It is common for funerals in Singapore to be held close to home – be it at a HDB void deck or the front porch of a semi-detached house. After all, it is a convenient and affordable option for families.
In some cases, the funeral wake will also be held near to the house of the deceased – and while this may be an unfamiliar area for you, your loved one might have a final wish to have his or her wake held close to home.
Regardless of whether you’re holding the wake at a HDB void deck, open space or landed property, it is a good idea to engage a funeral director.
This is because he or she would be able to make the necessary funeral arrangements for you and assist you through every step of the process – from collecting the deceased body to making post-funeral arrangements such as cremation or burial.
Apart from taking the weight off your shoulders when it comes to planning, he or she will also be able to offer emotional support to you and your grieving family members.
If you’re unsure about the process, we’ve got you covered with details about the necessary permits, set-ups and more, so that you have a smoother planning process.
HDB Void Deck
To have a void deck funeral in Singapore, you first have to decide on the location and size of the void deck – as different estates would have different sizes and layouts for you to consider.
If you’re inviting more guests to pay their final respects, you’ll then have to prepare more tables and factor this in when it comes to seating arrangements and catered food.
Something else to take into consideration would be the religious requirements, which you can share with your funeral director or funeral services provider.
Depending on the religion of the deceased, you may require specific set-ups – for example, a Buddhist wake will have a yellow tentage and joss sticks as well as monks for chanting and rituals.
Once you’re ready to confirm, you can then obtain a permit from the respective Town Council. You must also be prepared to cover the necessary charges for utilities including electricity and water.
In the event the funeral wake has to be extended and last more than 7 days after death, you’ll be required to have written permission from the National Environment Agency (NEA).
Open Space
One of the best things about using an open space is that you will likely be able to cater to a larger number of people.
However, you might not be as familiar with the area you’re working with, so it helps to take a closer look and figure out how you can place the tentage and seating arrangements.
Your funeral director will also be able to offer you valuable advice when it comes to the setup, if you are unsure about anything.
If you are planning to use state land managed by Singapore Land Authority (SLA) to hold the funeral wake, you’ll be required to apply for a TOL from SLA and pay the necessary TOL fee.
Landed Property
If you’re holding the wake in a private or landed property, you’ll have a better sense of the space you’re working with if it is your home. Hence, it could be easier to plan for the setup and speak to your funeral director about what you need.
However, something to take note of would be whether you need to use part of the road outside.
If so, you’ll then have to seek approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA), apply for a Temporary Occupational License (TOL) from the LTA and then pay the required TOL fee.
In the event a road closure is necessary, you’ll then have to obtain a permit from the Traffic Police (TP) before applying for your TOL and then paying the TOL fee.
Singapore Casket: Your One-Stop Solution For Funeral Services
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.
