A complete wake tentage setup needs fans for airflow, lighting for evening and overnight hours, and enough seating and tables for visitors across the wake duration. This list covers what’s typically needed and how quantities scale with tent size and expected visitor numbers.
Fans: How Many You Actually Need
| Tent Size | Standing Fans | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft x 20ft | 2 | Sufficient for 30-40 pax at any one time |
| 20ft x 30ft | 3 | Position at both ends and centre for even airflow |
| 20ft x 40ft+ | 4+ | Consider aircon tentage add-on for very warm days |
Singapore’s 32°C+ afternoon heat makes fan placement matter, not just quantity. Fans positioned to circulate air across the whole seating area, rather than clustered in one spot, make a noticeable difference to visitor comfort during the day.
Lighting: What’s Needed for Evening and Overnight Hours
Wakes run through the evening and often overnight, so tube lighting strung along the tent frame is standard, providing even coverage across the seating and altar areas. Some families request additional lighting near the entrance and condolence table for visibility.
Lighting should be tested during setup, not assumed to work, since a wake tent left dim after sunset creates a genuinely difficult situation for visitors and family alike. A reliable crew checks every light before leaving the site.
Seating and Tables
Stackable folding chairs are standard, with quantities scaled to expected visitor numbers, typically 30-100 depending on tent size. Folding tables serve two purposes: seating groups of visitors together, and providing surface space for card or mahjong games, which are a common part of longer wakes.
A separate small table near the entrance for the condolence book, donation box and umbrellas keeps the main seating area organised and is easy to add on request.
Equipment Families Often Forget to Ask About
Extension cords and power access are worth confirming upfront, especially at void decks where the nearest power point may be further than expected. Most tentage crews bring their own extension cords, but confirming this avoids any last-minute gap.
Umbrella stands or a small covered area near the entrance help visitors during sudden rain, and signage directing visitors from the lift lobby to the wake is a small but genuinely useful addition many families don’t think to request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fans does a standard wake tent need?
A 20ft x 20ft tent typically needs 2 standing fans, scaling up to 4 or more for larger 20ft x 40ft setups. Positioning matters as much as quantity for even airflow.
Is lighting included in a standard funeral tentage package?
Yes, basic tube lighting along the tent frame is standard in most packages, since wakes run into the evening and often overnight.
How many chairs and tables are typically provided?
This scales with tent size, ranging from around 30 chairs for a smaller wake to 100 or more for larger setups, with tables allocated for both seating groups and card games.
Can I request extra equipment beyond the standard list?
Yes, most providers can add extra tables, signage stands or additional lighting on request. It’s worth mentioning any specific needs when you place the booking.
Aircon Tentage as an Alternative to Fans
For families expecting large numbers of elderly visitors, or wakes falling during particularly hot stretches of weather, aircon tentage is worth considering as an upgrade from standard fans. It costs more, typically several hundred dollars extra depending on tent size, but noticeably improves comfort for multi-day wakes.
This is usually a separate add-on rather than part of a standard package, so it needs to be requested specifically when booking rather than assumed to be available on short notice.
Maintaining Equipment Across a Multi-Day Wake
Fans and lights left running continuously across a 3-5 day wake occasionally need a quick check or bulb replacement. A reliable tentage company will do a mid-wake check without being asked, particularly for longer 5-day Buddhist or Taoist wakes, rather than leaving the family to notice and report an issue themselves.
It’s reasonable to ask upfront whether mid-wake checks are part of the service, especially for wakes running the full 5 days, so there’s no ambiguity if something needs attention partway through.
Rain during a multi-day wake can also affect equipment, particularly lighting connections near the tent edges. Confirming that all electrical connections are weatherproofed during setup, rather than after the first storm, is a simple check worth raising with the crew directly.
Finally, positioning fans away from candles, incense or joss paper burning areas is a basic safety point experienced crews handle automatically, but it’s reasonable for a family to confirm this has been considered if the layout feels tight.
Getting these details right on setup day means the family can focus on visitors and each other rather than equipment issues over the following days.
Next Step
If you’re planning the equipment needs for a wake, let us know the expected tent size and visitor numbers and we’ll confirm the right fan, lighting and seating quantities. Reach out through our tentage rental services, or contact us directly for a same-day quote.
