My dad passed away a week ago and funeral is scheduled for mid-June, just before full restrictions are (hopefully) lifted. Funeral director has advised that we can have some kind of gathering afterwards but trying to make arrangements is proving a nightmare.
Our preferred venue is already booked.
We don't want to have it at mine or mum's house as it's a lot of work for us, only one upstairs toilet at each property, very limited kitchen space and indoor cats that would need to be coralled or go into a cattery at mine. TBH we don't really want to be confronted by the memories of the day in our own homes either.
Mum (who holds the purse strings) is over analysing everything about who might come/not come, whether they will stay, how much it will cost (fwiw there are no financial issues), the fact that dad 'didn't want a fuss'. I don't think sandwiches and cake, and alcoholic drink on arrival for those that want it and unlimited tea/coffee qualifies as a huge fuss, especially as most attendees will have travelled some distance.
Local community hall is no longer doing private hires; have contacted local church about their rooms and waiting to hear back although dad was an atheist so that doesn't feel quite right and still leaves us with all the catering and logistics.
This leaves pubs, but trying to find one with availability in less than three weeks that doesn't charge extortionate room hire or about £15 a head for a sarnie and a flapjack is proving challenging. It also needs to have a fair bit of parking.
I'm at a complete loss, have no backup whatsoever as I'm an only child, and between trying to sort everything out and hold my mum together have had no chance to even think about grieving my own loss.
Any platitudes, advice...anything really, would be hugely appreciated. TIA.