Funeral Wake Venues for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Funeral Wake Venues in London

Need a funeral wake venue in London but aren’t quite sure where to start? Don’t worry, here at Tagvenue we have a diverse selection of funeral wake venues for you to choose from. It’s fast and easy to book, so you can focus on more important things, like making sure the wake you’re planning is a beautiful time of loving and letting go.

Crafting a Memorial: Personal Touches for Funeral Wakes

When organising a funeral wake in London, it’s important to create a space that resonates personally with the memory of the departed. Adding personal touches to a wake can make the venue a comforting environment, allowing friends and family to connect with the essence of their loved one. Here's how you can craft a memorial that truly resonates:

• Reflect Their Life Story Through Photos and Memorabilia: Create a visual tribute with photographs, cherished items, and memorabilia that showcase the journey and passions of the departed. A carefully arranged display can serve as a focal point, encouraging guests to reminisce and share stories.
• Incorporate Their Favourite Music: Music has a profound ability to evoke memories and emotions. Compile a playlist of their favourite songs or pieces of music to be played softly in the background. This soundtrack can create a warm, personal atmosphere that honours their tastes and spirit.
• Personalise Decor with Meaningful Symbols: Decorate the funeral reception with elements that symbolise significant aspects of their life. This could be anything from a specific type of flower they adored to decorations reflecting their hobbies or achievements. Such details add a deeply personal layer to the event.
• Create a Memory Corner: Set up a quiet space where guests can write down their memories or messages on cards. These can be placed in a memory box or hung on a memory tree. This interactive element not only serves as a tribute but also offers comfort to the family, knowing the impact their loved one had on others.
• Offer Personalised Keepsakes: Consider offering guests a small keepsake as a reminder of the person they’ve gathered to remember. This could be a custom bookmark, a seed packet to plant in their memory, or a small photo frame with their picture.
• Encourage Shared Stories: Sometimes, the most touching tribute is the sharing of stories and memories. Dedicate a time during the wake for friends and family to share anecdotes and reflections. This verbal tapestry of their life can be incredibly healing.
• Utilise Lighting for Atmosphere: Soft, warm lighting can transform a space into a comforting haven. Use candles, fairy lights, or lanterns to create a gentle glow that envelops the room in warmth, mirroring the light the departed brought into their lives.

By integrating these personal touches, the funeral reception in London evolves into a heartfelt tribute that celebrates the life of the loved one. In doing so, you create a space that not only mourns a loss but also commemorates a life well-lived.

Honouring Traditions with Modernity: Venue Choices for Every Family

When planning a funeral wake in London, families often find themselves balancing the need to honour traditions with a desire to incorporate elements that reflect the unique personality of their loved one. Choosing the right venue plays a crucial role in achieving this balance, ensuring that the wake pays tribute to the departed but also provides comfort and solace to the attendees. Here's a guide to selecting a venue that harmonises tradition with modernity, catering to every family's preferences.

Traditional Venues with a Modern Twist:

• Historic Halls and Mansions: London boasts a myriad of historic venues that exude timeless elegance while offering modern amenities. These spaces can be adorned with personal touches and updated with contemporary catering options, making for a perfect setting for a wake that respects tradition yet feels current.
• Charming Pubs and Inns: For a wake that captures the quintessential British spirit, consider a classic pub or inn with characterful interiors. Many of these venues have embraced modern tastes in food and drink, allowing for a traditional setting complemented by a menu that caters to diverse tastes.
• Gardens and Outdoor Spaces: If your loved one enjoyed nature, a garden venue offers a calm setting that can be both traditional and informal. Modern outdoor furniture and lighting can transform these spaces, allowing for a beautiful blend of natural beauty and contemporary comfort.

