Of course, there is always the option of not using pallbearers at all. In this instance, the funeral home is generally able to provide a wheeled cart or another method of transporting the casket and remains to their final destination.
Pallbearers are appropriate at funerals. Since the role of the pallbearers is to carry or escort the casket, pallbearers are not needed at ceremonies where the deceased's body is not present. However, ceremonial carrying roles can be created for memorial services and life celebrations.
If you don't feel comfortable carrying the coffin or casket of a loved one, you do not have to accept the role. If this is the case, politely decline the offer and let whoever is arranging the funeral know why; they will most likely understand and respect your decision.
A pallbearer is one of the oldest and most important ceremonial roles at a funeral. Pallbearers are responsible for carrying the casket from inside the funeral home and placing it within the hearse. Once at the grave site, they again remove the casket from the hearse and carry it to the final resting place.
It's best, however, to avoid selecting people who will need to be there to support another family member. For example, a grown son may need to sit with (and offer moral support to) his mother rather than serve as a pallbearer at his father's funeral.
If you're overcome with emotion and crying, you will find it's more challenging to carry out your tasks. Take a few deep breaths and try to keep yourself calm. Crying is ok, but at the same time, the work of a pallbearer is important and will require focus.
Pallbearers are usually close family members and friends. Siblings, adult children, grown grandchildren, nieces and nephews, close friends, and colleagues are all common choices for pallbearers. However, anyone can serve as a pallbearer.
Pallbearers are the individuals who carry or escort the casket at a funeral service.
Coffins alone generally weigh between 150-250 pounds and must be carried at waist height. Due to this heaviness, pallbearers are typically males over the age of 16. However, women can also serve as pallbearers. Those chosen are often close to the departed or the bereaved family.
Pallbearers can be anyone the bereaved or deceased choose. However, they are usually close family or friends like siblings, older children or grandchildren, colleagues, or friends.
Is Carrying a Coffin Heavy for Pallbearers? Yes, carrying a coffin can be burdensome for pallbearers. The body, casket, and hardware may weigh 400 pounds. If that weight is divided evenly among six pallbearers, each one is responsible for about 66 pounds.
Know the weight of the person in the coffin and bear in mind that wooden coffins are also quite heavy, adding up to 20kg. If the load is more than 90kgs (14 stones) you will need six bearers. If the load is more than 125 kilos (20 stones), you should think very carefully about carrying the coffin.
You can politely tell the person who has asked you that you don't want to do it, and explain your reasons. But, because being a pallbearer is considered an honour, you might want to thank them for the invitation, and make it clear that you're flattered they thought of you.
It is a common practice to cover the legs as there is swelling in the feet and shoes don't fit. As part of funeral care, the body is dressed and preserved, with the prime focus on the face. Post embalming, bodies are often placed without shoes; hence covering the legs is the way to offer a dignified funeral.
Family members and close friends are common choices. Either men or women can be pallbearers as long as they are physically capable of doing so. Sometimes, honorary pallbearers can stand in place of individuals that are incapable of physically lifting the casket.
Pallbearers will have to carry the casket with the body inside, so they will have to transport the body's weight and the coffin. 370 to 400 pounds is the final weight that pallbearers will carry if the casket is standard sized, 200 pounds heavy, whereas the adult body is 200 pounds (male) or 170 pounds (female).
Coffins and caskets alone, on average, can weigh around 25-40kg, but can weigh up to 100kg. The actual weight including the deceased will, of course, vary. We would suggest that only those of a reasonable level of fitness and the confidence to carry at least 25kg take on this important role.
You do not have to choose friends or family to be pallbearers. The funeral director will be able to provide experienced pallbearers to carry the coffin, but this may cost extra.
Who Carries the Coffin at a Funeral? At a funeral, the coffin or casket can be carried either by designated pallbearers as arranged by the funeral directors, or by any of your chosen family members or friends.
As a rule, four or six Pallbearers carry or escort a coffin at the funeral. As a rule, the people chosen to do this this are usually very close family members and friends. Moreover, family and friends may ask to carry out this imoportant funeral role.
Pallbearers need to dress appropriately. Unless the bereaved specify otherwise, men should wear dark, solid suits with white shirts and conservative ties, and women should wear dark pantsuits or dresses. You really don't want to trip when carrying the casket.
There are actually no rules about who can carry a coffin at a funeral. Anyone can be a pallbearer as long as they feel able to do it. Plus, you can always ask the funeral director what will work best.
Men or women may be pallbearers. When selecting them, make sure they can keep their emotions in check.
'The lid smashed open and the kids jumped in [to his grave]. When lifting the coffin out it just fell to bits. 'Imagine that happening to your loved one. It is not private, 400 to 500 people were able to see him laid there.
This must only be done by the funeral director with the consent of the deceased person's family. This may mean you can't touch the body, but for many people, simply touching the casket can be enough. You may also wish to consider leaving a flower, or flowers, as a symbolic farewell.