Cost & Considerations You Must Know When Planning A Funeral In Singapore

When dealing with the death of a loved one, loss and grief aren’t the only things you have to think about. There are also the practicalities and immediate responsibilities that come along with it such as planning the funeral arrangements. This process can be emotionally and physically taxing, and can even take a toll on your finances.

As stressful as it may seem, there are various steps you can take in order to give your family member a dignified send-off without spending a fortune.

Key Aspects of an Affordable Funeral

There are various cost factors to consider when organising a funeral. Some of the most important ones include the wake location, recruiting of a funeral director, disposition and memorialisation, food catering, and funeral flowers and other decorations.

Wake location

In Singapore, wakes can be held anywhere from your home, HDB void decks, funeral parlours, landed property, to public roads just outside your house. However, the cost will vary from location to location.

Holding the wake at home is certainly much cheaper, while it would cost much more in a funeral parlour. When choosing the location of the wake, put both cost and convenience factors into consideration before making your choice.

Recruiting a funeral director

In most instances, the overall cost of a funeral is largely dependent on the funeral service provider you choose. While this may seem like a costly expense upfront, recruiting a funeral director can actually save you more money than you think.

They assist families with a range of services from decoration and transportation, all the way to location booking and disposition process. With their help, you no longer have to source for these services externally. It’s just a matter of engaging the right funeral director that best fits your budget. 

Disposition and memorialisation

Once the funeral ceremony ends, it’s time to choose the fate of your loved one’s remains. The chosen disposition method is also directly tied to the overall cost of a funeral. Different caskets and urns would have different prices depending on the material, as well as the final resting place of their remains.

The cremation process itself costs anywhere from S$100 to S$535 in Singapore while burials range from S$140 all the way to the thousands. Consider all your options and discuss this with your funeral director to make the right decision.

For a more unique way to still keep your loved one close to you, transform their ashes into precious gemstones to create a special memorial keepsake.

Funeral flowers and decorations

Flowers are more than just decorations. They are a visual representation of grief, love, and sympathy towards the family of the deceased, making them an essential part of any funeral.

Depending on your personal preference, directors can advise you on the affordable flower and bouquet options available that still fit your budget.

Food catering

When planning for the wake, providing food for your guests is very important. This simple gesture is a way to show your appreciation for friends and relatives who have come to show their support during this difficult time.

Various catering companies in Singapore have affordable food options for you to choose from that will not break the bank. On top choosing the right caterer for your budget, remember to factor in any food allergies or religious restrictions your guests may have.

How can I cut down on my funeral expenses?

Tap into crowdfunding

As a way to defray some of the cost, many have turned to crowdfund. This method is a simple way of raising money by requesting for simple donations from close friends and family.

While it isn’t mandatory to tap into social media for your crowdfunding efforts, it can be helpful in easily spreading the word, which can also reach people you know overseas who would want to support you.

Consider cremation

It’s understandable that certain religious traditions require a specific method of disposition for the deceased. But if you have the option to decide, why not consider cremation? In Singapore, burials cost more than cremations due to limited land space.

Moreover, remains that have been buried can only stay there for 15 years before they have to be cremated or re-interred. If visitation is one of your main concerns, know that urns can be kept at a columbarium niche, where families can visit.

Our Direct Cremation Funeral Package is all-inclusive of a basic wooden coffin, transportation, pallbearer, hearse and funeral and arrangement service, dressing and make-up, and the Mandai cremation fee.

Cut back on transportation costs

In Singapore, it is common for families to arrange transportation for guests to travel from the wake location to the burial site or crematorium. However, choosing to cut back on this expense can save you a significant amount of money.

Friends and extended members of the family can make their own way to the next location, allowing more money to be spent on more essential areas. But if you still wish to make transportation arrangements, try to prioritise immediate members of your family first.

Opt for simpler food options for your guests

It is common courtesy to have catered food for guests who attend the funeral. However, you don’t have to splurge on five-star meals or a full-course buffet. More often than not, guests simply want to pay their respects, say their final goodbyes to the deceased, and be there for the family.

Consider opting for smaller meals like packed bento boxes or even light table snacks that would be more than sufficient and cost-saving at the same time.

Can I Engage a Funeral Director at an Affordable Cost in Singapore?

It’s no doubt that the bulk of your money will go towards recruiting a funeral director. But asking for help doesn’t have to come at a hefty price tag.

Here at Simplicity Casket, we offer affordable funeral planning and packages for all types of religions in Singapore. From pre-funeral, funeral, and repatriation services, we have everything to ensure your loved one is taken care of every step of the way.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and allow us to help you lift that weight off your shoulders during the planning process.