Money at wake/funeral

Could somebody shed some light on local funeral/wake customs for me? Have to attend a wake/memorial service later this week and have got no clue what to expect. Should I bring flowers, like in the West? Furthermore, one of my friends mentioned that I might be expected to bring a money envelope, like at a wedding. How much should I give?

Thanks in advance

At a funeral you give ‘baak gam’. The amount must be an odd number and in cash. Say $101 if you are not close to the family and they are not financially strapped, but more say $501/1001 if the reverse. Put the cash in a white envelope and pass it to the person at the entrance. You will then receive ‘guk yee’ , an envelope which contains a sweet (which you must eat) and a $1 or $2 coin, which you must spend immediately - don't take the 'guk yee' home.

Originally Posted by Claire ex-ax:

At a funeral you give ‘baak gam’. The amount must be an odd number and in cash. Say $101 if you are not close to the family and they are not financially strapped, but more say $501/1001 if the reverse. Put the cash in a white envelope and pass it to the person at the entrance. You will then receive ‘guk yee’ , an envelope which contains a sweet (which you must eat) and a $1 or $2 coin, which you must spend immediately - don't take the 'guk yee' home.

Thanks so much for that. If you don't mind, a couple more questions:
* Will any white envelope do or is it a special one (like for chinese new year)? Separate envelope from the condolence card I assume?
* Hubby will accompany me (I get skittish at these events...), so do we need 2 envelopes?

Thanks again

* Will any white envelope do or is it a special one (like for chinese new year)? Separate envelope from the condolence card I assume?
Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. I suggest you pick one up at the entrance to the home so you're not putting it in the envelope in the room/hall, thus in front of the family.

* Hubby will accompany me (I get skittish at these events...), so do we need 2 envelopes?
No, you can use one envelope. Just put both names on the back. And make sure the money is still an odd amount.

Claire, thank you so much. Still not looking forward to it, but the info takes away some of the uncertainty how to behave.

PFL - don't worry too much about it. Once you arrive at the specific hall for that family either someone from the family or the staff member from the funeral home on duty there will look after you and explain how you have to kowtow to the deceased and then the family. In my personal experience language will also not be a problem.