Arranging and taking part in services held at funeral homes in Hagerstown, MD. is a way we start to work through and process a loved one’s passing. These events hold significance as they allow the community to come together to mourn and support one another. After the funeral and grave service, many families choose to keep this support going by holding a funeral reception.

If you would like to hold a reception but are worried that it might be too much to have to plan another event, don’t worry. We are going to share tips so that you can hold this event effortlessly and focus on being surrounded by loved ones and not get bogged down in planning details.

1. Keep it Simple

The first tip is to keep it simple. Yes, if you would like to hold an extravagant event, you certainly can as there are no rules to how your reception must be, but keeping it simple can lessen much of the stress that comes from the planning.

Some ways to consider keeping it simple can include:

• Menu - Instead of having a sit-down dinner or something that is catered in, consider asking guests to bring a dish for a “potluck” reception. This takes the pressure of deciding a menu off of you.
• Location- If you know you are going to want or need certain things at the reception like a microphone, plenty of tables and chairs, etc., hold the reception at a location that already provides those things. It might be a nice idea to hold the reception at a home but if you have to bring in all those supplies, it may be more trouble. Holding the event a reception hall or restaurant that already has those items makes it much easier.
• Décor - You, don’t have to go big with décor to create a beautiful environment for the reception. Using things like tea lights and flowers from the funeral can add a lovely touch.

2. Set a Budget

Receptions can get costly very quickly if you are not careful. Before you make any purchases or agree to any rentals, sit down and set a firm budget. This budget will be what drives your overall event and will help you come away from the affair feeling more peaceful rather than with feelings of remorse or regret.

It is easy to want to give our loved ones the best and biggest reception possible, but know that you can certainly hold a beautiful, meaningful reception without breaking the bank.

3. Enlist Help

This last tip is something that many people sometimes find difficult to do and that is to ask for help. You don’t have to do this all alone. Planning an event can be difficult enough, but add on top of that feeling of grief and loss, and can just be overwhelming.

Don’t hesitate to ask other family members or even very close friends to assist in planning and holding the reception. You might be surprised to find not only are they happy to do so but welcome the chance to be more involved.

While making arrangements with funeral homes in Hagerstown, MD. for your loved one’s services can seem overwhelming, remember that they are an important part of the grieving and healing process. We hope these tips help ease some of your stress and help you create a lovely reception.