Food for a celebration of life

Food does a lot of work at a celebration of life. It gives people a reason to stay, something to do with their hands, and a way to talk to strangers. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive.

What it usually costs

From prices posted by Ann Arbor-area caterers in November 2026:

$5 to $10 per person

Grocery deli trays and hot pans, or coffee and pastries for a morning gathering

$8 to $15

Restaurant trays: pita platters, tagines, sandwiches, salads

$16 to $28

Boxed lunches from places like Zingerman's or Plum Market

$40 to $60+

A staffed buffet with servers, setup and cleanup

Add delivery ($15 to $50), plates and utensils, and a tip for staff. Ordering through a site like ezCater can cost more than calling the restaurant.

How much to order

• Mid-afternoon or evening without a meal: light food is fine. Plan on roughly 6 to 8 small pieces per person.
• Around lunch or dinner: people will expect a meal. Plan on a main, two sides and something sweet for each person, and ask the caterer to check your numbers. They do this every day.
• More people come than you expect. Celebrations of life often draw coworkers, neighbors and old friends you didn't know about. Order for your honest guess, not your RSVP count, and plan for leftovers.
• Ask about dietary needs once, in the invitation. Most caterers below can do vegetarian; a few cover vegan, halal or kosher.

Drop-off or staffed?

Drop-off is cheaper: the food arrives in trays and someone you trust sets it out and keeps it tidy. Staffed catering costs more but means nobody in the family is refilling the hummus. If you hire a planner, that's part of what they handle.

Easy things to forget

• Serving spoons and tongs, napkins, plates and cups
• Ice, and a cooler or fridge for drinks
• Fuel for chafing dishes if the food is hot
• Trash and recycling bags
• Containers so family can take leftovers home
• Alcohol, if you want it, through a licensed caterer or the venue's bar

Don't overlook

• Your congregation. Many churches, meetings and synagogues have a funeral meal team that cooks for members' families at little or no cost.
• A potluck. Friends often want something to do. Give them a sign-up sheet and a few categories.