How to Remember a Loved One with a Celebratory Wake
Holding a wake for a family member or friend who has passed on is an old and beloved tradition. Today’s wakes are focused on being a celebration of the loved one’s life, a time to recollect the special place they hold in your heart and within the hearts and memories of their family and friends.
A celebratory wake may be a celebration and a time for remembering, but it’s also a time for closure. Mourning and grief are unique experiences for each one among us. Holding a wake makes us all feel less alone and more connected to those around us. Remembering the gestures, actions, words, and deeds of a beloved may be a truly unique experience that honours not only the memory of a beloved but their life also.
Planning a Wake
Wakes don’t need to be elaborate. In fact, a wake is to be a more informal gathering — an area for family and loved ones to swap stories and share memories. Ideally, the wake itself should be centred on the loved one’s life and interests, creating a celebration that’s as unique and as individual as their own personality. While historically wakes were held before burials, today many of us plan to hold the wake immediately after the funeral as how for people to unwind, remember, and connect.
Location
Ideally, you’ll need to choose a location that’s comfortable, fairly private and intimate. An area where people feel connected and comfortable while sharing their memories and recollections.
To make the event more personal and reflective of your beloved, you would possibly consider holding the wake during a location that holds a special place in their heart — a sports club, the local pub, a church hall, or maybe the house of a friend or loved one. Counting on the time of year, you would possibly even hold the wake outdoors in a park or other natural setting.
Personal Touches
Incorporating a couple of personal touches is a method to assist everyone within the wake feel connected. There are several ways to make sure your wake is as personal and meaningful as your loved one’s life and interests.
Food
When choosing what food is to be offered, many of us plan to feature dishes that were special favourites of their beloved. It can often be anything from Indian food to burritos, sushi, and even breakfast foods no matter the time of day. If your wake may be a casual affair and not a sit-down meal, attempt to offer foods that are easy to hold and handle. Sandwiches and other finger foods are good choices.
If you can, attempt to make allowances for a spread of tastes so everyone has something to nibble on. Alcohol is ok as long as it’s carefully planned, perhaps limited to one toast. Remember, this is often a stressful and emotional time and emotions and alcohol often don’t mix well.
Decor
From balloons and flowers to sports jerseys and other memorabilia, featuring items that reflect your loved one’s life or memories can help form a basis for sharing and conversation.
Photos are often displayed in frames, on bulletin boards, in albums or maybe put together into a video that’s played in the background. Because photos can trigger other people’s personal memories of your loved one, having a journal or a videographer available can assist you capture stories and memories you haven’t heard before.
The team at Remembrance Funerals can offer guidance and advice.
