Undertakers go online

The new website's front page logo

Funeral directors in Northern Ireland have launched a new website allowing people to book burials online.

Funeral Services Northern Ireland (FSNI) said it would allow the bereaved to view their nearest branch and its staff on the internet.

The site, launched on Monday, includes online ordering facilities for coffins, urns and flowers.

Relatives can contact the funeral home by e-mail and also access information on counselling.

Funeral homes

FSNI managing director James Brown said the move meant the branches would be more accessible.

James Brown: "More accessible"

"We wanted to personalise our funeral homes, which is why we have featured photographs of our staff," he said.

"This gives people extra reassurance at what can be a very distressing time."

The site also features online funeral notices and information on how people can plan their funerals at today's prices.

It includes advice on what people should do when a loved one dies at home, in a nursing or residential home, or in hospital.

Most expensive

There is also practical information on registering a death, administration of an estate, viewing the body and memorial services.

The service offers flowers, coffins and urns

It now costs an average of £2,048 for a burial service in the UK.

A cremation is cheaper, but still costs about £1,215 - a 12% increase in two years.

Over the last nine years, the cost of a send-off for loved ones has risen by 129% for burials and 67% for cremations.

Funerals in London are the most expensive, at £2,646 - £598 higher than the national average.