Types of funerals in Singapore

Death is an inevitable aspect of life. Eventually, we tend to lose a lot of our dear ones with age or due to any unfortunate incident. As a Singaporean, if you have recently faced a death of a close one, you might want to organize an appropriate funeral in Singapore. Funerals are an integral part of the process of bidding our goodbyes to a person. Arranging for a proper funeral is the best way to pay our last respects to a deceased family member or friend.

As a country with people from diverse cultures and religious backgrounds, there are various types of funerals in Singapore. If you are looking for the best funeral services, it is advisable to understand the ways in which one can do a funeral in Singapore. A funeral procession varies with the religious beliefs and practices of an individual. There can be a burial, cremation, memorial service, or a scattering ceremony during a funeral.

People in Singapore largely follow religious practices related to Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Islam, Soka association, and Freethinkers amongst others. Hence, the requirements of a funeral in Singapore can be variable as per one’s personal needs. Here we have listed some of the most accepted types of funerals in Singapore.

  1. Committal service

A committal service is a funeral tradition that generally Christians from the Catholic and Orthodox denominations follow. It involves a set of prayers to bid adieu to the individual who has passed away. A committal is mostly a graveside ritual but some can perform it post-cremation as well. This funeral service allows the family and friends of the deceased to commit the person’s physical body back to mother earth. It signifies the final resting place of the person. Committal service forms the final rite of three main traditions related to death in a Christian funeral.  

  • Direct cremation

In a direct cremation, the family and friends of the deceased generally perform a single event of incinerating the body. Crematoriums return the remains or ashes of the deceased to the family after the cremation. People may or may not hold a memorial after the cremation.

  • Memorial service

People celebrate and pay their tributes to the memory of their dear one whom they have lost in a memorial service. In most cases, the casketed dead body of the person is not present in a memorial service. People use the photograph and remains properly inurned during the memorial service. It is an endearing way to share both good recollections and grief with the people connected with the dead individual. 

  • Buddhist funeral

Traditional Buddhist funerals are quite common in Singapore. In most Buddhist funeral ceremonies, the dead person’s mortal remains are kept in a casket with the person’s photograph. The photo of the god Buddha is also kept times nearby. There is usually a wake ceremony where all the close ones of the deceased come and pay their respect. Mourners offer flowers and pray for the peaceful departure of the soul from the body. Candles and incense sticks are also placed near the body.

  • Green service

As one can perceive from the name, a green service promotes the practice of causing minimal environmental impact in the process of bidding goodbye to a dead person. In a green burial, the body is placed in a biodegradable coffin so that the body decomposes completely. All the materials used in the process are eco-friendly and allow sustaining a special connection with nature.

  • Traditional Taoist funeral

Since Singapore has a significant Chinese population, the Taoist funeral traditions are also largely followed here. Photos of the dead person, flowers, and incense sticks are used to honor the person. Priests are called to chant from the holy scriptures and people often conduct a funeral feast. There is a specified period of mourning and different traditions are followed as per Taoism. 

  • Non-religious funeral

People from the humanist or atheist community often practice non-religious funerals. Non-religious funerals do not stick to the rituals or beliefs of any specific religion. Usually, eulogies and non-religious funeral readings take place to honor the dead. People express their condolences and grief to the bereaved family. Sometimes the funeral ceremony may take a more positive turn and may include some moments of fondness in remembering the departed soul.        

  • Viewing service

In a viewing ceremony, the close ones of a deceased individual come to see and honor him/her before their burial or cremation. People usually go for embalming the dead body before a viewing service. The approaches for a viewing service differ with the cultural and religious beliefs of the families.

  • Scattering ceremony  

A scattering ceremony is a form of ritual where the family members of the deceased spread the ashes of the person they have lost at a place connected to them. Many religions also specify the place where their followers can scatter the ashes. Riversides, beaches, or parks are some common places where people hold the scattering ceremony.

Find the much-needed support amidst tough times for doing a funeral in Singapore with Last Journey Funeral Services!

Arranging for all the necessities of a funeral can be a challenging task during the times of losing a dear one. The team at Last Journey Funeral services truly stands as a supporting should help you in all the essentials of organizing a funeral in Singapore. We offer a wide range of funeral services to cater to the needs of people from diverse faiths and cultures. Contact us to know more!

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Condolences Money: How Much to Give in Singapore

When attending a funeral in Singapore, it’s customary to offer condolences money to the family of the deceased. Here are some things to keep in mind when giving condolences money:

What is condolences money? It’s a monetary gift that’s meant to express sympathy and support for the family of the deceased.

How much should you give? The amount of condolences money you give depends on your relationship with the deceased and their family. Here are some guidelines:

  • For distant acquaintances or colleagues, $20 to $50 is appropriate.
  • For closer friends or relatives, $50 to $100 is appropriate.
  • For immediate family members, $100 to $200 is appropriate.

