Most people tend to hold funeral wakes at the void decks or multi-purpose halls near their homes. Have you wondered about those who stay in condominiums or in landed properties but do not wish to hold the wake at home? How about those who just don’t want to hold the wake in public be it due to the lack of privacy or lack of convenience?
Fortunately, there are alternative venues in the form of funeral parlours for those who prefer different venues.
First off, let’s understand what exactly a funeral parlour is.
What is a Funeral Parlour in Singapore’s Context?
In other countries, funeral parlours are also referred to as funeral homes or mortuaries. They are places that provide burial and funeral services for the deceased and their families. They have special teams trained with the knowledge to handle each passing in accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family.
However, in Singapore, funeral parlours are just another venue to hold the wake besides private homes, the void decks of HDB blocks and multi-purpose halls. It is important to note that funeral parlours in Singapore provide the event venue only. It is the funeral service providers and funeral directors that coordinate the whole funeral process.
Hence, even though funeral parlours in Singapore are open for public booking, it is usually the funeral service providers and funeral directors that will book these venues on behalf of their clients.
For wakes held at a funeral parlour, funeral service providers typically offer complementary services such as on-site food arrangements or food catering at the funeral parlours to make it convenient for the bereaved family.
Funeral Parlour Amenities
Majority if not all of the funeral parlours are indoor establishments with modern amenities like wifi, air-conditioning, private washrooms, TVs, resting room for the bereaved and many others.
Some funeral parlours also allow the family to lock up the place when they leave, so there is no need for someone to keep vigil at the venue through the nights. In addition, the bigger funeral parlours might even have on-site parking available.
These facilities are meant to provide a convenient environment where the bereaved and their guests can feel comfortable during the few days of the funeral wake.
List of Funeral Parlours in Singapore
The death of a loved one is usually sombre and emotional. In times of grief, you might want to find a funeral parlour that is within your neighbourhood, suits your budget or one that you simply feel comfortable with.
Most of the funeral-related services are located in Geylang Bahru, Toa Payoh, Sin Ming Drive and Lavender Street. You can consider doing your own research beforehand and look at the reviews of each of the places as well.
Alternatively, a more convenient way is for you to reach out to your funeral service provider or funeral director who will be able to advise which parlour best suits your needs and requirements.
Some of the more popular ones that cater to all religious and non-religious funerals are:
Singapore Funeral Parlour at Tampines
Singapore Funeral Parlour is a distance away from Tampines IKEA in a secluded and spacious location. The building has eight levels – two of which are car parks.
The ground floor houses a landscaped garden, cafe, embalming office and main office. The building is topped off by a rooftop garden.
The inner decoration is modelled after hotel ballrooms with fully carpeted interior, attached bathroom, family resting room and an outdoor area for additional seating space or rituals. There are also digital signages and lifts to every floor to provide added convenience for guests.
- Address: 91 Tampines Link, Singapore 528746
- Nearest MRT Station: Tampines MRT
- Opening Hours: Everyday 24 hours
- Website: sfp.sg
The Garden of Remembrance at Choa Chu Kang
There are six air-conditioned rooms that can accommodate up to 300 people for private funeral wakes and memorial services. The rooms are lit up with natural light thanks to the large windows that offer a bright airy atmosphere.
- Address: 920 Old Choa Chu Kang Road, Singapore 699815
- Nearest MRT Station: Boon Lay MRT
- Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays 9.00am to 5.00pm (for the office)
- Website: remembrance.sg
Mount Vernon Sanctuary at Geylang Bahru
Mount Vernon Sanctuary comprises two well-appointed service halls offering a soothing and dignified atmosphere. Both halls feature climate control, complimentary WiFi, and a variety of other amenities for the comfort of all guests.
- Address: 89 Geylang Bahru, #01-2730 & 2732, Singapore 339697
- Nearest MRT Station: Geylang Bahru MRT
- Opening Hours: Everyday 24 hours
- Website: mountvernon.com.sg
Direct Funeral Services Memorial Hall at Geylang Bahru
This hall accommodates up to 45 guests. It is also equipped with amenities like air conditioning, WiFi and a restroom with shower facilities to provide comfort and ease for guests.
- Address: 89 Geylang Bahru, #01-2734, Singapore 339697
- Nearest MRT Station: Geylang Bahru MRT
- Opening Hours: Everyday 24 hours
- Website: directfuneral.com.sg/our-services/#memorial-hall
Singapore Memorial Hall at Sin Ming
In this memorial hall, each bereaved family has their own private function room complete with their own pantry area, reception area and the main seating area. Other features include coffee machines, TVs, comfortable sofa seating and even a fridge.
- Address: 37 Sin Ming Drive, Singapore 575711
- Nearest MRT Station: Bright Hill MRT
- Opening Hours: Everyday 24 hours
Singapore Casket Memorial Hall at Lavender Street
In this funeral hall, the room capacity ranges from 15 to 120. Some of the halls can be combined to form a larger area. There is a joss stick ventilation system, safe box deposit, joss paper furnace and an AV system.
There are also massage chairs for a pick-me-up, especially important for those staying up overnight. Family rooms are also available for rent.
- Address: 131 Lavender Street, Singapore 338737
- Nearest MRT Station: Bendemeer MRT
- Opening Hours: Everyday 24 hours
- Website: singaporecasket.com.sg/our-services/memorial-hall/
Besides the funeral parlours listed above, there are also some churches that has funeral parlour facilities to cater to their members, which we will cover in the next article. You can also check with your funeral director who will be able to provide more information on this.
With this, one might wonder at the cost of holding the wake at a funeral parlour as compared to HDB void decks or multi-purpose halls, which leads to the question…
Is it Cheaper to Hold Funeral Wakes at HDB Void Decks than in Funeral Parlours?
Holding a funeral at a void deck is generally cheaper than holding it at a funeral parlour.
Funeral parlours typically charge from $650 onwards per night. Some of the more expensive funeral parlours may even charge beyond $1,000 per night.
In contrast, a normal HDB void deck tentage costs about $1,100 to $1,500 for a 3-day basic set up. If you do the calculation, you will find that holding a funeral at a HDB void deck is cheaper.
Despite this, there are some who choose to hold the event at a funeral parlour and pay more for the comfort it brings. Funeral parlours often have air-conditioned premises with their own private space and restroom facilities. You are paying for a more comfortable and private environment for the funeral.
How to Book a Funeral Service at a Funeral Parlour?
Funeral service providers will have access to book the parlours stated above and many others as well. They will be able to provide you with advice and guidance on the venues suitable for you after understanding your needs.
Embrace Funeral Services offer a 24-hour hotline that you can call to arrange a funeral service. We advise, coordinate and plan out the entire funeral service for you.
We provide advice on funeral arrangements, and whether holding a funeral in a funeral parlour or HDB void deck is more suitable for your needs. We can assist to book funeral parlours for those who do not wish to hold the wake at a void deck.