What is funeral catering and why does it matter?
Funeral catering is the provision of food and refreshments for a wake, memorial service or "celebration of life" held after a funeral. In Melbourne, wakes are most often hosted at a family home, RSL, function venue or community hall, and they give mourners a chance to share memories over a shared meal. A thoughtfully planned menu removes one major stressor from an already overwhelming day — and that is exactly what a professional funeral caterer in Melbourne is there to do.
At R&S Sandwiches, we've catered hundreds of wakes across Narre Warren, Berwick, Dandenong, Cranbourne and greater Melbourne. We know that small details — a gluten-free option, a discreet on-time delivery, a warm cup of coffee — matter enormously to grieving families.
How much does funeral catering cost in Melbourne?
Most Melbourne wakes are catered between $15–$35 per person, depending on the menu style and guest count. Our Funeral Packages start at affordable per-head pricing and scale to premium options with hot finger food, canapés and desserts.
Typical cost drivers include:
- Number of guests (50, 100, 150+)
- Delivery and set-up
- Serving staff (optional)
- Dietary requirements (halal, vegan, gluten-free)
What food should you serve at a wake?
The best funeral menus are simple, familiar and easy to eat standing up. Popular choices in Melbourne include:
- Ribbon sandwiches and gourmet wraps — a Melbourne wake classic
- Savoury pastries, quiches and mini pies
- Seasonal fruit and cheese grazing boards
- Hot finger food — arancini, spring rolls, mini sliders
- Scones, biscuits and slices for afternoon tea
Tea, coffee and soft drinks should always be available. Alcohol is optional and usually reserved for evening services.
How early should you book?
We recommend booking at least 48–72 hours in advance where possible. However, R&S Sandwiches understands bereavement rarely gives notice — our team offers same-day and next-day funeral catering across Melbourne whenever capacity allows. Just call us on 0435 592 736 and we'll do everything we can to help.
Choosing a funeral caterer in Melbourne: what to look for
When you're grieving, you need a caterer who makes things easier, not harder. Look for:
- Experience with funerals — empathetic staff who understand the tone of the day
- Flexible packages — so you can choose what suits your budget
- Reliable delivery — on time, discreet, fully set up
- Dietary inclusivity — halal, vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian
- Clear, transparent pricing — no surprise charges
Our team ticks all five boxes. Browse our full catering menu, or explore individual grazing platters and canapé options.
FAQs
Q1. Do you deliver to funeral homes and function venues?
Yes — we deliver across Melbourne including Narre Warren, Berwick, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Dandenong, the Eastern Suburbs and the CBD.
Q2. Can you cater a small, intimate wake?
Absolutely. We cater wakes from 10 to 300+ guests.
Q3. Do you offer halal or vegan funeral catering?
Yes — halal, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are always available on request.
Q4. Do you provide tea and coffee urns?
Yes, self-serve urns, cups and accompaniments can be added to any package.
Let us take care of the food
A funeral is hard enough without worrying about sandwiches. Let R&S Sandwiches handle the catering with dignity, warmth and punctuality, so you can focus on family and friends.
📞 Call 0435 592 736 · 📧 info@rssandwiches.com.au · 🛒 Book your Funeral Package online
Written by the R&S Sandwiches team — a family-run Melbourne catering company based at 45 Kurrajong Road, Narre Warren, supporting families, workplaces and venues across Greater Melbourne since 2016.
