At Guardian Funerals, we offer two package options. Essential Care provides a respectful, modest farewell with transfers, support with admin and legal requirements, and a viewing included. Our Superior Care package includes everything in the Essential care offering with a few extra touches, including a floral allowance, condolence book, celebrant fees and more. You can find information on our pricing page.
Reception & gatherings
At Guardian Funerals, we help families across Sydney and the Northern Rivers plan meaningful gatherings that feel comfortable, respectful and true to the life being remembered.
Time to connect, share stories and support one another
A gathering after the funeral – often called a wake or reception – gives family and friends time to pause, reflect and remember your loved one.
What is a wake or funeral reception?
A wake, or funeral reception, is a gathering that takes place after the funeral or memorial service. It can be as simple as afternoon tea with close family, or a larger event that brings together friends, colleagues and community.
You can host a wake or funeral reception on-site at one of our Guardian chapels, or your Guardian funeral director can help you arrange catering and venue bookings in another meaningful location, such as a family home or local park.
We can help with:
Venue selection – from Guardian chapels and community halls to local restaurants, clubs and function centres.
Catering – options for tea and coffee, light refreshments, or full service menus through trusted local providers.
Personal touches – memory tables, photo displays, music or videos that reflect your loved one’s story.
Cultural considerations – support for religious or cultural customs, including specific foods and serving traditions.
Our long-standing relationships with venues and caterers across Sydney mean we can recommend trusted partners who share our commitment to care and professionalism.
There’s no right or wrong way to say goodbye
Some families prefer an intimate, quiet reception. Others choose to celebrate with laughter, music and shared memories. There’s no single way to do it – what matters most is that it feels right for you and your family.
Making it personal
Every gathering is an opportunity to reflect the life of the person you’re honouring. We’ll help you add thoughtful details that make it feel genuine and memorable.
A few ideas include:
Playing a favourite playlist or live music
Displaying photos, flowers or personal items
Sharing readings or stories
Creating a memory board or guest book
Serving a favourite meal or dessert.
Here to hold you steady
When everything feels uncertain, we’re here to be the steady ones. Our funeral directors offer clear next steps and quiet support to families across Sydney and the Northern Rivers.
We have a trusted network of local caterers and suppliers. However, in some cases, you may be able to bring your own food.
Yes, we can guide you on where you might host the gathering, as well as recommend local caterers. We can also talk you through the different ways you might make it special, like creating a playlist of your loved one’s favourite music to play during the event.
There are lots of small touches that can make the gathering feel like “them”. You could set up photo displays or a memory table, play meaningful music, serve their favourite foods or drinks, decorate in their favourite colours, or invite people to share stories, prayers or toasts. We can share ideas from other families we’ve supported if you’re not sure where to start.
Yes – and we often do. From specific dietary needs and traditional foods to prayers, hymns, waiata, karakia, kava ceremonies or other rituals, we’ll work closely with you and, where needed, your faith or community leaders, to make sure your gathering respects and honours your culture or beliefs.
It’s up to you. Between 1.5–3 hours is most common. Some people may wish to stop by for a quick hello before heading home, while others might want to stay and commemorate for hours.
We're ready to help
Contact our caring team
You can reach us any time, day or night. We’ll answer, listen and help. That’s what we’re here for.