Planning a funeral, celebration of life, or repast in New Orleans? Discover how to find a private, dignified venue that offers comfort and tranquility for your guests.

Planning a final farewell for a loved one is an emotional and complex process. When navigating this difficult time in a city as vibrant as New Orleans, finding a suitable venue can add another layer of stress. Many spaces available for gatherings are bars or restaurants, which often come with cramped layouts, unavoidable noise, and a lack of privacy. These public settings can feel ill-suited for the solemnity of a memorial, the personal reflection of a celebration of life, or the intimate conversations of a repast. When it comes to how to Plan a Funeral, Celebration of Life, or Repast in New Orleans, The Degas House has everything you need.

For those seeking a peaceful, private, and dignified setting, the challenge is finding a place that honors the gravity of the occasion while offering comfort to grieving friends and family. A venue needs to accommodate both quiet reflection and shared memories, be accessible for guests of all ages, and provide an environment of respectful tranquility. This is where a unique, historically significant location like Degas House offers a welcome alternative, providing an elegant and serene backdrop to honor a life well-lived with the grace and respect it deserves.

Degas House Venue Information

Address: 2306 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119
Phone: (504) 821-5009
Website: DegasHouse.com

A Framework for Planning a Memorial in New Orleans

Organizing a memorial service involves many details during a time of grief. A structured approach can help ease the burden. Here is a practical framework to guide you through the process.

• Establish a Budget: Determine a realistic budget early on. This will guide your decisions for the venue, catering, and other services. Consider costs for the venue rental, food and beverages, flowers, printed materials, and any special tributes.
• Create a Guest List: Estimate the number of attendees to ensure you choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate everyone. A clear guest count is crucial for catering and seating arrangements.
• Consider Cultural and Religious Traditions: Discuss with your family any specific customs, rituals, or religious elements that should be incorporated into the service. This ensures the memorial is a true reflection of your loved one’s beliefs and heritage.
• Set a Timeline: Work backward from the desired date of the service. Create a timeline for booking the venue, sending invitations, confirming vendors, and finalizing the program.
• Select Your Vendors: Beyond the venue, you may need to coordinate with a caterer, florist, photographer, or musicians. A venue with an on-site event coordinator can be an invaluable resource in recommending and managing trusted vendors.
• Plan the Repast or Menu: The repast, or meal shared after a service, is a time for guests to connect. Decide on the style of food service—whether a formal seated meal, a buffet, or light hors d’oeuvres. Work with your caterer to create a menu that suits the tone of the event.
• Arrange Audio/Visual Needs: If you plan to share a slideshow, play specific music, or use a microphone for speeches, confirm that your venue has the necessary audio/visual equipment and support.
• Plan Remembrance Rituals: Think about how you want to encourage sharing and remembrance. This could include a memory table with photos, a guest book for sharing stories, or a dedicated time for friends and family to speak.
• Accommodate Out-of-Town Guests: For guests traveling to New Orleans, providing information on lodging is a thoughtful gesture. A venue with on-site accommodations can simplify this greatly, allowing family to stay together.

10 Reasons Degas House Is the Perfect Location for a Memorial

Choosing the right venue is one of the most important decisions you will make. Degas House offers a unique combination of elegance, privacy, and comprehensive service that makes it an ideal choice for a celebration of life, memorial, or repast.

1. Historic and Meaningful Setting: Hosting a service in the former home of French Impressionist artist Edgar Degas provides a backdrop of history and artistry. The home’s rich past adds a layer of significance and beauty to the occasion.
2. Versatile Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: Degas House offers multiple elegant spaces, including two parlors, a grand gallery, and a beautiful courtyard. This flexibility allows you to create the right atmosphere, whether an intimate gathering or a larger service.
3. Guaranteed Privacy and Quiet: As a private venue, Degas House ensures your gathering is free from the interruptions and noise of a public restaurant or hotel lobby. You will have exclusive use of your chosen spaces for a truly personal experience.
4. Refined and Elegant Ambiance: The Victorian architecture, period furnishings, and fine art create an atmosphere of understated elegance. This dignified setting honors your loved one’s memory with grace and sophistication.
5. Professional Event Coordination: The experienced on-site event coordinators at Degas House provide compassionate, professional guidance. They handle the logistical details with care, allowing you to focus on your family and guests.
6. Flexible Layouts for Any Gathering: The venue’s spaces can be configured to suit your specific needs, from theater-style seating for a formal service to a flowing reception setup for a repast. This adaptability ensures comfort for your guests.
7. On-Site Boutique Lodging: The convenience of boutique hotel accommodations on-site is invaluable for immediate family and out-of-town guests. Staying together in a comfortable, historic setting provides a supportive environment during a difficult time.
8. Convenient, Central Location: Located on the beautiful Esplanade Avenue, Degas House is easily accessible from all parts of New Orleans and surrounding areas, yet feels worlds away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
9. Beautiful Photographic Backdrops: The elegant interiors, lush courtyard, and grand architecture provide a beautiful setting for capturing family portraits and candid moments of remembrance.
10. Modern Comforts and Accessibility: The venue is equipped with modern amenities, including climate control, updated restrooms, and available A/V equipment. The team can also provide guidance on parking to ensure a smooth arrival for all guests.

For those who value elegance and understated sophistication, Degas House stands apart. The thoughtful hospitality extends beyond simple event management; it is about creating an environment where every detail is handled with grace. The artful surroundings, infused with the spirit of a world-renowned artist, inspire reflection and quiet conversation. This is not just a venue, but a sanctuary where memories can be shared and honored in a setting that feels both grand and intimately personal.

Choosing a location that offers both a distinguished space for the ceremony and comfortable lodging under one roof provides a seamless experience. It allows family to remain close, sharing moments of support without the added stress of travel between a hotel and the memorial site. At Degas House, the combination of historic beauty, artistic soul, and compassionate service elevates any gathering, offering a truly memorable and respectful way to say goodbye in the heart of New Orleans.