Funeral/wake Food

[Baby_Sham]

I've just been told I need to provide the food to a wake, next week, and I'm seriously stressing out.

I'm not bitching about it as it's for a family member of my previous partner, but I'm more than concerned about the numbers, and how it's going to work out, logistically.

The woman who passed away didn't have many friends, but as the mother is a Jehovah's Witness she has invited a whole load of the congregation... which is currently at 200 people!
I have no idea what to make, or what to expect cost-wise, so was wondering what I could make, the night before, that would be ok to take the next morning and keep out (of a fridge) for a couple of hours?

I'm seriously stressed about this, so any help would be greatly received.

Ta very much :)

[ummmm]

How much of the food are they expecting you to prepare?

[Baby_Sham]

All of it!

They have said they can't afford to do a wake :-/

[naomi24]

200 is too many for you to cater for by yourself. Fridge space alone won't work. They need to re-think it and get caterers in.

[Baby_Sham]

Well that's exactly what I've said, but apparently they can't afford to do so and want me to do it.

[naomi24]

If they can't afford it, offer to do tea and biscuits - but for 200, they're going to have to hire crockery. Stop stressing, be realistic, and put your foot down.

[ummmm]

Who have you got to help you?

Seriously though, if they can't afford a wake then they shouldn't have a wake. The family should make it clear that after the service then is strictly family only.

[ladybirder]

Order it from M&S or Waitrose. To much to expect you to do it.

[ummmm]

And how much will that cost, LB?

[gness]

Baby.....for goodness sake....no-one can do that the night before the wake...

Let the woman who invited the people sort it out or get caterers in.....

If you can't keep the food fresh you could poison a whole congregation!...☺

[Baby_Sham]

I did actually offer to serve tea's and coffee's, but they said they wanted a "proper send off"... which made me feel guilty.

[BlackadderV]

JWs don't do Xmas, they don't do birthdays, yet they want a 'wake'? I'm sure there are some biblical texts which condemn this practice. Goodlife, we need your help.

[Baby_Sham]

Ladybirder, that isn't an option. It would cost an absolute fortune.

[Mamyalynne]

At times like this in our area anyway,local bakers or pie shops do pasty and peas in large numbers.

Not sure if that's an idea you could pursue.

[naomi24]

Why are you feeling guilty? It's not your responsibility. If they want a proper send off, let them provide it. They're asking the impossible.

[MallyJ]

If they can't afford a wake then how can they expect you to be able to afford to do so? ..... makes no sense to me. I have catered for a wake myself but not for 200 ... that would be nigh on impossible for one person to do. You need to back out of this and do it quickly. Maybe your Aunt Mally J could need you at the other end of the country!! I would have thought that the congregation would have come together to help...each providing some sandwiches or cake and holding the wake at the meeting hall.

[gness]

Ask them how you providing food for 200 people for a woman who didn't have many friends is....a good send off!

[Baby_Sham]

Even if it was pastries, it would still be a huge amount.
I did suggest tea and cake, but they've asked for more. I feel really stressed out about this.
Ex partner is pushing me too, saying it won't take long to do, that I can do it the night before, etc, etc...

[mazie]

I've done 2 for about 40 people and that was with 2 of my family helping to prepare.....It's not possible to do a "proper" spread for that many people Baby, so please don't even try. Tea and biscuits is going to be hard enough for 200 !

[ummmm]

You're looking at a lot of money. Can you afford it?

[TonyV]

Do you have a few friends that can help you?