Funerals are important occasions that we normally don’t expect but have to plan for. Talking about death may seem morbid and rather uncomfortable, but making arrangements is important.
While some families might choose to contact a funeral director to handle the entire funeral process, many others choose to make arrangements without one.
Whether it is due to budget issues or to keep it between family members, here is a guide on how to plan a funeral in Singapore and what exactly to prepare
Registering the death
After certifying the cause of death within 24 hours, you will have to collect the Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD) issued by a doctor.
Once you obtain the CCOD, you can then register the death of your loved one with ICA. Because there is no funeral director to assist you, an immediate family member should take up the responsibility.
This step allows you to obtain the death certificate which is needed to engage services and to prepare for either burial or cremation.
Respecting your loved one’s wishes
Depending on the beliefs of your loved ones, there are many aspects to consider. This will include:
- The type of religious ceremony (if any)
- The desired location of the wake
- The budget allocated for the funeral
Additionally, there are other considerations such as choosing a burial or cremation each of which has different preparation and cost considerations.
Choosing the location of the wake
Funeral wakes in Singapore can take place at various locations, including HDB void decks, funeral parlour halls, private apartment grounds, landed property, or on a public road near your house. The process for booking the venue may vary depending on the chosen location.
To secure the appropriate permissions for an HDB void deck or a landed property, you need to contact the relevant organizations based on your specific needs:
- Land Transport Authority (LTA): Contact LTA if you intend to use part of a public road outside your landed property for the wake.
- Town Council: Reach out to the Town Council to obtain a permit for holding the wake at an HDB void deck.
- National Environment Agency (NEA): If you wish to extend the funeral wake beyond seven days after the person’s passing, you should contact NEA.
If your chosen location is an open area like an HDB void deck or landed property, it might be beneficial to consider setting up tentages to maintain privacy.
Respecting your loved one’s wishes
It is important to ensure that arrangements for wakes and funerals are communicated clearly and promptly to allow friends and extended family members the opportunity to pay their final respects to the deceased before their burial or cremation.
You want to give everyone enough time to plan and arrange their schedule to attend. This is especially important for those who might be frequent travellers.
Despite the prevalence of social media, some individuals still opt to publish an obituary in their local newspaper. This serves as a means to inform the wider community about the passing of their loved one and to share details about their life and legacy through a printed medium.
Preparing for cremation or burial
Whether you have chosen a burial or cremation for your loved one, you need to make the arrangements yourself.
For Cremations:
When it comes to picking a spot for the cremation, you have a few choices. You can go with the government-run Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium Complex on 300 Mandai Road, which is usually cheaper at S$100. Just keep in mind there are some rules and regulations you need to follow.
Don’t forget to bring along important documents like the digital death certificate of the deceased, the permit to cremate, and the NRIC of the applicant and next-of-kin.
If you prefer a private option, there are two other crematoria available. You can check out the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery at 88 Bright Hill Drive or the Tse Toh Aum Temple at 601 Sin Ming Drive.
These places cater mainly to Buddhists and Taoists, so they might be a better fit if you have specific religious requirements.
For Burials:
Your options are limited for burials in Singapore. There’s only one cemetery that is open to burials, which is the Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Complex.
To book a grave, you will need to apply for a burial permit from NEA and call the cemetery for a burial plot which you can’t choose.
Singapore Casket: Your One-Stop Solution For Funeral Services In Singapore
If you’re looking to pre-plan a funeral, write a will, or both, we’ve got the experience and expertise to help ensure you successfully do so.
Our professional funeral directors have decades of experience and are committed to helping fulfil the last wishes of your loved one and delivering a funeral wake that is memorable, dignified and heartfelt.
We can handle every aspect of your loved one’s funeral arrangement – from embalming and makeup as well as memorial gemstone services to exhumation & remain relocation and post funeral services.
You can learn more about our full range of funeral services here or get in contact with us at 6293 4388, we are open 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.
