Oysters and champagne. Slices of pizza with an (alcohol-free) beer. Sushi and green tea. Or simply “just” coffee, cake, and sandwiches? How you choose to arrange the funeral catering is entirely up to you. but do consider putting sustainability on the menu.
Organic and Local
Organic products, seasonal dishes, and eco-friendly tableware aren’t usually the first things that come to mind when planning a funeral. Still, sustainable catering is worth thinking about, especially if the deceased was mindful of their environmental impact. In the Netherlands, coffee, cake, and sandwiches are the typical offerings at a funeral. That’s precisely why you’ll remember those occasions where the catering was done differently: a lavish reception with tasty appetizers; the deceased’s favorite dish that everyone had to try-pea soup (even in summer), rendang-topped fries, or spaghetti bolognese; or a secret family recipe that everyone enjoyed.
The good news is that nowadays, it doesn’t matter how you want to style the funeral from a culinary perspective—there’s always an eco-friendly alternative. Opting for local products and adding vegetarian or even vegan options are already steps toward a greener event. Sustainable catering revolves around making conscious, responsible choices. By doing so—both in life and at the time of passing—the funeral becomes a meaningful tribute to the world we leave behind.
Food waste is perhaps the biggest challenge in catering. You don’t want to run out of food or drinks, so there’s often a surplus. Even after memorial services, plenty of food often remains, only to end up in the trash. Such a pity. When organizing funeral catering, carefully consider the expected number of guests and provide appropriate quantities. The kitchen can always prepare extra dishes or sandwiches if needed. Using reusable tableware should go without saying—drinks in real glasses and food on proper plates. If you do decide to use disposable items, at least choose biodegradable or compostable plates, cutlery, and cups, to minimize the funeral’s carbon footprint.
Various sustainable caterers in the Netherlands specialize in eco-friendly funeral catering. Their menus change with the seasons, and alongside a selection of dishes, sandwiches, and sweets, they often offer organic and locally sourced beverages. There are countless environmentally conscious options for memorial services-even if you want something totally different. Ask your funeral director about the possibilities and see what best fits the farewell you envision. Together, you can create a green funeral program focused on sustainability.
More Personal and Meaningful
Hiring an eco-friendly caterer can make the farewell even more personal and meaningful. If sustainability was a core value for the deceased, carrying that philosophy through in their final send-off can bring comfort to the bereaved. Those who choose a natural burial, for instance, are already thinking about the future—about becoming part of the cycle of nature. Planning the ceremony with the planet in mind goes hand in hand with that decision. Sustainable catering options are then a logical choice and, at many natural burial sites, practically a given.
You could even take things a step further and aim for zero-waste catering. By making careful decisions about ingredients, portions, and presentation, you ensure that as little as possible goes to waste. Many caterers offer flexible arrangements so that the menu can be tailored precisely to the number of guests. When saying a final goodbye, be sure to add sustainability to the list of considerations. This green approach to funeral catering is about more than just serving organic, eco-friendly dishes and drinks; it’s about bidding farewell with minimal impact on the earth. That way, what remains are the cherished memories.
Curious about creating a beautiful and personal program for a funeral? Take a look at the blog on music choices for an unforgettable ceremony.