Funeral flowers and wreaths in Singapore: what to send, and when

Sending flowers is one of the most common ways to show sympathy when someone in Singapore passes away. At most wakes you will see a row of flower stands near the coffin, each with a ribbon or card showing who sent it. This guide explains what to send, what to write and how to make sure the flowers arrive in time.

Flower stands, wreaths and baskets

Florists in Singapore usually offer three kinds of condolence flowers:

• Flower stands (standing sprays). The most common choice at wakes. An arrangement sits on a tall stand, often with a ribbon across the front. They are designed to be displayed at the wake venue.
• Wreaths. A circular arrangement on a stand. Many people say “wreath” when they mean any condolence stand, and florists will understand either.
• Baskets and smaller arrangements. Useful when space at the venue is tight, or for sending to the family’s home after the funeral.

If you are not sure which to choose, a standard flower stand is the usual choice for a wake.

Colours and flowers for different traditions

There is no single rule, but some general customs are widely followed in Singapore:

• Chinese wakes (Buddhist, Taoist and free-thinker): white and yellow flowers are traditional, often chrysanthemums, lilies and orchids. Soft blue and purple are also used. Bright red is usually avoided because it is linked with celebrations.
• Christian and Catholic funerals: white flowers are common, sometimes in a cross or heart shape. Lilies and roses are popular choices.
• Hindu funerals: white flowers are generally preferred, and garlands may be part of the rites. Families often have their own customs, so a simple white arrangement is a safe choice.
• Muslim funerals: burial usually takes place very quickly, often within a day, and sending flower stands is not a common custom. A visit, a message of condolence or a contribution to the family is more usual. If in doubt, ask someone close to the family.

If you don’t know the family’s background, white flowers with a simple message are appropriate almost anywhere.

What to write on the ribbon

The ribbon or card normally has a short message and the sender’s name, for example:

• “With deepest sympathy, from the Lim family”
• “In loving memory, from your friends at [company]”
• “Rest in peace, from [your name]”

For more wording ideas, see our guide to condolence messages.

Ordering and delivery

Most florists in Singapore deliver condolence flowers to wakes at HDB void decks, funeral parlours and homes, often on the same day if you order before their daily cut-off time. When you order, have these details ready:

• the full name of the person who has died, so the florist can find the right wake
• the venue address, such as the block number and street for a void deck, or the parlour’s name and hall
• the dates of the wake, so the flowers arrive while visitors are still coming
• the wording for the ribbon and your name

Try to have flowers arrive early in the wake rather than on the final day. If the wake has already ended, flowers or a card sent to the family’s home are still welcome.

Typical prices

Prices vary widely by size and flowers. As a rough guide, florists in Singapore list smaller condolence stands from under S$100, with most standard stands and wreaths between about S$120 and S$350, and larger or more elaborate tributes above that. Delivery is often included for addresses in Singapore. Check what the price includes before you order.

Light-up wreaths and other displays

At some wakes you may see light-emitting wreaths or inflatable displays. NEA and the Association of Funeral Directors have published guidelines on how these may be used at wakes, so if you are considering one, speak to the family’s funeral director first. Most families are happy with a traditional flower stand.

What happens to the flowers afterwards

At the end of the wake, the funeral director usually clears the flower stands, unless the family asks to keep some. Some families take a few arrangements to the cremation or burial. You don’t need to arrange collection yourself.

Alternatives to flowers

Some families ask for no flowers, or suggest a donation to a charity instead. This is often mentioned in the obituary notice or by the family. At many Chinese wakes, condolence money is also given, either alongside flowers or instead of them.

If you are arranging a funeral and want to know what flowers and wake setup a package includes, see what a funeral package includes, or find a funeral director to compare.