Step 0.5:
What’s Your Approach to Funeral Pre-Planning?

Note: For immediate advice and assistance, call us at our 24/7 hotline at 6455 9909.

Funeral pre-planning is an optional step that you may choose to undertake. 

What is Funeral Pre-Planning, and Why Is It Important?

Planning your funeral in advance gives you the flexibility to decide the details, whether it’s organising a traditional funeral wake or opting for a simple ceremony with close loved ones. By making these decisions ahead of time, you also provide your family with peace of mind, allowing them to focus on cherishing precious moments together without the added stress of making difficult decisions on your behalf.

When planning a funeral, there are many important factors to consider. Here are five key points to help you get started with funeral pre-planning:

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1. Duration of the Wake

In Singapore, the length of a funeral wake typically ranges from 1 to 7 days. The duration will vary based on religious customs and the specific rites or rituals you wish to include. For example, according to Chinese traditions, funeral wakes are generally held for an odd number of days, such as 3, 5, or 7, starting from the day of death. If you wish to extend the wake beyond 7 days, written permission from the NEA must be obtained.

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2. Location of the Wake

Funerals are typically held in HDB void decks or near the deceased’s home, especially for those residing in condominiums or landed properties. In recent years, funeral parlours have become a popular choice due to their modern amenities, including air-conditioning, TV, free Wi-Fi, and private restrooms. Other locations to consider include churches for Roman Catholic and Christian ceremonies, or even your own home.

For wakes held in HDB void decks, you will need to apply for a permit from your local town council to secure the space. Be sure to bring a copy of the death certificate and a Singapore Power (SP) bill that shows the address of the void deck. If you live in a landed property and wish to use part of the road outside your home, you will also need to obtain a permit from the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

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Parlour

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HDB Void deck

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Church

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Landed property

3. Religion

Funeral wakes are influenced by religious customs and traditions. For Buddhist and Taoist funerals, specific rites and rituals will be performed for the deceased. Christian and Roman Catholic funerals typically include a mass and worship led by a pastor or priest. For those who are non-religious, Freethinker funeral services are also available.

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4. Placing an obituary

An obituary serves as an announcement of a loved one’s passing. It helps inform friends and family, especially those you may not be in regular contact with, about the funeral details, so they can visit and pay their respects

5. Prepare for cremation or burial

After the funeral wake, you can decide whether you prefer to be cremated or buried.

Cremation procedures 

After cremation, the remains and ashes can be stored in a variety of places. These include private or public columbariums, at home, in churches or temples, scattered at sea, or in the Garden of Peace.

Land burial procedures 

For land burial, plots must be arranged through the NEA. Singapore follows a crypt burial system, where burial plots are leased for 15 years, after which the remains must be exhumed.

If you are interested in funeral pre-planning, Casket Fairprice offers free, no-obligation consultations, available both online and offline. Arranging a funeral wake? Learn more in the first issue of our Funeral Starter Kit: What To Do When A Death Occurs.