How many guests should you invite to a wake?

There is no right or wrong number

The size of a wake depends entirely on the person who has died and the wishes of the family. Some are intimate gatherings of 10–20 close family members. Others are open to hundreds of friends, colleagues and community members.

How to estimate numbers

Start by thinking about who attended, or is likely to attend, the funeral service itself. Not everyone who attends the service will come to the wake, but many will. As a rough guide, plan for around 60–80% of funeral attendees.

• Small, intimate wake: 10–30 guests
• Medium wake: 30–80 guests
• Large wake: 80–200+ guests

Many venues offer partition walls, allowing you to increase or decrease the room size on the day depending on final numbers. It is always worth asking, as this flexibility can make it much easier to commit to a booking before you have an exact headcount.

Do you need to manage RSVPs?

For a small, private wake you may want to manage numbers carefully. For a more open gathering, it is common to simply announce the venue and welcome anyone who wishes to attend. A gentle note on the order of service is entirely appropriate.

📌 Wording suggestion: "Following the service, the family warmly invites you to join them for refreshments at [Venue Name], [Full Address], [Postcode]."

Choosing a venue for your numbers

Always check the venue's minimum and maximum capacity. A room that is too large can feel cold and impersonal. A room that is too small will be uncomfortable and stressful to manage.

Most venues will advise you on capacity based on your catering preference. A seated meal requires more space per person than a standing buffet.