Jan 18, 2024

To compare funeral packages in Singapore, check the complete arrangement rather than the advertised price alone. Two quotations may cover different wake durations, venues, caskets, religious services and transportation.

This guide explains how to compare the services your family needs, identify exclusions and understand what could change the final bill.

For assistance with a quotation, call +65 9844 8444 or WhatsApp Singapore Funeral Committee. Our funeral team is available 24/7.

Start With the Arrangement Your Family Wants

Before comparing prices, describe the same requirements to each provider. This makes differences between quotations easier to understand.

Discuss:

• Whether a wake is required.
• The preferred wake duration and venue.
• Religious, cultural or personal preferences.
• Burial, cremation or overseas repatriation.
• Expected attendance and transportation needs.
• The family’s budget and priorities.

If a decision is still open, ask the provider to show the available options and their separate costs.

Compare the Main Package Inclusions

Care and Preparation of the Deceased

Ask which preparation services are included and whether any additional care is required for the proposed arrangement. Explain religious or personal preferences before confirming.

Casket

Confirm the included casket model. If your family chooses another option, ask for the price difference in writing.

Wake Setup and Equipment

Check the setup, seating, lighting, sound equipment and other items provided. Ask whether the quantity and duration of use match your needs.

Transportation and Manpower

Ask which journeys and staff services are covered. Distinguish transportation of the deceased from transportation for relatives and guests.

Religious or Ceremonial Arrangements

Confirm who will coordinate the religious representative, prayers or ceremonies. Check whether related services and ceremonial items are included or arranged separately.

Burial, Cremation and Subsequent Services

Ask which bookings, fees and services are included. If cremation is selected, clarify ash collection and whether any subsequent arrangements require a separate quotation.

Check Venue Charges Separately

A package that includes wake setup does not necessarily include the venue itself. Ask whether venue hire, permissions, utilities, cleaning or other venue-related charges are included.

Confirm who makes the booking and who pays any separate charges. Check the venue’s availability and conditions before treating it as confirmed.

Understand the Effect of Wake Duration

Ask how the quotation changes if your family chooses a different number of wake days. Some services may have a fixed price, while others may depend on duration.

Request the actual price difference rather than assuming that each additional day costs the same amount.

If an extension becomes necessary, confirm the additional services and charges before agreeing.

Ask for the Total Price and Exclusions

Request a written total for the agreed arrangement. Ask whether it includes applicable taxes and third-party charges.

The quotation should also explain:

• Which services are excluded.
• Which amounts are estimates rather than fixed charges.
• Which items the family must arrange separately.
• What circumstances could change the price.
• How additional requests will be approved.

If a description is unclear, ask the provider to explain it before confirming. Keep the final quotation and any amendments together.

Separate Optional Items From Essential Arrangements

Ask the provider to list optional items separately so your family can decide what matters most.

Depending on the arrangement, options to discuss may include additional flowers, catering, printed materials, remembrance videos or guest transportation.

Confirm the price before approving an addition. A clear quotation should help you understand the effect of each choice on the total.

Compare Direct Cremation With the Right Alternative

Direct cremation without a traditional multi-day wake has a different scope from a funeral with a wake, venue setup and religious services.

Compare arrangements that meet the family’s wishes. A lower quotation may cover fewer services rather than the same services at a lower price.

Families considering a farewell without a traditional wake can review our direct cremation package for the published price and inclusions.

Check Payment and Change Terms

Before confirming, ask about deposits, payment dates and accepted payment methods. Clarify the terms for changes or cancellation.

Useful questions include:

• When is the deposit due?
• When must the remaining amount be paid?
• How are additional services recorded and approved?
• What happens if the venue or schedule changes?
• Which charges may already have been incurred if arrangements change?

Choose a family representative to approve decisions and keep a record of agreed changes.

Questions About Service and Communication

Price is one part of the comparison. Your family also needs to understand who will coordinate the arrangements and how updates will be provided.

Ask who your main contact will be, what assistance is available outside office hours and who will guide the family on the funeral day.

Explain any language, accessibility or religious coordination needs early so the provider can discuss how these will be handled.

Funeral Package Comparison Checklist

Use the same checklist for each quotation:

• Same type of funeral and wake duration.
• Venue charges clearly identified.
• Included casket confirmed.
• Preparation services explained.
• Setup and equipment specified.
• Religious arrangements and charges clarified.
• Transportation and manpower listed.
• Burial or cremation fees identified.
• Ash collection clarified where applicable.
• Optional items priced separately.
• Taxes, third-party charges and exclusions stated.
• Payment and change terms explained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Funeral Package Include Everything?

Do not assume so. Read the written quotation and ask about venue charges, religious arrangements, third-party fees and optional services.

Why Do Two Packages With Similar Names Cost Different Amounts?

They may include different caskets, wake durations, equipment, transportation or other services. Compare the itemised scope before drawing a conclusion.

Can We Request a Package Within Our Budget?

Share your budget and priorities with the provider. Ask which options are available and request a quotation showing the agreed services.

What Should We Do if We Want to Add Something Later?

Ask for the price and any effect on the schedule before approving the addition. Request an updated quotation or written confirmation.

Should We Choose Based Only on Price?

Consider the full scope, clarity of the quotation, communication and ability to accommodate your requirements alongside the total price.

Request a Quotation for Your Family’s Requirements

Singapore Funeral Committee can discuss your preferred arrangement and provide a quotation based on the services required.

Explore our funeral services in Singapore, or contact us with your preferred wake duration, venue and religious requirements.

For 24/7 assistance, call +65 9844 8444 or WhatsApp our funeral team.