Food & Beverage Choices
With the help of our preferred caterers, food and beverages can be a part of a loved one’s visitation, funeral service, or a celebration of life ceremony. Why not make a traditional wake or calling hours into a wonderful reception? What other family event do you have without food? We can set up your family room as a traditional parlor or as celebratory reception hall with high and low tables.
In addition to selecting a funeral home in the Chelmsford area, care will also need to be taken in deciding if your family would like food and beverages to serve during the memorial service. This is a way to welcome your loved ones to share memories, talk, grieve, laugh, or express whatever feelings they wish to in the company of family and friends. We have a list of recommended caterers to consider.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts now allows food and non-alcoholic beverages in funeral homes with several unique restrictions. Some of these restrictions include the following:
- Food and beverages shall be served in an area separate and apart from where dead human bodies are displayed;
- Any food and beverages served in connection with any burial or funeral must be provided by a third party vendor or supplier meeting the requirements of 105 CMR 590;
- The provision of food and beverages served in connection with any burial or funeral must be treated as a “cash advance item” and no Licensed Funeral Establishment shall bill or cause to be billed for the cost of the food and beverages unless the net amount billed for it by the Licensed Funeral Establishment is the same amount as is billed the Licensed Funeral Establishment by the third party vendor or supplier. This shall not bar Funeral Establishments from directly charging for facility usage and cleaning.