Step-by-Step Guide
Arranging a Funeral
Facing the task of arranging a funeral can be overwhelming, but we are here to provide support and guidance.
Our main objective is to alleviate the burden from your shoulders.
Drawing upon our extensive experience and knowledge, we are committed to helping you navigate through the process, ensuring that you make informed decisions that best honour your loved one's memory. Below, we outline the step-by-step journey of arranging a funeral. For more detailed information, please explore each step individually.
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Every funeral is different and we will work with you to ensure you get the funeral that you want.
Burial/Cremation
Burial
If you choose burial, there are two options available: reopening an existing grave or obtaining a new grave. Family graves generally have space for multiple adult burials, depending on the cemetery/graveyard regulations.
Different pricing structures exist in different graveyards/cemeteries in Donegal, for the purchase of the plot and the grave opening/closing, we will inform you of the costs of your chosen option.
Cremation
Cremation is an alternative to burial when someone dies and has grown in popularity over the past 60 years with the addition of more crematoriums around Ireland. Before a cremation can take place, certain documentation needs to be completed which we will arrange for you.
In Donegal, there are no crematoriums, therefore we normally use Lakelands Funeral Home & Crematorium in Cavan.
It has its own chapel where a cremation service can be held. There are different types of services:
Committal Service: This brief service, lasting around 10 to 15 minutes, is conducted when a church service or funeral Mass precedes the arrival at the crematorium.
Full-Service Funerals: These services, lasting approximately 40 minutes, do not have a prior church service or funeral Mass.
Direct/Simple Cremation: Often we get asked to have a no-fuss private cremation prior to or excluding a funeral service. To learn more about our Direct/Simple cremation service please follow this link. Prices start from €1,995.
For assistance in selecting a final resting place for the ashes, please refer to our After Funeral Care Section.
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We work closely with medical professionals to ensure the completion of the death notification form.
Additionally, we liaise with clergy, churches, cemeteries, and crematoria to arrange necessary services.
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With utmost care and respect, we ensure the final appearance reflects the wishes of the deceased and the family.
We arrange for professional hair and makeup and what helps us with this is a picture of the deceased.
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You can view the range of coffins we have available here.
We can also help you select from our extensive range of coffins by providing the family with a brochure of what we have available.
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We assist in preparing and publishing death notices to notify friends, family, and the wider community.
Death notices can be submitted to various platforms, including:
The RIP.ie website
Highland Radio
The Mc Ateer Funeral Directors’ Facebook page
Various newspaper publications.
By working closely with you, we ensure that the death notice accurately reflects your wishes and honours the memory of your loved one.
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If you decide to hold a wake at a family residence, at Mc Ateer Funeral Directors, we have everything you need to help you host a wake. We provide the following:
Stackable Chairs
Stackable Stools
Cups
Kettles
Wake road signage
If you need assistance getting anything else, please let us know.
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We have our own range of modern funeral vehicles including a removal vehicle for discreet first call and a unique hearse as seen on the home page.
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You can view our range of floral tributes by clicking this link. It is also possible to make custom-made floral arrangements on request.
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We work with a number of different musicians and offer you a choice when we are arranging the funeral. Each of our musicians/ singers has a different list of songs which we will give you to choose from.
You may also have someone within your family or friend who you wish to do the music
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We can assist you in the production of service sheets for the funeral.
The printer will require about 24 hours to turn around the design and printing.
The service sheet can include:
The order of the service
Hymns/Songs to be sung
Readings/Psalms and reader's name
Photographs, we will include as many as you want.
Eulogy details
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Here's a breakdown of the key cost points:
A funeral bill usually consists of two parts:
Our Funeral Director's charges include:
All transport
Body preparation
Choice of coffin
Etc
2. Third Party cost on your behalf. These include:
Grave digging
Cremation fees
Doctors fees
Announcement fees.
Flowers
Etc
Traditional funerals costs vary based on individual preferences and choices, allowing you to create a personalised farewell within your desired budget.
Direct/Simple cremation services start from €2,000.