We all know what it’s like to lose a loved one. It can be a highly emotional and difficult event. But what happens when you’re asked to attend a funeral wake? Every country has its own practices when it comes to funerals. Singapore, in particular, has a very complex funeral etiquette. It’s important that you understand the right funeral wake etiquette. This will help you respect the grieving family as well as pay your last respects appropriately.  

To help you pay your respects properly when you arrange or attend a funeral wake in Singapore, consider following these dos and don’ts:

Funeral Wake Dos:

1. Condolences: Upon your arrival at the wake, offer condolences to family members of the departed. A simple expression of condolences is enough to provide comfort in moments of sadness.

2. Wear Respectful Clothes: In honor of both the dead person and their family, dress modestly. Black or muted colours would typically suit official mourning in Singapore.

3. Be Quiet: Avoid talking loudly or laughing during this time. This is a time of sadness; ensure that you show respect and remain silent or speak quietly till it ends.

4. Take Part in Traditions: Watch cultural or religious rituals if there are any during the wake with caution. Look for cues from family members or funeral directors on how to participate in a Buddhist funeral wake, and other religious funeral traditions.

5. Offer Help: If you are close to bereaved people offer some assistance like helping them prepare food/drinks, and running errands among others this period may be hard on them without your support.

6. Sign The Book Of Condolences: Most funerals in Singapore have books where guests write messages of sympathy and support for the families of deceased persons. Take time to write down something heartfelt and don’t forget to sign your name on that page too.

7. Observe Customs: Different cultures or religions may have specific customs or practices about their burial rituals. Even though you might not know what they entail you should still respect those ways always following religious leaders’ or other people’s footsteps.

8. Stay For Some Time: It’s traditional to spend some time at the funeral parlour paying tribute to the deceased person as well as supporting his/her relatives. However, if you must leave early, do it discretely and pass your condolences to the family before you leave.

9. Show Your Support: Let the members of the deceased’s family know that you will be there for them in the coming days and weeks. Assist them with practical matters or just listen to their emotions.

10. Follow Up: One should consider making an effort to reach out to the bereaved afterward. You can do so either through a card, message or visit as they continue grieving to offer ongoing support and comfort.

Funeral Wake Don’ts:

1. Unacceptable Behavior: Do not engage in practices that are disrespectful or inappropriate. Some of these are telling jokes, having loud conversations, or playing around.

2. Don’t Come Empty Handed: According to tradition, you are expected to come with gifts when visiting such families. For example; flowers, fruit baskets, or money donations may be brought along for moral support as well as sympathy towards their loss.

3. No Photos Please: To respect the dead person and his/her family, avoid taking photographs and selfies during funerals. Simply pay your respects and sympathize/comfort mourners instead of posing with others for selfies.

4. Don’t Bring Children Unless Invited: The main reason for this is simple; funeral wakes can be emotionally charged and are not suitable for children unless they have been invited by the family. It’s better to make childcare arrangements than turn up at the wake alone or with other grownups.

5. Avoid Disruptive Behavior: Be conscious of your deeds and avoid any behavior that might disrupt the sanctity of funeral wakes. To reduce distractions, switch off your mobile phone or set it on silent mode.

6. Don’t Criticize the Customs: In case you do not adhere to the customs or traditions, for example for Taoist funerals followed at a vigil, avoid condemning them. Show some respect for the grieving family’s beliefs and practices.

7. Refrain from Bringing Up Unrelated Topics: As we engage with others present in the ceremony, we need to abstain from discussing non-related issues or talking about personal subjects that may deviate from the purpose of the gathering.

8. Don’t Overstay: You must show your support for your friends but be aware of how long you stay and try not to overstay your welcome. Pay your respects, offer your condolences, and leave when it is appropriate.

9. Avoid Speculating on the Cause of Death:  – Keep off speculating about what might have caused the death of a person who has passed away. It is best to offer comfort and support.

10. Don’t Forget to Keep in Touch:  Always keep their contact after attending a memorial service to be part of them during those hard times as they grieve for their loved ones.

By observing these rules, one can handle the protocol associated with funerals in Singapore honorably and sensitively. This will give meaningful assistance to people experiencing loss while respecting the memory of those who are deceased. 

But what if you’re looking to organize a funeral wake? We should start by saying we’re sorry for your loss. Losing a family member or a friend can be emotionally challenging. That’s why we’re here to ensure you send off your deceased in the best possible way.

Funeral Sanctuary: Where We Combine Compassion With Professionalism

With our commitment to providing quality yet affordable funeral services in Singapore, we aim to establish high standards within an industry riddled with exploitations. At Singapore Funeral Sanctuary, we serve with H.E.A.R.T:

• Honesty: We believe that all our dealings should embrace transparency and integrity.
• Empathy: We empathize with families as they go through this difficult time, offering real assistance where needed.
• Affection: Every occasion we perform comes accompanied by affectionate warmth for compassion’s sake.
• Respect: The dignity and wishes of both deceased persons and their relatives are respected.
• Transparency: Throughout the entire process, we maintain open lines of communication and accountability.

Our Mission & Vision: Setting The Benchmark In Funeral Care

We strive to become Singapore’s leading one-stop funeral service provider. We aim to set the benchmark for quality and assurance for bereaved families while upholding the highest standards of service within the after-death industry, all while practising H.E.A.R.T.

Under its second-generation leadership, our team is dedicated to finding innovative ways that will improve business standards but still allow us to give back to society. We know that even if funerals have changed, we will always stay devoted to serving Singaporeans.

Educating and Empowering: Navigating the Funeral Process

Through our user-friendly website navigation system, we are dedicated to educating our local community so that it can be able to understand funeral arrangements. Additionally, as part of embracing technology, we have developed a dedicated Memorial tab where you can access digitized media about your loved ones. In due course COVID-19 reiterated that physical presence does not matter; remembrance can be done digitally through digitized media at a click of a button.

At Funeral Sanctuary, every family deserves compassionate support throughout their trying moments. Join us in giving your loved ones due respect by honoring them.