When arranging a funeral reception, families are often faced with the decision of whether to organise the food themselves or to hire a professional catering company. Both options can feel appealing for different reasons, and the right choice depends on circumstances, preferences and budget. While catering might initially seem like an extra expense, it often brings value in ways that go far beyond the food. Below we explore the pros and cons of both approaches and offer guidance on what tends to work best for families.
The DIY approach: Pros
Organising food yourself can feel personal. Preparing a loved one’s favourite dishes or asking family members to contribute home-cooked items creates a sense of tribute. It can be meaningful for some families to feel involved in every part of the day, including the food. Another advantage is cost. Doing the catering in-house can save money, particularly for very small gatherings. Families have complete control over what is served, how it is presented and how much is spent on ingredients. For those with strong culinary skills or access to a kitchen at the reception venue, DIY catering may feel manageable.
The DIY approach: Cons
Despite the personal touch, DIY catering comes with significant challenges. Funerals are emotional occasions, and the added responsibility of preparing food can create extra stress. Shopping, cooking, transporting and setting up food requires time, energy and organisation that grieving families may not have. There is also the practical issue of portion sizes. It is difficult to judge how much food will be needed, and running out of food or having too much left over can cause upset. Presentation may also suffer, especially if family members are distracted or rushed. Finally, cleaning up afterwards becomes the family’s responsibility, leaving little opportunity to rest or spend time with guests.
Hiring a professional caterer: Pros
A professional catering company takes the burden away. Everything from menu planning to setup, service and clearing away is handled, which allows families to focus on the service and on supporting one another. Professional caterers bring expertise in portion control, dietary requirements and presentation, so families can be confident that guests will be well looked after. Menus can be customised to reflect cultural or religious traditions, favourite foods or simple comforting dishes. Service is discreet and respectful, ensuring the reception runs smoothly without intrusion. Perhaps most importantly, families gain peace of mind knowing that everything is being managed by experienced hands.
Hiring a professional caterer: Cons
The main drawback is cost. Professional catering will generally be more expensive than buying and preparing food yourself. For very small gatherings, this difference can be more noticeable. Families who wish to include personal touches may feel that outsourcing food preparation reduces the sense of involvement. However, these concerns can often be addressed by working with a flexible caterer who allows families to incorporate personal elements while still managing the majority of the practical work.
What works best for families
While both approaches have their place, professional catering tends to work best for most funeral receptions. Funerals bring together people who are grieving, often at short notice and sometimes in large numbers. The last thing families need is the added pressure of feeding dozens of guests on top of everything else they are managing. A caterer ensures that food is ready on time, plentiful, and presented with care. For those who want to keep a personal element, families can still choose menus that reflect favourite dishes or traditions, while leaving the logistics in the hands of professionals. This balance combines the comfort of personal touches with the reassurance of professional support.
Why catering is more than just food
Catering at a funeral reception is not about elaborate menus or fine dining. It is about creating a calm, welcoming space where people can gather, share memories and find comfort. Food provides structure to the reception, encouraging conversation and offering guests something familiar in the midst of sadness. Knowing that guests are being cared for relieves families of a major responsibility at a time when their energy is already stretched.
Why Sadlergates is the right choice for funeral catering
At Sadlergates, we understand that funeral catering requires more than practical organisation. It calls for compassion, discretion and an understanding of the emotions involved. We provide menus that are simple, comforting and inclusive, with options tailored to suit your family’s wishes, cultural background or dietary needs. Our team handles everything from delivery and setup to service and clearing away, so you do not need to worry about the details. With experience across Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield and Leicester, we are trusted by families who want to know their reception will be handled with care.
Choosing between DIY and a caterer is never easy, but with Sadlergates you can feel confident that your guests will be well looked after, and that you will be free to focus on what matters most: remembering your loved one and being with your family. By allowing us to take care of the catering, you remove a source of stress and ensure that your funeral reception is respectful, comforting and smoothly managed from start to finish.