 How should you give condolences money? You can give condolences money in a few different ways:

  • In person: Bring an envelope with cash to the funeral or wake and hand it to the family.
  • Online: Some funeral homes and memorial websites allow you to make a donation online and leave a message of condolence.
  • By mail: If you can’t attend the funeral in person, you can send a condolence card and cash or check to the family.

What is the purpose of condolences money?

Condolences money serves a few different purposes:

  • It helps the family with funeral expenses and other costs associated with the death of their loved one.
  • It shows the family that you care and are there to support them during this difficult time.
  • It’s a way to honor the deceased and their memory.

In conclusion, offering condolences money is a meaningful gesture that can provide comfort to the family of the deceased. Remember to give an appropriate amount based on your relationship with the family and to offer your support in any way you can.

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How much condolences money to give at a funeral in Singapore 2023 edition

Condolences money, also known as condolence or funeral money, is a traditional practice in Singapore where people give money to the family of the deceased as a gesture of sympathy and support. It is a way of helping the family to cover the expenses related to the funeral and to show respect to the deceased. In this article, we will discuss how much condolences money to give at a funeral in Singapore in 2023.

The amount of condolences money to give at a funeral in Singapore can vary depending on several factors such as the relationship between the giver and the deceased, the financial situation of the giver, and the customs of the community. It is not mandatory to give condolences money, but it is a common practice that is expected in most cases.

For close family members and relatives, it is customary to give a higher amount of money as a sign of respect and support. The amount can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the financial ability of the giver and the closeness of the relationship. For friends and acquaintances, a lower amount is usually given, around $20 to $50, as a token of sympathy and support.

It is important to note that the amount of money given should be in even numbers, as odd numbers are traditionally associated with unlucky events. Also, the money should be placed in a condolence envelope, which can be purchased from a stationery store or provided by the funeral home. The envelope should be labeled with the name of the giver and handed over to the family members or placed in a designated box at the funeral reception.

In some cases, the family of the deceased may specify a preferred donation amount or request that instead of money, a donation be made to a charity or organization in memory of the deceased. In such cases, it is important to follow their wishes and make the donation accordingly.

In conclusion, giving condolences money at a funeral in Singapore is a traditional practice that shows support and sympathy to the family of the deceased. The amount of money given can vary depending on the relationship and financial situation of the giver, but it is important to give an even amount and place it in a condolence envelope labeled with the giver’s name. Ultimately, the most important thing is to show respect and support to the family during their time of mourning.

If you have any questions or concerns about estate planning or funeral planning, it is important to seek guidance from professionals in the industry. Whether you need assistance with wills, trusts, or other estate planning matters, or if you need help with funeral arrangements and pre-planning, there are experts who can provide you with valuable information and guidance. At our company, we have a team of experienced professionals who can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about these topics. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help or advice. Our knowledgeable staff is always here to assist you and provide you with the resources you need to make informed decisions about your future.

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6 Steps to planning a Funeral in Singapore 2023

Losing a loved one is never an easy experience, but it is a natural part of life. Preparing for a funeral can be overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. However, planning ahead can help alleviate some of the stress and provide a sense of comfort for the bereaved. In Singapore, planning a funeral can seem daunting, but with proper guidance, it can be a smooth and manageable process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan a funeral in Singapore.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Funeral Service

The first step in planning a funeral is to decide on the type of funeral service. There are various types of funeral services in Singapore, and it is important to choose the appropriate one that aligns with the wishes of the deceased and their family. The different types of funeral services include Buddhist, Taoist, Christian, Catholic, Soka, and non-religious or freethinker. Each type of funeral service has its own set of customs, rituals, and procedures.

Step 2: Choose a Funeral Planner

After determining the type of funeral service, the next step is to choose a funeral planner/funeral home. There are several funeral homes in Singapore that offer a range of funeral packages at varying prices. Funeral planners which are more affordable and provide flexible funeral solutions are recommended for anyone with a budget. It is important to research and compare the prices and services offered by each funeral home before making a decision.

Step 3: Decide on the Funeral Package

Once a funeral home has been selected, it is time to choose a funeral package. Funeral packages in Singapore typically include services such as embalming, casket rental, transport, funeral decorations, and other additional services. It is important to choose a package that meets the needs and budget of the family.

Step 4: Arrange for Funeral Service Details

After selecting the funeral package, it is important to arrange the details of the funeral service. This includes deciding on the date, time, and location of the funeral service, as well as selecting a venue for the wake or post-funeral reception. It is also important to consider the number of attendees and the appropriate attire for the occasion.

Step 5: Inform Family and Friends

Once the funeral details have been arranged, it is important to inform family and friends of the funeral arrangements. This can be done through phone calls, text messages, or through an obituary placed in a local publication.

Step 6: Pay for the Funeral Service

The final step in planning a funeral is to pay for the funeral service. Funeral costs can vary widely depending on the type of funeral service and the funeral package selected. It is important to budget and plan accordingly to avoid financial strain.

In conclusion, planning a funeral can be a daunting experience, but with proper guidance, it can be a manageable process. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure that the funeral service meets the wishes of the deceased and their family, while also providing a sense of comfort during a difficult time.

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