looking for a messy or heavy meal that will take away from the reason they have attended. Additionally, thoughtful table settings, such as elegant tablecloths and simple floral arrangements, can provide a sense of tranquility. Soft lighting, whether from natural sunlight or gentle artificial sources, can also contribute to a serene and calming ambience. “It’s a time to be respectful, listen to the client, and understand what they’re going through,” says Pifferrer. “It’s not the time to push everything that you can upsell.” Funeral catering is a special niche within the catering world, one that requires a deep sense of empathy and professionalism. By focusing on providing comforting food, respecting the occasion, and delivering your service with care, you can play a vital role in supporting families during their time of need. “By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of funeral catering” says Centeno, “we can provide compassionate and delicious meals that honor the lives of the departed.” Remember, the goal is to offer solace and support through your culinary creations, helping to make a difficult time a little more bearable for those grieving the loss of a loved one. “In many instances, catering is important but not on a family’s top priority list, so it is important that the catering company can ensure good quality food and can handle most if not all of the logistics,” says Hiler. “Our goal is to provide peace of mind, allowing families to focus on what matters most.” *Blue Elephant Events and Catering and Partyman Catering are proud members of the Leading Caterers of America (a consortium of the top catering and event planners throughout the United States and Canada).
(Top Left) Salad and rolls on Partyman Catering’s buffet setup. Photo courtesy Brittany Austin Photography; (Bottom Left) Roasted veggies from Partyman Catering. Photo courtesy Brittany Austin Photography; (Below) Salted mini caramel tartlets from Partyman Catering. Photo courtesy Partyman Catering
and easy to eat. Think of classic options like casseroles, hearty soups, sandwiches, and finger foods. These meals should be satisfying but not overly rich or complex, respecting the somber tone of the occasion. While traditional comfort food remains popular, there’s a rising trend toward gourmet takes on classic dishes. Caterers are enhancing comfort food with high-quality ingredients and refined techniques. Expect to see elevated versions of mac and cheese, artisanal soups, and creatively presented finger foods. This trend allows families to enjoy familiar, comforting flavors presented in a way that feels special and sophisticated. “You don’t do filet mignon because those foods are not comforting,” says Pifferrer, “you switch it to mac and cheese and sandwiches—you have to make the food work for the client.”
It’s important to remember that if you decide to partner with funeral homes to generate business, many of them may have pre-set funeral menus you must work within. “Nine times out of 10 the funeral home has a set menu, so you don’t have the luxury of setting a menu or even the timeline,” says Pifferrer. “It can be hard sometimes because it seems a little bit cookie cutter.” However, don’t be afraid if you are asked to include family recipes or traditional dishes from the deceased’s cultural background. This might involve creating a menu based on a beloved family recipe or incorporating regional specialties that hold significance to the deceased or their family. “We can tell a story with the food while we’re serving it,” says Pifferrer. Keep in mind that guests are not
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