Funeral Reception Hospitality

The funeral reception or wake, which usually follows the service, is an integral part of the whole day and an opportunity to bring together family and friends to celebrate, tell stories, provide comfort and reflect on a life well lived.  

From an intimate gathering at home to a sophisticated sit down dinner at a favourite restaurant, we can organise a memorable event, alongside an incredible funeral food menu that reflects the personality of the person who’s died.

Catering for a funeral reception

With over 35 years in the hospitality business, founder Oliver Peyton has all the knowledge, experience and contacts to deliver a memorable funeral celebration.

At Exit Here, we handle every element of the funeral reception and ensure it’s a seamless continuation of the funeral service, from researching and finding the perfect funeral venue to creating a personalised funeral food menu, whether that’s a simple finger food buffet or a fully catered lunch or dinner. We can draw up the guest list, send out invitations, and organise the transport and flowers too.

Where to hold a funeral reception
A funeral wake can be held anywhere and funeral reception venues range from private rooms in a restaurant, pub or hotel to church halls and music venues, or from the home of a family member to somewhere like Finchley Golf Club. Or how about a marquee at Chiswick House.

We can also host funeral receptions for up to 20 people at our Chiswick High Road or Broadway Parade, Crouch End locations and can provide all the funeral catering required, such as afternoon tea and cake, or champagne and canapés.

Funeral catering prices
As every funeral reception is personalised, we don’t offer funeral catering packages. Instead, we talk to you about your funeral food ideas and ideal reception venues, and then we deliver an outstanding funeral celebration that will live long in the memory of your guests.

Oliver Peyton

“Funeral reception catering is literally anything you want it to be. We’re created five star farewell dinners. And we’ve even made Golden Syrup sandwiches, as it was the favourite snack of the person who’d died. Of course, the guests loved it.”

— Oliver Peyton 

Hospitality price list

This is a small selection of the hospitality we offer. To plan a bespoke event please get in touch.

  • “Sam and Oliver at Exit Here make the incredibly jarring task of swiftly organising a beautiful farewell, directly after a painful and seemingly time-stopping loss, an easy task. Our Mum was a cherished individual with unique qualities and endearing quirks. We wanted to honour her with a service tailored to her character, uplifting, colourful, respectful and full of music and bright flowers. We couldn't be happier with how it went, given the terrible circumstances.”

    — Laura Hemus

  • “No detail or question is too small or silly. You can make your farewell as conservative or creative as you wish. Added to this, Sam and Oliver balance being professional and respectful with being friendly and warm. I felt at ease the minute I called Sam and could ask any question - including potentially upsetting questions regarding transfer and cremation - and receive an honest and kind answer.”

    — Laura Hemus

  • “I cannot speak highly enough of the team at Exit Here. They are as far removed from the traditional high street undertakers as it is possible to imagine. Instead of gloom and hushed tones, both Sam and Oliver greet you with warmth and smiles in the lovely interior of their space in Chiswick. They take time to learn about your family and to help you realise your vision for the funeral. For us, that was a glorious and joyful celebration with flowers and lights woven around a wicker casket and wonderful music - and the team at Mortlake were also very empathic. Thank you Sam and Oliver - we really appreciated all that you did for us.”

    — Rebecca Winfield

  • “My husband Paul died at home on a Saturday afternoon. Sam from Exit Here came into what was a surreal, shocking and distressing situation and with her grace, experience and reassurance made it feel natural. She and her colleague took Paul to Exit Here where, when we visited he looked a lot better than when we'd last seen him. 'Make up?' I asked. 'No,' she said, 'No need.' We could see him whenever we wanted to. Gentleness, grace and humour defined the excellent care we received from Sam and Oliver.”

    — Elizabeth Kinder

  • “We were encouraged and helped every step of the way to give my husband a brilliant, and totally unique send-off that truly celebrated him and his life. Every detail was taken care of as we were expertly guided into new terrain. Several people said it was the best funeral they'd ever been to, but really what helps us is knowing that we did the absolute best for him. Sam and Oliver having played an important part so beautifully at a crucial time in people's lives do not just disappear after the bill's been settled. They host coffee mornings for customers which feel like a port in the storm of all-enveloping grief. I am very grateful to them.”

    — Elizabeth Kinder