Also the American Legion or VFW should have a banquet hall tho it helps if you know someone that is a member.

The Grace Church undercroft is pretty large and has a kitchen and a stage.

Thank you for the tips!

Anonymous wrote:The after funeral gathering is called a repast, right?

Yes, that's what it's called.

We had my grandmother's at the church Rectory. We easily had 500 people pass through and it was standing room only.
My aunts was in the church hall.
The repasts for other people I know were in the their house or at the house of a friend with a larger home. The last one was about 300 people and we used indoors and outdoors.

The after funeral gathering is called a repast, right?

That wasn't me that asked, but it was a confusing question. the wake is like the viewing - the hanging out before the funeral. What you want is a basic post-funeral reception.

Where is the funeral being held? If at a church, do they have a hall? That is a lot of people - are you providing all food and drink? If held at a church, they should be able to suggest inexpensive caterers who do that sort of thing. This could cost a lot.

In my hometown (small town), you go over to the church hall and members of the church have set up a potluck. Or, you have it back at the house, and people come over for a few hours.

My husband's family in NJ there are large reception halls you rent, and pay for hundreds of people (like a wedding reception, but lunch).

I've got no idea of the norm in this area.

Anonymous wrote:If you just need a place to hold a get together to remember the deceased (I'm assuming you are talking about after the official funeral?) then there are a number of places that would. Christ the King church in Silver Spring (just off East-West Highway) has a nice large social hall that can be used. If you are not going to be bringing in food, Ohr Kodesh Synagogue has a beautiful social hall that is quite nice. They keep Kosher there, so there are some limitations on food. If you want a less expensive option, there are some rooms that would work at the Gwendolyn Coffield Community Center on Lyttonsville Rd. There are also some other community facilities that you can find here: http://www.silverspringcenter.com/recreation.htm.

Okay, I sent the above overlapping with OP's update. I would definitely talk with Christ the King church or maybe the new Silver Spring civic center: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/DGS/DBDC/RegionalProjectPages/SilverSpringProjects/sscivicbldg.asp
Those are the places that are likely to be large enough for your function.

If you just need a place to hold a get together to remember the deceased (I'm assuming you are talking about after the official funeral?) then there are a number of places that would. Christ the King church in Silver Spring (just off East-West Highway) has a nice large social hall that can be used. If you are not going to be bringing in food, Ohr Kodesh Synagogue has a beautiful social hall that is quite nice. They keep Kosher there, so there are some limitations on food. If you want a less expensive option, there are some rooms that would work at the Gwendolyn Coffield Community Center on Lyttonsville Rd. There are also some other community facilities that you can find here: http://www.silverspringcenter.com/recreation.htm.

Op here, Im sorry I don't think this is a bizarre question. Maybe I am calling it by the wrong name. After the funeral we are having a gathering for the friends and family of the deceased.
It would be about 300 people and we will serve food and drinks.
If you think it's bizarre then stfu, thanks for the input.

Could you check with local schools about renting an auditorium? Or a large church?

Anonymous wrote:What is the number of people? Usually wakes are in funeral homes. Would a church hold a wake?

This.

What a bizarre question.

What is the number of people? Usually wakes are in funeral homes. Would a church hold a wake?

I am in charge of planning a large wake for a friend in the area, I have no idea where to start, help please! And yes I tried google, it's too overwhelming...