USEFUL INFORMATION.

• Burial or Cremation.

There is a common but inaccurate perception in Ireland that a cremation costs considerably less than a burial.  In actual fact, the significant cost difference occurs only when a family does not already possess a family grave plot, and thereby have to incur the cost of a new plot, which can indeed be expensive.  Plot prices can vary, so Stafford’s are always available to provide you with accurate cost information on every level.
In general, burial costs a little more than cremation.
The cost of opening an existing grave in Dublin is between €700-900.   A Cremation generally costs a basic €500 but extra costs accrue depending on your chosen options like booking a place in the Garden of Remembrance.
Another factor for consideration is the choice of coffin.  With cremation, people often, though not always, opt for a lighter, plainer type of wood coffin in the knowledge that the coffin is cremated along with the deceased.

Burial. Burial remains the most popular option as a final resting place for the recently deceased.  In the greater Dublin area, there is a large selection of burial sites.  In the event that you need to purchase a new grave plot, we are always on hand at Stafford’s to give you up to the minute information on what your options are in terms of cost and availability. For example, Fingal Cemetery have new graves available whereas St Fintan’s in Sutton have no new graves.  In general, a single grave plot can hold three people.
Cremation and Crematoria.  While burial remains the preferred option in Ireland, cremation has increased in popularity over the past twenty years, offering a viable alternative for funeral options.  Currently, there are three crematoria, all based in Dublin; Glasnevin, Mount Jerome, and Newlands Cross.  Stafford’s can facilitate the family who wishes to conduct their funeral service in our own chapels, before proceeding to the Crematorium.  There are also chapels located within the grounds of the crematoria to conduct funeral services. Stafford’s will liaise with the Crematoria on your behalf regarding the various aspects of your service, advising you on the various music options available, for example, most Crematoria will facilitate the family in playing their chosen CD’s during the service.
At Stafford’s, we will advise on your varied and very personal options for the final resting place after cremation, from the Garden of Remembrance, a place on the Columbarian Wall, placement in an existing family grave, or a scattering of ashes.

• Bereavement Grant.

This government grant was formerly known as the Death Grant.  The Bereavement Grant is not means tested; it is a one off payment of €850.00, in order to offset the costs of the funeral.  At any stage of the funeral arrangement, Stafford’s are available to guide you through the application process.  The form itself will be included in your folder-bound information pack.   You may also be entitled to a further grant, depending on circumstances.  Please feel free to enquire about this with any of our Directors.

• Death Certificate & Death Registration Form.

People are often surprised when the Death Certificate is not issued exactly at the point of bereavement.
When a person passes away, a medical doctor who knew the deceased will sign a Death Registration Certificate, so that the funeral can proceed.   Your Funeral Director can liaise with the Doctor on your behalf, if you wish.  After the funeral, the family will need to register the death with the Registrar of Birth, Marriages & Death, after which the actual Death Certificate will be issued.

• Post-Mortems.
  

In the event of a very sudden or unexpected death, the Coroner’s Office may need to conduct a Post-Mortem.  This can be deeply traumatic for the family, but at Stafford’s we are highly experienced in this arena and can help you all the way.  The Post-Mortem can cause delay in arranging the funeral but Stafford’s will maintain constant contact with the Coroner’ Office on your behalf, and as soon as we obtain clearance, we can proceed with the Funeral Arrangements.
In the unusual event of violent or suspicious circumstances, an inquest may be required along with a Post-Mortem.  Again, Stafford’s will work hard to keep you informed of the process, so that you can make preparations for the Funeral of your dearly departed.

• Funeral Costs.

Funerals can vary greatly in cost, depending on all the different elements and choices made by the family.  Basically, the funeral costs can be broken into two arenas, the fee charged by the Funeral Director, and the Disbursements made on your behalf by the Undertaker to the various bodies involved like the Church, the County Councils in charge of the Graves, the Crematoriums.
The Disbursements are generally set in stone, in that specific charges apply in terms of grave openings, music options, or church offerings.  Again, your Funeral Director will guide you through the various choices so you can make an informed decision.
The Funeral Directors charges offer many alternatives. So, for example, we will give you a broad selection of quality coffins to choose from, all varying in cost.
Our service solution to your cost issues.
At Stafford’s, our ethos around cost has always been one of flexibility and choice.  We strongly believe that the family should dictate the cost of the funeral to a large extent, and so we strive to ensure that your choices are clear, and that good value is available to you across the board.
Spending quality time with you discussing all your options is our proven successful way of ensuring that the final cost of your family funeral is one that suits your budget.  At a time of deep loss and sadness, nobody needs to have extra worry or confusion around cost issues.  No query is too small in this regard.  Good clear discussions can provide reassurance, allowing you as a family to focus on your dearly departed loved one, and the healing benefits that an appropriately planned funeral can bring to a grieving process.