A Protestant Christian funeral in Singapore is usually simple in form: a wake with prayer and Scripture readings, a funeral service, then a short committal at the crematorium or graveside. Practice differs between denominations and between churches, so your church is the first place to ask. This page covers Protestant churches; Catholic families should see our Catholic funerals page, as the Church has its own guidance.
Your church and the wake
Churches generally ask families to contact the church office or their pastor as soon as the death occurs, so the wake and funeral can be planned with the pastor. Some churches assign the officiating pastor themselves and consider requests for a particular pastor case by case. Outside office hours, churches often suggest contacting a cell group leader or a funeral director to start the immediate arrangements.
Tell your funeral director which church you belong to. They will usually coordinate times with the church before confirming the cremation or burial slot.
A Christian wake may be held at home, at an HDB void deck or at a funeral parlour. Using a void deck needs the Town Council’s permission, which the funeral director usually arranges. See our guide to holding a wake at a void deck.
Churches often support the family through the wake: a pastor may lead prayers and Bible readings, and cell group members and friends from church visit. There is no set number of days. If the wake will run more than seven days after the death, NEA requires prior written permission.
The funeral service and committal
The last day often has two parts. A sample order of service published by one Singapore church looks like this:
- At the wake venue: a welcome, a minute of silence, Scripture readings of comfort, a pastoral prayer, the encasement (closing of the casket) and a benediction.
- At the crematorium: a call to worship, a eulogy, a Scripture reading and a short message, a prayer of committal and a benediction, after which friends and relatives pay their last respects.
Your pastor will agree the actual order, hymns and readings with the family.
Hymns and readings
Your pastor will help you choose. Hymns often sung at Christian funerals and wakes include Amazing Grace, It Is Well With My Soul, How Great Thou Art, Abide With Me and The Lord’s My Shepherd. Common readings include Psalm 23, John 14:1-6 and 1 Corinthians 15. Many funeral directors can print a programme with the hymn words for the funeral service.
Cremation, burial and ashes
The funeral director can book the cremation or burial. NEA runs Mandai Crematorium and Mandai North Crematorium, and Choa Chu Kang Cemetery is the only cemetery open for burials, with a burial period of 15 years. Ashes may be placed in a government or private columbarium, including Christian columbaria, kept at home, or scattered at NEA’s inland gardens or a designated site at sea. Read more in cremation or burial.
If you are attending a Christian wake
- What to wear: simple, darker or muted clothes. Bright colours are best avoided.
- When to go: most visitors come in the evening, when a pastor or church group may lead a short service. You are welcome to join in or sit quietly.
- Condolence money: many families in Singapore accept a white envelope with a cash gift, as at other wakes. Some ask for donations to a church or charity instead, so follow the family’s lead.
- What to say: a few words such as “I’m so sorry for your loss” are enough. Sharing a memory of the person is often welcome.
Protestant and Catholic funerals
Both usually have a wake, a funeral service and a committal. A Catholic funeral normally includes a Requiem Mass at the parish church and follows the Archdiocese’s guidance, while Protestant services are shaped more by each church. If the family is Catholic, see our Catholic funerals page.
What a Christian funeral costs
Most Christian funeral packages in Singapore cost between about $4,600 and $6,900 for a 3-day wake. A direct cremation without a wake starts from about $1,400. The price mainly depends on the number of wake days, where the wake is held (a void deck usually costs more than a parlour because of the tentage), the casket, and extras such as catering, a church service or bagpipers. Compare the listed packages above, then ask two or three directors for a full written quote.
What to ask a funeral director
- Will you coordinate the service times with our church?
- Does the package include a wake setting suited to Christian services, such as a cross or lectern and a sound system?
- How many days of wake does the price assume?
- Are hymn sheets or programme printing included?
- Is the cremation or burial booking included?