How to Organise a Funeral Wake When You’re Short on Time

By Elysian Funeral Services

Compassion • Dignity • Grace

Introduction to Organising a Funeral Wake on short notice

Losing a loved one is never easy, and the emotional weight can feel even heavier when arrangements need to be made quickly. In Singapore, families often have to organise a wake within a short timeframe—sometimes within 24 to 48 hours. Whether it is a Christian Funeral, Buddhist Funeral, Taoist Funeral, Catholic Funeral, or a Freethinker Funeral, knowing what steps to take can help you create a meaningful and dignified farewell without feeling overwhelmed.

At Elysian Funeral Services, our priority is to offer grieving families calm, clarity, and compassionate support. This guide walks you through the essential steps to organise a wake efficiently while maintaining a sense of peace and respect.

1. Choose a Trusted Funeral Provider

The very first step—especially when time is limited—is to engage a reliable and experienced funeral provider. A professional team can immediately assist with:

• Transportation of the deceased

• Booking the wake venue (parlour or void deck)

• Arranging religious rites

• Preparing the casket and embalming

• Coordinating with pastors, priests, monks, or ritual specialists

• Managing cremation or burial appointments

• Full setup of floral décor and seating

At Elysian Funeral Services, we specialise in fast, seamless coordination across all funeral services in Singapore, ensuring your family is supported with sensitivity and professionalism.

2. Select the Type of Funeral Service

Different faiths have different rites, and choosing the right one early helps your team prepare swiftly.

Christian Funeral

Includes prayers, hymns, pastoral messages, and wake services guided by a church or pastor. We assist in liaising with churches for short-notice arrangements.

Catholic Funeral

Involves wake prayers, vigil services, and a Funeral Mass. Timing and parish coordination are crucial—something we handle with care.

Buddhist Funeral

Features chanting sessions, offerings, and guidance from monks. Ritual timings vary by tradition, but can be arranged promptly with the right support.

Taoist Funeral

Ceremonial and symbolic, involving chanting, offerings, and specific traditions depending on dialect groups. Our team ensures all rites proceed smoothly even under tight timelines.

Freethinker Funeral

Simple, meaningful, and personalised without religious rituals. Options include eulogies, music, photo displays, and memorial themes that reflect the individual’s life.

Choosing the correct ritual path helps your funeral provider secure the right personnel, materials, and setup without delay.

3. Decide on Wake Location Quickly

Families typically choose between:

A. Funeral Parlour

Ideal when time is short because the venue, setup, and environment are already prepared. Parlours offer privacy, air-conditioning, and convenience.

B. HDB Void Deck

A common option in Singapore, though availability must be checked quickly. We help secure permits, tentage, lighting, tables, chairs, and décor promptly.

C. Home Wake

Suitable for intimate gatherings. Setup can usually be completed within a few hours by an experienced team.

At Elysian Funeral Services, our setups are designed to be elegant, comforting, and premium, no matter the location.

4. Make Key Decisions Early

With limited time, focusing on core decisions helps the process flow smoothly.

• Duration of Wake

Typically 1–3 days depending on family preference and schedules.

• Burial or Cremation

Slots at Mandai Crematorium or Choa Chu Kang Cemetery must be booked immediately.

• Religious Leaders

Pastors, priests, monks, or Taoist ritual masters may need short-notice availability.

• Photo Selection & Memorial Display

Choose a meaningful portrait for printing. Our team can enhance and frame it quickly.

• Floral Theme

We offer premium arrangements in white, cream, pastel, or custom palettes—ready within hours.

These decisions help your funeral team prepare everything within the shortened timeframe.

5. Let Your Funeral Provider Handle the Details

When you’re pressed for time, it’s essential to allow your funeral services team to take the lead in logistics. A full-service provider like Elysian Funeral Services handles:

• Casket preparation

• Venue decoration

• Floral arrangements

• Seating and lighting

• Memorial displays

• Music or sound system setup

• Refreshments (if required)

• Transport for family members (optional)

Our team works swiftly yet delicately, ensuring the wake feels serene, respectful, and beautifully arranged.

6. Inform Family and Friends

Once arrangements are confirmed, share the wake details as soon as possible:

• Wake venue and address

• Start/end dates

• Visiting hours

• Funeral service timing

• Cremation or burial details

We can also prepare a digital notice or visual announcement for WhatsApp or social media, helping you spread information quickly and sensitively.

7. Focus on What Truly Matters

When time is short, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But remember: A wake is not defined by how long you have to prepare. What truly matters is the love, memories, and honour you extend to your loved one.

A well-organised wake—no matter how quickly arranged—can still be a beautiful, peaceful celebration of life when guided by the right team.

Why Families Choose Elysian Funeral Services

During such fragile moments, we offer:

✓ Calm and compassionate guidance

Our team handles the full process, allowing families to grieve without added pressure.

✓ Premium and elegant setups

Floral designs, décor, and ambience that reflect dignity, serenity, and respect.

✓ Expertise across all religions and customs

Whether it's a Christian, Catholic, Buddhist, Taoist, or Freethinker funeral, we ensure all rites are observed properly.

✓ Seamless coordination

Fast, efficient arrangements carried out with grace and professionalism.

Conclusion

Organising a wake on short notice can be emotionally challenging, but with the right support, it can be done smoothly, respectfully, and beautifully. At Elysian Funeral Services, we are committed to guiding families through each step with compassion, understanding, and a touch of luxury—ensuring your loved one receives the dignified farewell they deserve.

If you ever need assistance—even urgently—our team is here to help you with clarity, warmth, and unwavering care.