Funeral at a Void Deck in Singapore: Setup and What to Expect

When a loved one passes away in Singapore, many families choose to hold the wake at the void deck of their HDB block. It is close to home, familiar to relatives and neighbours, and it gives everyone space to gather, pay respects and sit together over several days. For a great many households, the void deck is the natural and dignified choice.

This guide walks you through how a void deck wake works, from booking the space to the setup, the daily flow and the practical details that families often worry about. Our aim is simple. We want you to know what to expect, so that on a difficult day the arrangements feel calm and clear. If you would like to talk anything through, Ang Brothers is on the phone any hour on 9871 8388.

Why families choose a void deck wake

Void deck wakes are common in Singapore for good reason. The covered ground floor of an HDB block gives shelter from sun and rain, room for tables and chairs, and easy access for elderly relatives and guests who live nearby. Because it sits right beneath the family home, mourners can rest upstairs between visits and return quickly when needed.

A void deck also suits every faith. Whether the family is holding a Buddhist funeral, a Taoist funeral, a Christian service or a simple non religious wake, the space can be arranged to match the rites and customs that matter to you.

How booking a void deck works

Void decks are common property managed by the Town Council, so the space has to be applied for and approved before a wake can be held there.

Applying through the Town Council

• The application is made to the Town Council that manages your block.
• You will need details such as the block, the dates and the area to be used.
• Approval confirms the space and the period, usually matching the length of the wake.

Permit, fees and availability

• There is a permit for the use of the void deck and a fee set by the Town Council.
• Fees vary by council and by the space used, so we do not quote a fixed figure here. Call us and we will guide you on current costs.
• Availability can be tight if another wake or event is already booked at the same void deck, in which case a nearby space or an alternative venue may be needed.

In practice, families rarely handle this alone. As part of arranging a funeral in Singapore, our team takes care of the application and the paperwork on your behalf.

What the setup involves

A void deck starts as an open concrete space. The funeral director turns it into a proper wake area within hours.

Tentage, tables and seating

• Tentage and canopies to extend cover beyond the void deck if more space is needed.
• Tables and chairs for guests, laid out so relatives can sit, share meals and keep vigil.
• A clear walkway and a reception area near the entrance.

The altar and religious backdrop

• An altar with the casket, the portrait of the departed, offerings, candles and incense as the faith requires.
• A backdrop and decor suited to the religion, whether Buddhist, Taoist, Christian or free thinking.
• Space for monks, priests or clergy to conduct prayers and rites.

Lighting, fans and comfort

• Proper lighting for evening visits, since wakes often run late into the night.
• Standing fans to keep the open air area comfortable in Singapore’s heat.
• A drinks and refreshment corner for guests who come to pay respects.

How long a wake usually runs

Most wakes in Singapore last 3, 5 or 7 days, with the number of days often chosen for religious or personal reasons. The family decides in consultation with the funeral director, and the void deck booking is arranged to cover the full period.

The daily flow

• Mornings are usually quieter, a time for close family and prayers.
• Evenings are busier, when relatives, friends, colleagues and neighbours visit after work.
• Prayers and rites are held at set times depending on the faith.
• The final day includes the encoffining rites, the sending off and the journey to the crematorium or burial ground.

Practical things families ask about

Weather, noise and neighbours

Rain is always possible, so tentage and covered walkways keep the wake dry. Because a void deck is shared space, we keep the setup tidy and manage sound levels out of respect for neighbours, especially late at night. A short courtesy note to those living nearby often goes a long way.

Parking and catering

• Guests park at the nearest HDB carpark, and we can advise on the closest lots.
• Catering, from simple refreshments to full meals, is arranged to suit the number of guests and the customs of the family.

How the funeral director handles everything

The reason so many families feel at ease with a void deck wake is that they do not carry the load alone. Ang Brothers manages the whole process, so you can focus on grieving and on receiving guests.

• We apply to the Town Council and settle the permit and paperwork.
• We deliver and set up the tentage, tables, chairs, altar, lighting and fans.
• We coordinate prayers, rites, casket, transport and the crematorium or cemetery.
• We are contactable at any hour, day or night, throughout the wake.

Our funeral packages are built around this, and if you are weighing your options it helps to understand how much a funeral costs before you decide.

Alternatives to a void deck

A void deck is not the only choice. Some families prefer a funeral parlour, which offers an indoor, air conditioned hall with privacy and its own facilities. Others hold the wake at home, in a landed house or a larger flat, when the space allows. Each option has its own comfort, cost and character, and we are happy to talk you through the trade offs so the setting feels right for your family.

Frequently asked questions

If you are facing a loss or simply want to plan ahead, our team is here to help with warmth and no obligation. Call or WhatsApp Ang Brothers any hour on 9871 8388, or reach our team and we will guide you through every step.