For most wakes of 20 to 80 guests, sandwich platters are the practical choice — easy to set out, easy for guests to eat standing up, and accessible enough not to add to the cost of an already expensive week. The standard rule is two to three rounds (four to six halves) per guest, with the exact mix depending on the time of day and what else is being served.
Working out how much sandwich catering to order for a wake is one of those calculations that's deceptively easy to get wrong. Order too little and the family is embarrassed when food runs out 30 minutes in. Order too much and you're paying for waste that nobody wanted in the first place. Get it right and the catering quietly does its job — guests are fed, the family doesn't have to think about it, and the wake passes through without food becoming a stress.
How many sandwiches per person?
The standard catering rule for a wake is:
Two rounds per person (four halves) — for an afternoon wake where guests have already had lunch, or where other food (cake, fruit, savoury bites) is being served alongside.
Three rounds per person (six halves) — for a wake immediately following a midday funeral service, where guests are arriving hungry and the wake is the de facto lunch.
Four rounds per person (eight halves) — for an extended wake running through both lunch and afternoon tea times, or where sandwiches are the only food being served.
Adjust by guest demographic. Wakes with significant numbers of older guests typically eat less per person — more like 1.5 to 2 rounds. Wakes with younger family and friends eat more — 3 to 4 rounds is realistic.
For a typical 40-guest wake immediately following a midday funeral, ordering for three rounds per guest = 120 rounds = 240 halves. That sounds like a lot until you realise it's about six standard sandwich platters of 40 halves each, which is exactly what most caterers will quote you for that size of group.
What variety to order
The right mix of fillings depends on the dietary makeup of your guest list, but a sensible starting point for a typical 40-guest wake is:
50-60% meat platters. Chicken (most popular), beef, ham. Within this, chicken usually accounts for the majority — roast chicken with mayo, chicken Caesar, chicken with avocado are all reliable. Beef sandwiches (slow-cooked beef, roast beef with horseradish) are popular but ordered in smaller volume.
25-30% vegetarian platters. Egg mayo, cheese with chutney, hummus and roasted vegetable, mature cheddar with pickle. Vegetarian sandwiches are eaten by vegetarians plus a meaningful portion of meat-eaters who pick them up at a buffet.
10-15% vegan platters. Hummus and avocado, plant-based egg mayo, vegan cheese with pickle, jackfruit BBQ. Vegans almost always undereat at events because the options are limited — order more vegan than the strict numbers suggest if you want vegan guests to eat properly.
Gluten-free options as a separate category. If you have any guests with coeliac disease or serious gluten sensitivity, gluten-free sandwiches need to be ordered as their own platters (not mixed with regular). Vanda's Kitchen has full gluten-free sandwich platter options, and over 60% of our menu is gluten-free as standard.
Halal as standard from our kitchen means you don't need to order a separate halal platter — every item is halal-suitable. This simplifies ordering for wakes with mixed-faith mourners.
What to add alongside the sandwiches
Sandwich-only catering can feel thin for a wake. Most families add at least some of:
Crisps or savoury snacks. Small bowls or individual bags. Doesn't add much to the total cost but transforms how the buffet looks and feels.
Fruit platters. A bowl or platter of mixed fruit. Particularly useful for older guests who may not want a heavy sandwich-and-crisps lunch.
Mini quiches or savoury bakes. Adds substance and variety. Vanda's Kitchen quiches are sold at Selfridges Food Hall — same quality as everything we make for catering.
Sweet items. A plate of small cakes, brownies, or biscuits. Gives guests something to linger over with tea and coffee.
Tea, coffee, water. Hot drinks are essential for any wake longer than 30 minutes. Most venues will provide their own — check before assuming.
The total cost of adding these extras is usually 30-50% on top of the sandwich-only price, but the total event quality improves disproportionately. A pure sandwich-only wake can feel grudging; a sandwich-plus-extras wake feels properly catered.
Working out timing and delivery
Sandwich platters are best set out 15 to 30 minutes before guests arrive at the wake. Delivered any earlier and the bread starts drying out. Delivered later and guests are standing around hungry while the platters are unwrapped.
For a wake immediately following a 12:00 funeral service, with guests expected at the wake venue by 13:00, we'd recommend delivery for 12:30 or 12:45.
For an afternoon wake (15:00 onwards), delivery at 14:30 to 14:45 works well.
For evening wakes (18:00 onwards), delivery at 17:30 is standard.
Vanda's Kitchen delivers across the City of London, central London and surrounding postcodes. From our Carter Lane kitchen near St Paul's, most City venues are within 15 to 25 minutes of delivery time.
What to do with leftovers
If you've ordered correctly, you'll have small leftovers rather than substantial ones. Most leftover sandwich platter food is fine to eat for the next 24 hours if refrigerated — the family often takes leftovers home and works through them over the following day.
For severe overordering, ask the venue or family member doing clean-up to take what they can use. Genuinely substantial leftovers can sometimes be donated to local food banks, though this depends on the venue and the food bank's intake policies.
Frequently asked questions
How many sandwich rounds for 30 guests at a wake?
For 30 guests at a midday wake, order for 2.5 to 3 rounds per person — so 75 to 90 rounds, or 150 to 180 halves. This is roughly four to five standard sandwich platters.
Do I need to order halal and non-halal separately?
Not from Vanda's Kitchen. Our entire kitchen is halal-certified, so every item is halal-suitable as standard. Order one mixed selection that works for everyone.
Can I order gluten-free sandwiches alongside regular ones?
Yes. Gluten-free sandwich platters are a separate product line and clearly labelled, so coeliac and gluten-sensitive guests can identify safe items. Over 60% of our menu is gluten-free as standard.
How far in advance should I order?
For sandwich and bagel platters from our shop, 24 to 48 hours' notice is typically workable. For larger wakes (60+ guests) or anything bespoke, four working days is preferable but shorter notice can usually be accommodated.
Are plates, napkins and cutlery included?
Yes. Disposable plates, napkins and cutlery are included in every wake order. Reusable platters are collected the following day at no extra cost.
How do I order?
Sandwich and bagel platters available directly from our shop. For larger or bespoke wake catering, WhatsApp the kitchen or email orders@vandaskitchen.co.uk with the date, venue, guest numbers and any dietary requirements.
Ordering sandwich platters for a wake
Full information on wake catering — formats, timing, allergen management — on our wake catering hub page.
To order sandwich and bagel platters directly, browse our shop. To discuss a larger wake or bespoke catering, WhatsApp the kitchen.