Celebration of life and funeral reception catering

What we need from you, and what we take care of

You do not need to decide everything at once. To prepare a quote we need only four things: the date and time of the reception, where it will be held, an estimate of how many people will attend, and any dietary or religious requirements in the family. Everything else (the menu, quantities, serving equipment, labels, clean-up) we can suggest and handle.

It helps to name one person as our contact. Families often have several relatives helping at once, and a single point of contact keeps the details straight and saves you repeated conversations.

Drop-off orders need at least 48 hours notice and staffed receptions a little more. If the reception is sooner than that, call us at 647-830-0079 anyway. We will tell you straight away what we can do in the time available.

How much food to order

Attendance after a service is hard to predict. Some guests go straight home, others arrive only for the reception, and a well-loved person in a large community can draw many more people than expected. A few principles help:

• Estimate the number who will stay for the reception, which is often lower than the number at the service, especially if the reception is at a different location.
• Consider the time of day. A reception from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. needs lunch-sized quantities; one from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. can be lighter, with sandwiches, sweets and tea and coffee.
• Plan around 90 minutes to 2 hours. Most receptions last about that long, and guests eat most in the first hour.

We size the order to your estimate and plan food that can be put out in stages, so a smaller turnout does not mean a table of untouched platters and a larger one does not mean running out.

1. Call or send a messageShare the date, place, approximate number of guests and any requirements. Phone 647-830-0079 or email [email protected].
2. Receive a simple proposalA suggested menu, quantities and a written price, kept short and clear.
3. ConfirmAdjust anything you like and confirm the final number of guests.
4. Reception dayFood is delivered and set out, or our staff serve and clean up so the family can be with guests.

Food that suits a reception

Food at a reception should be familiar, easy to eat standing or seated with a plate on your knee, and comforting rather than elaborate. What families usually choose:

• Finger sandwiches and wraps with a choice of fillings, including vegetarian options
• A warm dish or two if the reception runs over lunch or dinner, such as a baked pasta, roasted chicken, or rice with vegetables
• Fresh fruit, a platter of vegetables with dips, and cheese
• Small sweets, squares and cookies
• Coffee, tea and cold drinks, which people often want more than food

Many families also include a favourite dish of the person being remembered. It gives people something to talk about, and it is often the most appreciated thing on the table.

Many traditions have customs around food after a death, including halal meals, vegetarian food, or particular dishes served on particular days. Tell us what your family observes and we will follow your lead. For halal requirements, we confirm in writing how the food is sourced and prepared.

Where receptions are held

Funeral home reception rooms. Some funeral homes have their own catering arrangements and some allow outside caterers; policies vary widely. Ask the funeral director whether outside food is permitted, how long the room is available and whether there is a fridge or kitchenette.

A place of worship. Church halls, mosques, temples and gurdwaras often have a kitchen and their own rules about food, such as no meat or no alcohol. The office administrator can tell you what is allowed and when the hall must be cleared.

The family home. Often the most comfortable choice. A drop-off order with platters ready to serve means nobody in the family has to cook. Clear a space on the dining table and some room in the fridge.

A community centre, club or rented room. Useful for larger gatherings. Check tables, chairs and the end time when you book. Our community halls guide has the questions to ask.

Drop-off or staffed service

With drop-off catering, everything arrives on platters, labelled and ready to put out, with written instructions. It suits most receptions at home and smaller gatherings, and it costs less. The one thing to remember is food safety: perishable food should not stay out for more than about two hours, so ask someone to put platters away or discard what has been sitting out once the reception winds down.

With staff, a server or two sets up, keeps the food and coffee fresh, clears plates and cleans up at the end, so family members can spend the time with guests instead. Staff are $38 per staff hour. For receptions of more than about 40 people, or at a venue away from home, most families find it worth it.

If you would like to serve alcohol

At a family home, alcohol can be served free to guests; it cannot be sold at a residence. At a rented venue, a Special Occasion Permit from the AGCO is usually required. The AGCO asks for applications for private events at least 10 days ahead, though it notes most permits are approved within a day. If time is short, many families serve coffee, tea and non-alcoholic drinks at the reception.