Here are 5 important questions that you will need to discuss with your family before the start of the funeral service.
 

1. What clothing should we prepare?
 
Prepare a presentable set of clothing for the deceased’s final service – such as a suit/dress that he/she wore for any past event. This includes the undergarments, socks, shoes, and any other accessories.
 
2. Which photograph should we choose?
 
Decide on one photograph to be enlarged for the funeral service. Our funeral director can assist with any necessary photoshop editing.
 
3. What is the preferred religious service?
 
Religious service plays an important role during funerals. If there was a switch in religion during the deceased’s final days, family members must decide on the preferred religious rites for the funeral service.

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4. Where should we conduct the burial or cremation?
 
For ground burial, only Chua Chu Kang Cemetery Complex is available in Singapore. The area is separated into different sections based on religion.
 
For cremation, there are 3 options depending on the religion. For all religions, it can be done at the Mandai Government Crematorium. Whereas for Buddhists or Taoists, it can be done at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (also commonly known as Bright Hill Temple), or at Tse Toh Aum Temple.
 
5. Where should we keep the ashes?
 
Ashes may be stored at either government-managed columbaria, private temples, or churches. Our funeral directors can assist with purchasing a niche at the government columbaria.

When attending a funeral wake, it is important to be mindful of these basic etiquettes.
 
1. Dress appropriately
 
In general, dress simply in dark coloured clothing. For females, do refrain from wearing revealing attire, including miniskirts or shorts.
 
2. Pay respects first
 
After arriving and identifying your purpose to ensure that you are attending the correct wake, approach the memorial table to pay your respects.
 
If you are offering an incense, light one incense stick and offer it into the censer. Following which, make three respectful bows. 
 
If you do not use incense, maintain a moment of silence and send your deepest well wishes to the deceased.
 
3. Offer your condolences
 
There is no specific range to how much money you should give at a wake. This is dependent on the relationship between you and the person you are visiting, as well as your own financial situation.
 
However, if you are the one receiving the contribution, you must ensure that you return back the equivalent amount or more to those who had contributed.
 
4. Take a red thread
 
Traditionally, red candles were given out in appreciation for one’s attendance. However, in modern times, this has now been replaced with red threads which can be found in the tidbits tray on every table. The red threads symbolize auspiciousness and must be discarded before entering your house.
 
5. Be helpful
 
Besides giving your greatest care and support to the bereaved family, be helpful while you are at the wake. Some small gestures include buying food or snacks over, folding joss paper, and arranging the tables and chairs at the wake.

• Refrain from trimming your nails or hair, as these have been given by one’s parents. During the initial days of their passing, such acts must be avoided.

• Avoid entertainment, which is a basic rule during such an event.

• Refrain from visiting friends or relatives and instead, use this time to reflect about life and allow your emotions to settle down.

• Make offerings weekly or fortnightly before the spiritual tablet, in memory and appreciation.

• Avoid wearing bright coloured clothing and refrain from attending weddings, celebratory events or funeral wakes of friends or acquaintances.

• Any Chinese customary weddings should be conducted within this period. After these 100 days, it is advisable to postpone the event till a year later.

• On the 100^th day, make an offering at the columbarium or grave site.

• Refrain from conducting celebrations at home, which includes Chinese New Year celebrations and Chinese festival celebrations. Instead, make simple offerings before their tablet to keep them in memory.

• Visitations to your relatives’ houses during the Chinese New Year period is also not recommended.