The NEW Party Site

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Recently, I received a wedding invitation from a college friend out in Memphis, Tennessee.  The invitation read that the reception was to be held at Wakefield Park Funeral Home and Cemetery.  I kept going over where the reception would be held and couldn’t believe what I was reading.  I immediately called my friend.  Cassie confirmed that the reception is to be held there.  Cassie replied:  “When my mother learned that the chapel was free of charge, she said, ‘Go for it.’” 

According to Cassie, she isn’t the only one to choose a mortuary for a wedding, graduation or birthday party.  The multi-use trend is a “win win” for the funeral home and the people who choose to hold events,” according to Marjorie Wilson of the 18,500-member National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) in Tennessee. 

Alone in 2005, hosting non-funeral events was practically unheard-of.  However, in a 2010 NFDA survey of funeral homes, 10.3 percent of respondents had added it to their services.  “We know how to plan a major life event,” says Michael Weissmann, president of the McLaughlin Funeral Home in Riverdale, New York.  “We usually do it in two days or less.”

Anyhow, when I arrived I wasn’t the only guest that was stunned by the choice.  But like most of the guests said:  “If it works and the price is right … why not?”  We were totally amazed how beautifully decorated the chapel was and the reception room.  From the flowers down to the linens.  And I shouldn’t leave out that the food was catered by the funeral homes family member (who runs a catering business on the side) did a fabulous job.  The food was delicious to taste and tantalizing to the eyes.  There was plenty to go around for another party. 

So the next time any of you are in the need to hold a party try the funeral home.  I know it may sound and look a bit bizarre, but its not.  The NEW party site for your 2012 is a funeral home.