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Step 1
Know the specific area where you will be holding the funeral. The continent of Asia spans many countries with a wide variety of religions and traditions. By not familiarizing yourself with customs, you could inadvertently offend someone.
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Step 2
Plan for costs that may be different than what you are accustomed to when you arrange the funeral. In parts of Asia, funerals are considered one of the most extravagant celebrations and traditions. Some countries hand out money to everyone who attends the funeral and provide generous meals. Others arrange remembrance services weekly for a year after the funeral and at each one lavish meals are provided again.
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Step 3
Investigate burial ground options thoroughly when you plan the funeral. Extravagant burial grounds are also common throughout parts of Asia, and many unscrupulous businesses have begun to see a market to scam people who are in mourning. Make sure they are a reputable burial ground and that the cost fits with other comparable sites.
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Step 4
Spend time choosing an appropriate urn if necessary as you arrange the funeral. In other countries, such as Japan, most people are cremated, so prepare to arrange services according to custom. The deceased may wish to have their ashes scattered, but other family traditions call for the ashes to be kept in an urn.
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Step 5
Wear the appropriate color for mourning. Unlike America, in many parts of Asia the color for mourning is white. With the influx of western culture, black is becoming more acceptable for guests to wear along with a white armband.
