Funeral Receptions & Wakes

If you are arranging a funeral reception or wake for a loved one you want it to be as stress free as possible. At The Rufus Centre our compassionate team will ensure that everything you need is available.

We have a wide selection of function rooms that are both private and in comfortable surroundings with a garden area for quiet reflection. We can also offer live streaming of the service.

Our in-house Catering Team offer a range of inclusive packages but are fully flexible if you require something different.

We are less than a 5 minute drive from the new Central Bedfordshire Crematorium in Steppingley which is due to open in May 2024 and just a short journey from Bedford, Hitchin and Luton crematoriums. Located close to churches in the town and surrounding villages, The Rufus Centre is a central location with ample free car parking.

Funeral Reception Packages

My colleague Martyn would like to pass his personal thanks to the CSA. He was appropriately friendly and went out of his way to ensure we had a successful event. Upon arrival one of our key guests was in need of a cup tea. Martyn spoke with the CSA, not only did he sort out a cup of tea for her but provided a biscuit too. In Martyn’s words, “Superb. Wouldn't it be great if everyone went that extra mile like the CSA at the Rufus Centre.”
Pauline A. Stewart JP, Bedfordshire Magistrates’ Association

Thank you so much again for yesterday, out of all the venues I use, you really are hard to beat!
Helen Bean, Beds & Herts Local Medical Committee

I would just like to that our club presentation evening that took place last night in the Lockyer Suite went according to plan and was an exceptional evening. I have to mention that this is very much down to your excellent staff and the absolutely wonderful venue.

Your staff, both before the event as well as during the event, went out of their way to help us and accommodate us in every regard, they were exemplary.
Sandra Grant, Flitwick Dolphins

The booking process is straightforward and all staff are friendly and approachable and show a willingness to help with any request for additional equipment or catering.
Healthwatch, Central Bedfordshire

Excellent support from staff. Helped with all my enquiries and needs. The BEST training venue I have attended for a long time.

Thank you all.
Jo Bunker, Jo Bunker Training

Thank you for yesterday, the venue worked really well for us and the lunch was amazing.
Marie Govier, Keech Hospice

The Rufus Centre and the team working there are a hidden gem, I would happily recommend them and the venue
for any wedding or party.
Nicola Duffy

Just to say thank you for your lovely venue. We had a fantastic weekend and a great turnout of visitors. Many thanks to the girls & guys for all their help over the weekend, great support for us as always.

Again please pass on our gratitude to all the staff for the weekend.
June Dickerson, Training & Events, Reiki Sounds Therapies

We had a very good show on Saturday, the venue was ideal, your staff helpful and the catering was just what we wanted, so a big thank you to you and your staff
The Gauge 3 Society

We had an amazing day! We were so impressed with how amazing everything looked and everyone told us how great the food was. Please extend my thanks to all of the staff at the Rufus centre. They were all wonderful on the day and we're so glad we had our wedding with you!
Anna & Jon

Natasha and the entire team at The Rufus did an outstanding job on ensuring everything was perfect for our special day. We have had so many compliments about the food, which was just delicious!
The staff were helpful, considerate and really cared about ensuring our day went without a hitch. I highly recommend The Rufus Centre to anyone who strives for stress free perfection.
Kerri & James Stenhouse