Contemporary Venues for a Modern Wake: 

• Art Galleries and Studios: For a wake that breaks away from convention, London's art galleries and studios offer spaces filled with light. These venues can be personalised with exhibits or artworks that were meaningful to the departed, combining a celebration of their life with a modern, cultural setting.
• Rooftop Terraces: Offering astounding views, rooftop terraces provide a modern and uplifting environment for a funeral reception in London. These versatile spaces can be styled to reflect the loved one's tastes, from sleek and sophisticated to vibrant and eclectic.
• Loft Spaces: With their open layouts and industrial charm, lofts are a good choice for families looking to create a personal and modern wake. These spaces offer flexibility in decoration and layout, allowing you to craft a bespoke event.

Embracing Both Worlds

• Adaptable Function Rooms: Many of London's function rooms offer the versatility to cater to both traditional and modern tastes. With the right decor, lighting, and layout, these spaces can be transformed to reflect the desired balance, accommodating everything from a formal sit-down meal to a gathering with interactive elements.
• Cultural Venues: Venues such as cultural centres or event halls often provide a blank canvas that can be tailored to any family's needs. Whether you're looking to incorporate specific cultural traditions or modern multimedia tributes, these venues can accommodate a wide range of requests.

FAQs about Funeral Wake Venues in London

How much does it cost to hire a funeral wake venue in London?

Funeral wake venues in London can cost anywhere from £200 to £1,000+ per session. The price depends on the location and the type of venue you choose. For example, the average cost of hiring a private room in a hotel or restaurant on a minimum spend basis is about £500-£750 per session, while the average cost of hiring a community centre will cost about £300-£400. However, if you want to hire a large function room or a banquet hall, it can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £2,500+. (All data from Tagvenue.)

What kind of venues are best for a funeral wake?

It is important to ensure that your gathering is able to focus on remembering your loved one, so it is important to find a location that enables this. The most important thing to remember when choosing a venue for a funeral wake is that you want everyone to feel comfortable. There should be plenty of room for people to talk and grieve together, as well as a space where people can have some privacy if they need it. Function rooms or dry hire venues are usually the best choices for a funeral wake because both provide ample space for guests to gather and comfort each other. You can also consider hotel venues or restaurants to provide guests with a flawless dining experience and excellent service at the wake. The key is to choose a venue that will create the right atmosphere for your loved one's final farewell.

What is expected at a funeral wake?

A funeral wake is a time to celebrate the life of a loved one and say goodbye. It's an opportunity for friends and family to gather together, share memories, and reconnect. Wakes are often held in a home or at a funeral home, but they can also be held at a restaurant or community hall. There are no specific rules for a funeral wake, but there are some customs that help make the event more meaningful. For example, the wake often begins with prayers and hymns, followed by short speeches from family members and friends. Make sure there is enough room for everyone to sit comfortably and offer food and drink to your guests. If there is a meal, it's customary to hold it after the funeral service rather than before. It's also important to remember that the funeral wake is a time for grieving. You want to make sure that the venue can offer privacy and quiet space for family members and friends to process their feelings. Finally, be sure to communicate with your venue about any needs of your guests.

Where in London can I hire a cheap funeral wake venue?

Several areas of London offer affordable options while providing a respectful and serene atmosphere for commemorating a loved one's life.

• Bromley: Located in South East London, Bromley boasts a range of venues suitable for funeral wakes. With its peaceful parks and outdoor spaces, such as Kelsey Park and Church House Gardens, Bromley offers tranquil settings for gatherings. The area is well-connected by public transport, making it convenient for attendees.
• Barking and Dagenham: Situated in East London, Barking and Dagenham offer a selection of inexpensive venues for funeral wakes. The area has community centres and function rooms that can accommodate gatherings of various sizes. Its quiet residential streets and local parks provide a calm environment for reflection and remembrance.
• Harrow: This area located in North West London provides budget funeral wake spaces with a respectful atmospheres. Harrow features community halls, social clubs, and church facilities suitable for hosting such events. With its leafy suburban streets and tranquil surroundings, this area offers a serene setting for honouring the memory of a loved one.

When considering venues in these areas, be sure to inquire about availability, amenities, and any specific requirements to ensure the event meets your needs and expectations during this sensitive time.