Catering for Funerals and Shiva
We understand that planning a gathering after the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to make planning the meal as effortless as possible, so you can focus on family, friends, and remembrance.
We cater funeral luncheons, memorial receptions, celebrations of life, and shiva gatherings throughout the Philadelphia region. As a caterer who regularly serves both churches and synagogues, we are familiar with a wide range of family traditions and can help create a gathering that feels appropriate and meaningful.
We offer a range of memorial luncheon and shiva dinner menus from cold buffets of sandwiches and salads, to more substantial hot meals featuring chicken, beef, fish, and seasonal sides. Delivery is available throughout the Philadelphia region, to your home, funeral home, community center, or house of worship.
To give you a starting point, we have several example luncheon and dinner menus for funerals, memorials, and shiva gatherings. These examples can be customized to best suit your needs, or you can make your selections from our full menu.
These are just ideas based on popular selections. Use it as a starting point and customize it to your needs.
Catering for Memorial Services, Celebrations of Life & Funeral Receptions
Some families host a luncheon immediately following services at a church, synagogue, funeral home, or community center. Others prefer a more informal reception where guests can visit, share memories, and spend time together.
We can provide:
- Cold luncheon buffets with sandwiches, wraps, salads, fruit, and desserts
- Hot buffet meals featuring chicken, beef, fish, pasta, vegetables, and side dishes
- Dessert and coffee receptions
- Beverage stations with coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks
- Disposable tableware, serving pieces, and setup items
- Professional staff when needed
Whether you are expecting 20 guests or several hundred, we can help create a menu that fits the style and size of your gathering.
Experienced Shiva Caterer
Annemarie's Cuisine has been honored to assist many Jewish families with shiva meals and gatherings throughout Montgomery County, Bucks County, Philadelphia, and surrounding communities. From traditional comfort foods and dairy-based menus to larger gatherings of family and friends, we understand the unique needs of shiva catering and can help coordinate meals with sensitivity and care.
We can provide everything from a single shiva dinner to meals for multiple days. Popular selections include brisket, roasted chicken, salmon, kugels, potato dishes, seasonal vegetables, salads, challah, dessert trays, and dairy-based menus. We are also happy to work with synagogue requirements and specific family preferences.
Whether you need a simple meal delivered to the home or catering for a larger gathering of visitors, we can help make arrangements quickly and thoughtfully.
Choosing the Right Menu for Your Gathering
Every family gathers differently, and the right menu often depends on the time of day, the number of guests, and the style of gathering you envision. Here are a few approaches that many families find work well:
Late Morning or Early Afternoon Memorial Gatherings
Light luncheon selections such as sandwiches, wraps, salads, fresh fruit, and desserts provide a welcoming meal without feeling overly formal.
Afternoon or Early Evening Receptions
When guests are gathering around a mealtime, many families choose a hot buffet featuring chicken, beef, fish, pasta, seasonal vegetables, and salads.
Shiva Dinners
Traditional shiva meals often include comforting entrées such as brisket, roasted chicken, or salmon, accompanied by potato or rice dishes, vegetables, salads, challah, and dessert selections.
Comfort Food Menus
Some families prefer familiar, homestyle favorites that bring a sense of warmth and comfort. Options may include roast turkey, fried chicken, sweet potato casserole, collard greens, and other classic comfort foods.
Not sure what is most appropriate for your gathering?
We are happy to guide you through the options and help create a menu that reflects your family's traditions, preferences, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We cater funeral luncheons, shiva dinners, memorial receptions, celebrations of life, and post-service gatherings throughout the greater Philadelphia area.
Yes. We can deliver catering to homes, funeral homes, houses of worship, community centers, and many event venues throughout the region.
We understand that these events often arise unexpectedly. Whenever possible, we will do our best to accommodate short-notice requests. Please give us a call at (215) 806-7675.