How to prepare for a memorial planning consultation

By Benjamin Poon · Updated 2026-10-22 · 6 min read

What is a memorial planning consultation?

It is a conversation with Benjamin about memorial arrangements such as columbarium niches, ancestral tablets and funeral services. It can be for yourself, for your parents or for a family member.

The purpose is to help you understand your options clearly, at your own pace.

What should I think about beforehand?

You do not need final answers. Even partial thoughts make the conversation more useful.

• Family wishes. What would the person concerned, or the family's elders, find comforting? Has anything been said already?
• Religious and cultural practice. Which customs does your family follow? Mention any rites or restrictions that matter to you.
• Who decides. Who in the family makes the final decision, and who should be consulted along the way?
• A budget range. Have a rough range in your family's mind, so the options discussed are realistic for you.
• Timing. Are you planning ahead, or is something needed soon?

Why does it help to know who decides?

Memorial decisions often involve several relatives, sometimes with different views. If the decision-makers can join the consultation, in person or by phone, misunderstandings are less likely later.

If not everyone can attend, it helps to note down what the others would like to ask.

What documents should I bring?

Requirements depend on the service and the operator, so Benjamin will confirm what is needed. As a general guide, it helps to bring anything you already hold, for example:

• Existing paperwork about a niche, tablet or memorial plan, if any.
• Your identity details, or those of the person the plan is for, as the operator may require.
• Names of the family members the plan involves, written down accurately.
• Any written wishes or notes the family has made.
• Your list of questions.

What will Benjamin cover?

Benjamin Poon is a Service Advisor and Life Managing Director who represents Nirvana Singapore. In a consultation he will:

• Listen to your family's situation and wishes first.
• Explain the options and how each arrangement works.
• Share current options and prices from the operator.
• Walk through the process and the questions worth asking.
• Arrange a venue viewing if you wish. See how a viewing works.

What if I also want to talk about a will?

Benjamin also works as a will planner with Advance Planners. General information is on the will planning page. This is general information, not legal advice, and complex situations are best referred to a lawyer.