral reception, a funeral tea, or a repast, with the specific name varying by culture and region; it's an informal event for sharing memories, offering support, and celebrating the deceased's life with food and drinks.
This post-funeral meal, often referred to as a repast or wake, serves not just as a time for eating, but as an essential part of the mourning process—a moment for community and remembrance. Ancient Beginnings. 1.
A repast follows a funeral service.
A repast, or reception, usually includes a meal or refreshments of some sort that are shared in an informal setting. Depending on the size and style of the gathering, some families choose to hold a repast in their homes or at a church, restaurant, or other venue.
Cultures in the United States now rarely use the term “repast” to discuss a meal eaten with others. However, “repast” can be another term for the meal planned after a funeral or memorial service.
Children or grandchildren of the person who died should wait at least 49 days after the funeral to cut their nails or hair. This comes from the idea that the dead parent gave the children their nails and hair, so they should not be cut during the mourning period or after the burial.
A repast is a social gathering held after a funeral service, where your family, friends and others in the community spend an afternoon or evening together. Considered a grieving ritual, the repast provides space to reflect, offer condolences and share stories about the deceased.
While a funeral service has more to do with an orderly and often spiritually-defined event, a memorial gathering or celebration of life is an event that honours and celebrates the deceased, in a way that is less somber and serious than other types of gatherings.
Wakes are traditionally held before a funeral service. It's a time for mourners to gather, share memories, and offer condolences. Food and drinks might be served, but the focus is on grieving and remembrance. Repasts take place after a funeral service.
The correct answer is "Cortege". "Cortege" - This word is indeed a one-word substitute for "a slowly moving line of people or cars at a funeral." The term specifically refers to a procession of mourners at a funeral or the vehicles in such a procession.
You can announce the reception at the funeral or you can include it in the funeral announcement. Many people choose to call family and friends prior to the funeral service to let them know about the repast.
Some of the most well-loved comforting dishes include:
Families from African American, Caribbean, or Catholic backgrounds often have strong repast traditions.
In many cases the family will provide food and beverages, though in some cases food and drinks will be supplied by the community or the social committee of the church or synagogue. If you will be coordinating food and beverages for a post-funeral reception, use our resource Guide: Meal Registries.
The memorial service is one of the most common types of funeral services. The defining characteristic of a memorial service is that it takes place after the deceased has been laid to rest.
Remember, there's no strict etiquette for funeral receptions; it's about what your loved one would have preferred. Adding personal touches, like a photo wall or memory table, adds heartfelt value. And don't shy away from asking for help to ensure the event feels right and honors the person's uniqueness.
The repast serves as a communal event that allows attendees to reflect on the deceased's life, share memories, and find comfort in a less formal setting than the funeral service itself. It often marks a transition from the solemnity of the burial or memorial to a space for emotional connection and healing.
Typically, the repast is for anyone who attended the funeral, but every family handles it differently. Some repasts are open, where anyone is welcome to join the gathering. Others, especially if space or budget is limited, might be more private with invitations extended to close friends and family.
What Is a Mercy Meal? In the Greek Orthodox and Catholic religions, a mercy meal is offered after the burial service. The mercy meal is an informal event that allows the family to gather and celebrate the deceased's life with one another. It's very similar to a funeral repast offered by other religions.
The 12th Day Ceremony in Hinduism is called (Sapindkaran) and is a very important ritual because by performing this ritual, we help the deceased person's soul to join their ancestors. On this day, pind daan and Havan are performed to guide them towards peace.
A funeral repast is a gathering held after a funeral or memorial service, usually centered around sharing food and fellowship. The word repast comes from Latin and Old French roots, meaning “a meal,” and while it's uncommon in everyday speech today, it remains a meaningful term tied to this longstanding tradition.
Synonyms of funeral
When Christians gather for the funeral Mass, we do so to praise God the Father, who has given us eternal life in His Son, and who is merciful to those who die believing in Jesus. In the Christian funeral, we gather not to praise the deceased but to pray for them. For this reason, eulogies are not given.
Catholic Funeral Etiquette & Traditions FAQ
What do you wear to a funeral mass? A funeral mass is held in a church, so a dark suit for men or dark dress or pantsuit for women is appropriate. Clothing should cover the shoulders and knees and jewelry should be kept simple.
Almighty God, we rejoice in your promise of love, joy and peace. In your mercy turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life, and the sorrow of parting into the joy of heaven; through our Saviour Jesus Christ, who died, rose again and lives for evermore. Amen.