What Is a Repast After a Funeral?

A repast after a funeral is a gathering of family and friends that takes place once the funeral service or burial has concluded. This long-standing tradition provides a space to pause, mourn, remember, and reconnect. Following the solemnity of the ceremony, the repast creates a gentler environment where grief can be expressed more naturally through conversation, shared memories, and quiet companionship.

Repasts are often held at a family home, community hall, restaurant, or sometimes even at the funeral home itself. They serve as a bridge between the structured rituals of the funeral and the return to everyday life, allowing people to sit together, offer comfort, and share support without the formality of speeches or prayers.