The average cost of a funeral has now shot up to €6,250 – a 42pc increase on 2016, when the figure was around €4,060.
Traditional attitudes to funeral celebrations as a whole have shifted, according to a new Red C survey commissioned by An Post Insurance.
Three in four of those who responded to the survey believe wearing black is no longer important. However, some traditions, such as hosting a wake in tribute to the deceased, remain a key part of Irish funeral traditions.
The survey found that seven out of 10 of those who responded to the survey had made no plans for their funeral, even though many say they have had conversations with their loved ones about their preferences.
The survey found nine in 10 Irish people over the age of 50 worry that their funeral costs would be a financial burden on their family.
Despite these concerns, most of those surveyed say they do not have a funeral-specific insurance policy in place.
Only one in three have made some plans for their funerals.
Three in four respondents said they have had conversations with loved ones about their funeral preferences and wishes. In spite of this, most have not included their funeral preferences and wishes in their will.
Being cremated has increased in popularity among the over-50 age group, with nearly half of respondents now preferring this option.
Four in 10 of respondents expressed a wish for a traditional burial, while just 4pc would rather their body be donated to science or have an alternative style of burial such as a “green” burial.
The survey reveals that when it comes to the cost of a funeral, expectations versus reality are mostly aligned.
Those who have not yet paid for a funeral estimated it will cost about €6,409.
An Post Insurance said this was in line with the actual average cost of a funeral, which research shows is now around €6,252, according to survey participants who have paid for a funeral in the past five years. However, this is a 14pc increase on the cost of funerals in just two years.
The big cost is the funeral director’s fee, which is around €2,300. A headstone costs around €1,500, with a plot likely to cost €1,200. Another big expense is an interment, which costs around €1,100.