Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about funerals, answered clearly.
Making Funeral Arrangements After a Death in the Family
If a death occurs in the family, it may raise questions about who is responsible for making the funeral arrangements. Legally, the Executor of the deceased is responsible for organizing the funeral if the deceased had a will naming someone as the Executor. However, if all parties agree, the responsibility can be shared with the next of kin. Your Funeral Director will provide additional guidance and clarify important points, such as:
Who is the Contact in Charge?
The person who signs the Funeral Director's Estimate form is officially responsible for the funeral account and is the person we call the Contact in Charge, this person does not necessarily have to be a family member. For cremations, only the Executor or the next of kin can sign the Application for Cremation Form. Please reach out to your Funeral Director for expert guidance on this matter.
Funeral Costs
During your meeting to make funeral arrangements, your Jennings Funeral Director will provide you with a detailed estimate of the costs involved.
How Much Does a Funeral Cost?
We understand that questions about funeral costs can cause stress and worry for families already dealing with the trauma of bereavement. While cost may not be the first question asked, a compassionate Funeral Director recognizes the duty of care to help families arrange a funeral within their budget.
The family largely determines the cost of the funeral. Remember that your Funeral Director will assist you in arranging a funeral that aligns with your budget, helping to alleviate some stress during this difficult time.
Your Funeral Director will explain all available options for a meaningful service, along with the costs associated with each. Once you decide on the arrangements, the Funeral Director will provide an estimate and discuss the breakdown of costs with you. It's important to note that all funerals have two components to pricing:
- The Funeral Director's Costs
- Third-Party Costs, which generally include fixed prices for services such as cemetery costs, grave purchases or openings, cremation or crematorium fees, and church service fees. Other third-party costs may vary based on your choices, such as newspaper notices, funeral service music, and flowers.
The Funeral Director's Duty in Caring for the Deceased
Is Embalming Necessary?
There is no legal requirement for embalming unless the deceased is leaving the state. However, if the family wishes to view the deceased, the Funeral Director will explain the benefits of embalming.
Embalming and preparation fulfill the deep human desire to prepare a meaningful tribute for a loved one. Our skilled embalming team maintains the highest standards of presentation for the deceased in their care. While nothing can fully alleviate the pain of loss, families often find comfort in spending time with their deceased loved ones—embalming allows for extended repose times. This enables families to spend time together and assists in restoring the appearance of the deceased for viewing.
Embalming can also help diminish some of the intense shock of bereavement, allowing families the flexibility to delay the funeral if needed. This extra time gives families the opportunity to make thoughtful decisions about how they want the funeral service to proceed.
What If I Have Relatives Coming from Abroad?
If your relatives are traveling from abroad and you are unsure of flight times or dates, delaying the funeral is not a problem. Advances in embalming techniques offer families more options. Once embalming and preparation are complete, the family can choose an appropriate date for the funeral service that suits them best.
At all our Dublin branches of Jennings Funeral Directors, flexibility is key.
Can I get support with grief?
Yes. Talk to your GP, contact bereavement support organizations, or speak to a counselor. Grief is natural, and support is available.
Still have questions?
If your question isn't answered here, please call us. No question is too small or too unusual—we're here to help.