In the first hours after a loss, knowing what to do brings a little calm. This guide lays out exactly what happens and what is decided, step by step, so nothing feels uncertain.
When someone close to you passes, the decisions arrive faster than the grief allows. The good news is that you do not have to know everything at once, and you do not have to manage it alone. Below is the whole journey in plain terms, in the order it usually unfolds. Once you call us, a funeral director walks beside you through every step.
The first thing that happens is the death certificate. A doctor certifies the death, whether your loved one passed at home, in a hospital, or in a hospice. At home, a doctor or a polyclinic doctor attends and confirms the cause. In a hospital or hospice, the medical team issues it. This document is what allows everything that follows to proceed.
The moment that is in hand, call a funeral director. One call to our 24 hours hotline is all it takes, at any hour. We come to collect your loved one, transfer them into our care with respect, and begin guiding the arrangements from there. You do not need to have any decisions ready when you call. We will talk them through with you, gently and clearly.
The next decision is the kind of farewell. Most families in Singapore choose one of three paths.
A funeral led by religious rites, following the customs of your family. We arrange Buddhist, Taoist, Christian, Catholic, Soka and Free Thinker services, coordinating the monks, priests or clergy and every ceremonial detail that goes with each tradition.
A simple, dignified send off without religious rites, centred on remembrance and the gathering of family and friends.
For families who prefer a quiet, private process, a direct cremation skips the wake and proceeds straight to the cremation with care and dignity.
If you are unsure which fits, our team helps you weigh the options against your family's wishes and budget. You can also browse what each service involves before you decide.
If you are holding a wake, two choices shape it, where it is held and how long it runs.
Wakes are commonly held over one, three or five days. The right length is usually guided by family custom, faith, and the timing of the cremation or burial slot. There is no single correct answer, only what feels right for your family.
This is the part that lifts the weight off your shoulders. Once the service, venue and dates are settled, your funeral director takes care of everything else, so you can be present with your family rather than chasing arrangements. That includes:
Everything is laid out and itemised in advance, so you always know what is included. You can see how our packages are put together, each one transparent with nothing hidden.
On the final day, a last round of rites is held. Family and friends gather to pay their respects, the clergy or monks lead the closing prayers, and the casket is sealed and carried out. From there, your loved one proceeds to cremation or burial. Cremation is the most common choice in Singapore, and either way, your funeral director is present throughout, keeping the day moving calmly and with dignity.
The care does not end at the funeral. In the days that follow, there are a few final steps, and we stay with you through them.
Whenever you are ready to begin, or simply have a question, speak to us. There is no pressure and no obligation, only clear answers and a steady hand.
There is no fixed legal deadline, though most funerals here are held within three to five days. The wake length is usually shaped by family custom, faith and the columbarium or cremation slot, and we help you settle a date once your loved one is in our care.
The doctor or hospital issues the certificate that confirms the cause of death, and your funeral director assists with the steps that follow, including the registration and the permits, so the paperwork does not fall on the family.
Yes. A wake can be held at a private home, at a void deck, or at a funeral parlour. We set up the tentage, altar, seating and the full arrangement at whichever venue you choose.
Speak to us now. No pressure, no obligation, just clear answers and immediate help with your funeral arrangements.