Many people wish to exert their independence and take responsibility for their own funeral arrangements. By planning now responsibility is taken from relatives at a time of grief. Importantly, because prepaid funerals are paid at today's prices, funeral plans guarantee a fixed cost funeral service that will not increase due to inflation or to other price increases.

A prearranged funeral plan will involve arranging a private and confidential appointment with R. Steenson & Son. At this meeting the funeral details will be agreed, for example burial or cremation, what burial clothes are to be worn, whether there will be a funeral service and if so, where, the type of coffin, grave and memorial details, funeral limousine or horse drawn hearse, who is to be involved, the choice of hymns in the event of a funeral service. Nothing is left to chance so avoiding guessing or even arguments about your intentions in the future.

R. Steenson & Son. has its own prearranged funeral plan "The Personal Choice". The plan is with Funeral Plans Limited and National Funeral Trust. The Custodian Trustee is Barclays Bank PLC.

We offer the following information in the form of answers to typical questions that R. Steenson & Son have been asked over many years as an aid to clients and others seeking information on prepaid funerals. Please contact to to arrange an appointment to discuss your needs in in confidence.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do I select the funeral I want?
How much will my funeral cost?
What is the administration fee?
What will I receive when I join?
How do I know that my money will be safe?
What if the costs of funerals increases?
Will there be any other costs at the time of the funeral?
Can I buy a plan for someone else?
How do I pay for my plan?
Can I pay by instalments?
What if I die away from home?
What if I move home after purchasing the plan?
What if I change my mind?
What should I do next?

How do I select the funeral I want?

Contact R. Steenson & Son to arrange an appointment to suit you. While we will offer guidance the important thing is that you choose.

How much will my funeral cost?TOP

This will depend on the specific details you choose. The total cost is made up of the total cost of the funeral calculated at today's costs along with a small once-only payment to cover the administration fees concerned with running the scheme. You do not have to make any commitment before you know the total price involved and if you change your mind you can get all your money back.

What is the administration fee?TOP

This is a small once-only payment to cover the cost of running the scheme, preparing and supplying your plan documents, the Funeral Director's costs and the custodian trustee of National Funeral Trust. R. Steenson & Son will advise you on the current fee.

What will I receive when I join?TOP

You will receive a personal Agreement & Guarantee. This confirms that you have purchased a Personal Choice Funeral Plan, acknowledges receipt of your payment into the National Funeral Trust and includes a guarantee from R. Steenson & Son that our services as detailed on your application form will be provided whenever required at no cost to you or your family.

How do I know that my money will be safe?TOP

Your money will be deposited with the National Funeral Trust, independent of the funeral director’s accounts, where it is held and invested until needed. Barclays Bank PLC is the custodian trustee. A report of the National Funeral Trust is published annually and is available on request to all plan holders.

What if the costs of funerals increases? TOP

Like most things funeral costs are affected by inflation and the cost of funerals are projected to increase. However once you have paid the full plan price there will never be any further charges for the funeral director’s services specified.

Will there be any other costs at the time of the funeral?TOP

Each plan also covers other expenses outside the control of the Funeral Director (known as disbursements) but paid on your behalf e.g. cemetery or crematorium fee, press notices, flowers up to the maximum amount specified. These costs cannot be guaranteed, so they may need to be “topped up” at the time. However, these are relatively small costs compared with the other funeral expenses. R. Steenson & Son will advise you on how much to allow.

Can I buy a plan for someone else?TOP

Yes. Please mention this when you order. All correspondence will be addressed to you in confidence.

How do I pay for my plan?TOP

Generally people prefer to make one payment, and finalise matters. You can give R. Steenson & Son a cheque (payable to the Funeral Plans Ltd) or cash with your order form, or you can post them to the national office of Funeral Plans Ltd.

Can I pay by instalments?TOP

Yes. Payments can be made by cheque , or by standing order. If you would like further information on instalments please contact R. Steenson & Son.

What if I die away from home?TOP

The plan covers the costs associated with a funeral within 30 miles of the funeral directors premises. Repatriation costs to Northern Ireland are not included. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance when you go on holiday that includes full cover for bringing you back home if necessary. If you die outside Northern Ireland , R. Steenson & Son will be able to provide the service but will invoice your family or estate for any travelling charges.

What if I move home after purchasing the plan?TOP

If you leave the island you can if you wish transfer your plan to another qualified funeral director. Funeral costs do vary from area to area,so there may be some additional cost involved. If so you will be advised of any change in cost at that stage.

What if I change my mind?TOP

If you change your mind at any time all your money, including the administration charge will be returned.

What should I do next?TOP

Discuss matters with your relatives and friends. See your solicitor. When you are ready make an appointment with R. Steenson & Son to discuss your needs.