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.
Start with certification of the death. When a doctor certifies a death online, ICA registers it automatically. The eligible next of kin or an authorised person can download the digital death certificate through LifeSG. See ICA’s death registration guide for the process.
You can call a funeral director for guidance before making any decisions. Collection can be arranged once the death has been certified and any required release has been authorised.
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 and Soka services. Discuss the rites and who will lead them with your funeral director.
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.
Confirm your venue, any officiant and the burial or cremation slot before sharing the schedule. If the wake extends beyond seven days after the date of death, NEA requires prior written permission. Our funeral timing guide explains what to check before announcing the date.
Once you have chosen the service, confirm with your funeral director which arrangements they will handle and which ones you need to make. Discuss:
Ask for an itemised quote so you can check what the selected service includes. You can see how our packages are put together.
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.
The date depends on certification, any required release, your wake arrangements and the confirmed burial or cremation booking. A wake extending beyond seven days after the date of death requires prior written permission from NEA.
When a doctor certifies the death online, ICA registers it automatically. The eligible next of kin or an authorised person can download the digital death certificate through LifeSG.
A private home can be an option. Check what permissions apply if you intend to use a shared or public area. For example, a void deck wake may require a permit from the managing Town Council.
Speak to us now. No pressure, no obligation, just clear answers and immediate help with your funeral arrangements.