Understanding Funeral Costs
Understanding funeral costs in advance can help provide clarity and reassurance for both you and your family. Planning ahead allows you to consider the likely expenses involved and make informed decisions based on your preferences and circumstances.
Funeral costs vary depending on the choices made and the location of the funeral. In general, expenses are divided into two main categories:
1: Funeral Director Professional Fees
Generally cover the services involved in arranging, managing and delivering the funeral. These fees may include, but are not limited to:
The coffin
Removal and care of the deceased
Use of the hearse
Professional services involved in arranging and coordinating the funeral
Use of the funeral home
Staff, equipment and facilities required to carry out the funeral
The exact costs will depend on the choices made and the services required, and these will be clearly outlined as part of the planning process.
2: Third-Party Fees
Some funeral costs relate to services provided by third parties outside of the funeral director’s control. These costs are paid by us on your behalf, only with your prior approval, and are included in the final account.
Third-party fees may include charges from cemeteries, crematoria, clergy or officiants, and other service providers involved in the funeral. Examples can include:
Professional treatment of the deceased
Funeral notices (RIP.ie, newspapers and/or radio)
Musician or soloist
Church offerings or fees
Grave purchase
Interment fees
Grave diggers
Cremation fees
Doctor’s fees (applicable to cremation only)
Officiant or celebrant fees
These costs can vary depending on location and the services chosen, and we will explain them clearly as part of the planning process.
Funeral Administration
Funeral administration covers the professional support and coordination involved in arranging and managing the funeral. This may include:
Meeting with the family or appointed representative to discuss arrangements and provide guidance before, during and after the funeral
Liaising with all relevant third parties, including doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, An Garda Síochána, embalmers, clergy or celebrants, musicians or soloists, cemetery staff, grave diggers, florists and media outlets
Preparation of funeral materials such as grave markers, personalised condolence books, media notices, wallet cards and photographs for viewing
Staffing for reposing and funeral services
Funeral Transportation
Funeral transportation includes the care and movement of the deceased throughout the arrangements, which may involve:
Transfer of the deceased to our preparation room
Removal to the place of repose, such as the family home or funeral home
Transfer from the place of repose to the church, crematorium or cemetery
Transfer from the church to the crematorium or cemetery
Day of the Funeral
On the day of the funeral, services may include:
Funeral assistants and staff for removals, ceremonies or committal services, and burial or cremation
Hearse attendance throughout the funeral arrangements
Use of the funeral home and private parking facilities
Planning ahead allows you to record your funeral wishes in advance and can ease the responsibility for family members in the future. Thompson Funeral Directors offer support for those who wish to plan arrangements ahead of time, with clear guidance and no pressure.
Through our partnership with My Farewell Wishes, an Irish funeral planning service, you can document your preferences for your funeral, from the type of service to personal details that matter to you. You may choose to record as much or as little information as you wish.
Where appropriate, it is also possible to make advance payments towards funeral costs. This can help provide clarity and reassurance for families, while ensuring your wishes are clearly recorded and accessible when needed.
If you would like to learn more about planning ahead or discuss your options, we are available to advise and answer any questions.
Planning Ahead
