My friend's funeral next week - do I have to go to the wake?

I'm sorry for your loss. And no, you don't \*have\* to go to the wake. As others have said, it's most commonly like a low-key party, typically there will be food and drink, and people will be mingling and sharing their memories of the person who has died . It's less formal that the funeral service / ceremony itself and can be a good opportunity to speak briefly to the family, maybe share a story about your friend with others or mention why he was important to you. There isn't usually anything formal - i.e you don't typically get speeches or anything like that, it's usually more mingling, talking, etc. In most cases, the refreshments will be provided - most I have been to have either been a a local church / village hall or at the home of the person who died, however, sometimes they may be at a pub or other venue and in that case it's quite common for there to be food provided , drinks may or may not be paid for (often there will be a set amount 'behind the bar' with people buying their own drinks once that's gone!) It can be really helpful as it can help to decompress/ relax a little after the formality of the funeral, and allows you to talk about your friend to others who also miss him, but it would be fine for you to simply go to the funeral and not to the wake if you prefer. It's common that the immediate family may wait at the back of the church / chapel so you can greet them as you leave, but if not, it would be kind of you if you were to try to speak to his immediate family members before you leave even if it's just to offer your condolences and say that you will miss him. Finally, you don't mention if you have been to funerals before but if not, be aware that it's pretty common for thereto be a collection at some point in the service, often with the money going to a charity or cause that the deceased person supported or that relates to their interests , so take a small amount of cash with you.