Is the wake included in funeral costs?
After a funeral, many people choose to hold a wake. Find out how this can be paid for in our guide.
A wake is any kind of gathering or reception held after a person's funeral. It typically takes place at a venue, although it can be held at home. The primary costs are venue hire and catering.
The wake isn't usually included in a cost estimate for a standard funeral. Instead, it's considered to be an optional extra.
This doesn't mean a funeral director can't help you organise the wake. Quite the opposite. The fact is, however, that the costs will be calculated separately from the funeral itself.
Sometimes, funerals and wakes are paid for from the estate of the person who died. At other times, the money comes from a prepaid funeral plan.
In the latter case, you need to check the funeral plan agreement. Some plans include money for a wake, but not all do.
What costs are involved in organising a funeral wake?
When organising a wake, the primary costs are venue hire and catering. Additional costs could include:
- Flowers
- Order of service sheets for the funeral and wake
- Hired goods, such as cutlery, glasses, tables and chairs
If you don't have the money for a wake, you may be able to pay for it using prepaid funeral plan. You'll need to check, however, as not all funeral plans include an allowance for the wake.
How much does a wake cost?
It's difficult to say how much a wake will cost. It will depend on the size and nature of the venue you need and the kind of catering you have in mind.
As a rule of thumb, you can take into account the "cost of dying". This phrase refers to the total cost of a person's send-off, including the funeral and optional extras like transport, flowers and the wake.
According to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report, the average cost of dying in 2024 was £9,797. Meanwhile, the cost of a simple attended funeral (without a wake) was £4,285.
What is the difference between a funeral and a wake?
A funeral is a ceremony to honour a person who has died. It's typically followed by a burial or cremation.
A wake is a gathering or reception that either comes before or after a funeral service. Nowadays, wakes in the UK tend to happen after the funeral.
Who organises a wake?
A wake is usually organised by the immediate family or next of kin of the person who died. If there's no family, the task might fall to a close friend.
A funeral director can help organise a wake. They'll be able to put you in contact with an appropriate venue and provide a quote for catering. This can provide reassurance at a difficult time.
Do you need help organising a funeral and wake in London? Here at Akshardham Funeral Directors, we offer compassionate, step-by-step support to help you plan the send-off you want. Please call us on 020 8355 7876 whenever you're ready. Our lines are open 24/7.
