How to Plan a Perfect Funeral Reception Bethlehem, PA

Planning to arrange a memorable funeral reception at funeral homes Bethlehem, PA, for your lost one but don’t know where to start? Worry not as we have prepared a “to-do” list to help you plan and arrange a perfect reception. 

Here are the steps you need to follow: 

Step 1: Choose the date and time of the reception 

First things first, you need to decide the date and time of the service. Mostly, a reception is held soon after a funeral, but it’s not carved in stone. Many families call for a later or even delayed reception to make sure everyone is able to attend the event. 

Thus, choose a preferrable date for the reception. 

Step 2: Consider your budget 

Depending on how much you’re willing or can spend on the event, you need to make further decisions. Decide if you are able to host and feed a large group of people or do you want a small group of close family and friends? 

Similarly, decide if you can afford to rent an event hall or private room in a restaurant. Your budget will narrow option your options. 

Step 3: Choose your location 

While most people tend to host the reception in a funeral home or a religious place, but there’s no shortage of options. 

You can choose to have it anywhere; be it an event hall, at a church, a park, or even at your house. Or make it special and choose a location that was important to the deceased or their family, such as a favorite restaurant or a beach. 

Step 4: Decide the food menu 

It’s customary to serve your guests with some kind of food and beverages as a way of thank you for attending the event. Plus, sharing a meal or even just appetizers together is a traditional and very human way to connect with one another. 

Depending on your budget and time of the day, you can serve a full lunch course, sandwiches, coffee and cookies, or hors d’oeuvres. 

Step 5: Send out invitations 

Make a list of people you want to invite and let them know via any communication means. You can mail out invites, send a group text, email blast, or social media post before the funeral takes place. 

Some people make announcements during the funeral event to let everyone know about the reception venue and data/time. This can happen if you have already planned the reception before the funeral service. 

Step 6: Plan a thank-you speech 



Last but not least, be sure to thank everyone for coming and gracing the event. You can either thank everyone at once or go around the room and greet everyone. While you’re at it, show your gratitude to the funeral director and staff, the pastor or clergy member who officiated, and any family and friends who volunteered their assistance. 

Hopefully, this guide will help you get started with planning a reception service for your lost loved one. If you still need any assistance, feel free to ask at funeral homes Bethlehem, PA.