Understanding the Cost of Funeral Services in Singapore

Few of us ever plan a funeral service until the time comes for us to need it. Here in Singapore, as anywhere else, knowledge of the cost of funeral services helps families prepare better at an emotional time. 

If you're interested in how much a funeral service is going to cost in Singapore or maybe just interested in making yourself better informed, this guide will present to you, in simple detail, all those elements that go towards determining the cost of a funeral. 

Whether you are examining services offered by a funeral parlour in Singapore, or organising a simple ceremony, it is of paramount importance to know what you are paying for and why.

What Determines the Cost of a Funeral Service in Singapore?

There are several factors that determine the cost of a funeral service in Singapore. Even though service providers might differ slightly from one another with regard to their pricing structures, the following common elements will influence the cost:

Kind of Funeral Service: Burial or Cremation

• The type of funeral service chosen contributes much to the cost because cremation is more common in Singapore while land space for burials is perceived as limited.
• Burials are usually pricier because of the fees for land use. If you require a burial service, then you would be faced with additional expenses related to the purchase of a burial plot; costs could be very steep depending on the location and type of cemetery picked.

Burial service in Singapore: Selection of Funeral Parlour

• There are many packages of funerary parlours available and could meet different needs. Some of them offer very modest, budget-tight packages while others come with more expensive options and elaborate setups. According to me, the choice of a funeral parlour in Singapore will essentially impact the entire cost of the funeral service.
• Different parlours have different services like embalming, makeup, rental of a casket, and many more. Some even include memorial services or even prayer rituals depending on the parlour, which increases the price.

Packages for Funerals

• Different parlours have packages that one purchases in a bundle of several services so that the expenses can be controlled well. For example, it contains the rental of the casket, venue, funeral staff, flower arrangement, hearse, etc.
• While some might find a need for customising the plans, a package can often offer more with the money being spent. It is key that one walks around to see what is included in the package and whether it meets needs.

Venue Rental

• The venue that you choose for the wake or memorial can also add up to the overall cost. There are different venues where funeral services could take place such as a funeral parlour, temple, or even at the family's home.
• Using a funeral parlour to obtain a venue will be easier but will cost you more along the way. Some venues are charged a bit higher due to their location and exclusive facilities.

Funeral Decorations and Setup

• Decorations such as flowers, lighting, and boards for memorials are minor details that can make the service warm.
• It is where the price highly varies because of the difference in how ornate you want the setup to be. Families might prefer great displays of flowers, while others want it simple to save on the costs.

Key Elements Adding to the Funeral Expenses

In Singapore, it's important to break down key components of funeral service costs to understand the final price. Among the key considerations, you might find of importance to note are:

Casket or Coffin

• Perhaps among the most central costs of a funeral service Singapore would be the casket. These range from very simple wood models to very elaborate designs crafted from finer materials such as metals or marble.
• Whereas some funeral parlours allow you to hire a casket, others may insist that you buy it. Your decision would depend on what budget and preference you're carrying.

Transport Services

• Transporting the deceased from the hospital to the funeral venue or from the funeral venue to the crematorium adds to the total cost.
• Most of the funeral parlours in Singapore offer hearse services as part of their package, but extra transport arrangements. Such as reserving limousines for the family, will add to the cost.

Embalming and Preparation Services

• Embalming is the preservation of the body for the wake or funeral service. Not every family chooses to do this, but it is usually advisable if the wake is to last more than a couple of days.
• Similar to this, the parlour can provide professional makeup and preparation services to make the deceased person appear peaceful.

Ritual or Cultural Rites

• Singapore has adherents of nearly all religions. Religious rites form an integral part of many funeral practices. Depending on your religion, you may need religious staff, or you may arrange special rituals and prayers.
• Religious or cultural ceremonies may well prove to be costly, particularly if you have reserved two or more days for prayers or special rites.

Obituary and Memorial Service

• In Singapore, it is also common to release an obituary announcing the death of a family member in the newspaper. This would not be very costly, but it is another expense of the funeral service.
• There can also be a memorial service which might entail rented spaces and catered food services or special tributes.

Funeral Parlours in Singapore: How to Choose the Right One

Once you have found the list of funeral parlours available in Singapore, then you need to identify which one will best fit your needs. It is not just a matter of how much a funeral will cost; you want the right parlour to match the needs of your family and the services that are in line with your cultural, religious, and personal needs. Here's a checklist that can help you in choosing the right one.

Compare Funeral Packages

Most funeral parlours in Singapore tend to have different packages set out to suit different budgets. So, one should know what he is paying for, depending on the package the funeral parlour offers. Such as the number of staff provided, the kind of casket, and extra services that include embalming or makeup.

Obtain a Detailed Quotation

Always demand a breakdown of the costs in detail so that you know what you're paying for. In some other charges in the funeral, parlours may charge you for some services, therefore it is wise to ask beforehand what extra costs you may be likely to incur.

Conclusion

The cost of funeral services in Singapore will empower you to make better decisions once that time comes. By breaking the various elements into part of the complete expense you can better prepare yourself for the financial basis behind planning a respectful farewell. 

Whether you have picked a funeral parlour, or decided to make more personal arrangements, taking the time to understand your options will help ensure that you give your loved one the meaningful service they deserve.

Also Check: Finding the Right Funeral Parlour in Singapore

Name: Hock Hin UnderTaker

Address: 38 Sin Ming Dr, Singapore 575712

Phone: +65 98221489