Organizing the funeral or wake of a loved one can be an extraordinarily difficult task. However, funerals and wakes are momentous events that allow friends and family to come together to say farewell to a loved one.
Our customizable beverage and catering options make planning a funeral and wake easily so that you can spend more time with your friends and family and less time stressing out about your service.
As a family-owned and run business, we understand how difficult these kinds of events can be and how sensitive these moments in life are, so you can always count on our friendly events team for warm and sympathetic care and professional and reliable service.
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At Foothills Conference Centre, we offer a range of flexible packages for funerals, wakes, and other kinds of memorial services.
What is the difference between a funeral and a wake?
The main difference between a funeral and a wake comes down to the fact that a wake is much more informal than a funeral. Generally speaking, funerals and burials are somber and formal affairs, with speeches and other formal proceedings.
Depending on the beliefs and preferences of the deceased person, the activities carried out at a funeral and burial may also hold religious or spiritual significance.
In contrast, a wake is an informal gathering held for friends and family where food is served and drinks are poured – all in the name of paying respects to a loved one who has passed on.
Both funerals and wakes provide mourners the opportunity to share their grief and lean on each other for support during a difficult time.
Holding a wake isn’t a necessity, but a wake can be a wonderful way for guests to gather together in a relaxed environment to share memories and enjoy each other’s company following an emotionally charged day.
What are the COVID-19 rules for funerals and wakes?
As of December 2021, there are no density limits or caps for funerals and wakes in Victoria, granted that all the guests in attendance are either fully vaccinated, in possession of a valid medical exemption, or under the age of 12 years and 2 months.
If vaccination statuses aren’t checked, then funerals and wakes are restricted to density rules of 1 person per 4 square metres and a venue cap of 50 people per venue. Persons required to conduct the funeral or ceremony – such as the funeral director or the pastor – aren’t included in these limits.
At Foothills Conference Centre, we understand that organizing a funeral or wake can be difficult even at the best of times. Navigating COVID-19 rules only compounds stress in what’s already a highly stressful situation. That’s why we offer flexible COVID-19 cancellation and refund policies for all events that are booked with us.
Would you cater to a Catholic funeral or Christian funeral?
At Foothills Conference Centre, we cater to groups from all religious backgrounds.
If you’re looking to host a Catholic funeral or a Christian funeral, come visit our diverse events space to see how we can help.
Today, Christianity is the world’s largest religion, with over 2.4 billion adherents across the globe. As a diverse religious group, funeral practices can vary significantly depending on denomination and location.
Moreover, proceedings at Catholic funeral services and Christian funeral services are always tailored slightly to suit the tastes and preferences of the deceased.
Items such as prayers, sermons, readings, and hymns will all be carefully selected so that the program truly honours the person who has died in a meaningful way.
Our events team understand how personal and emotional the process of organising a funeral can be.
That’s why our on-site team will always endeavour to work as closely as possible with you, your family, and your funeral home to ensure a seamless, stress-free planning process.
Should a wake be held before or after a funeral?
Historically, wakes were held as soon as a person passed away.
They provided the family of a deceased person an opportunity to come together and keep watch of the body as they prepared it for burial.
These days, wakes are more commonly held after a funeral. Modern wakes can be held almost anywhere, be it a bar, a restaurant, or an events venue.
A wake after a funeral is a wonderful way friends and family to come together to celebrate the life of the deceased person in a relaxed and informal environment.
Food and beverages are usually served at a modern wake, which creates a great atmosphere in which happy memories and stories can be shared.
Are there any unique features of a wake and funeral in Australia?
Like all social rites and rituals, wakes and funerals have evolved over time and across geographic boundaries to suit local populations.
As such, Australian wakes and funerals have unique features that differentiate them from other countries’ practices.
In Australia, a wake is almost always held after a funeral and once burial has been completed. In some other countries, a wake is more commonly held prior to burial.
In addition, most Australian wakes are more of a social occasion than a religious occasion; food and drink is usually served as a way to encourage an informal and casual atmosphere.
Hosting a wake isn’t essential in Australia – ultimately, it’s a personal decision that is made according to the wishes of a deceased person and their family.
The features of Australian funerals will vary significantly depending on the deceased person’s religion and their personal beliefs.
The diverse nature of Australian funerals differentiates them from funerals in some other countries, where there may be strict customs that are adhered to.
In Australia, no two funerals look the same. Some funerals can be very formal while others are very casual. Some funerals are held in places of worship, while others are held in secular settings.
At Foothills Conference Centre, we welcome funerals, wakes, and other memorial services.
Our rustic native gardens provide the perfect backdrop for you to say goodbye to a loved one.
Our in-house events and catering team takes pride in their service and attention to detail.
We offer a range of budget-friendly packages to help you honor and celebrate the life of your loved one in a relaxed and memorable environment.
Call us on 1300 341 630 or email enquiries@foothillscc.com.au to find out more about our compassionate and personalized memorial service packages.