A standard casket will weigh about lbs with more expensive caskets reaching up to lbs. You will want to choose 6 to 8 pallbearers for the funeral service. Caskets usually have a total of 6 handles, 3 on each side. Many caskets also have a handle in the front and a handle in the back. Choosing pallbearers is a decision that is usually made by the immediate family of the deceased. Honorary pallbearers walk behind or alongside the casket with the other pallbearers.
Choosing a pallbearer is also a decision you should discuss with your family as it's possible you may not be entirely aware of the personal history between chosen pallbearers and the deceased. Your family and extended family may have valuable insight into who would be optimal choices for a pallbearer.
The names of the pallbearers are usually shared in the funeral program if you have one. Pallbearers hold a very important role and letting others know their names is respectful. By letting your family know who you'd like to have as pallbearers at your funeral they can more easily follow your wishes.
In addition, by making these decisions for your family, you can relieve any stress they may have had about choosing people to serve as pallbearers. There is no limit to the number of honorary pallbearers that you can have at your funeral.
Buy the book that prepares you for the unexpected. Skip to main content. When Pallbearers Are Appropriate If you plan on having an open casket at your funeral, the casket will already be set up at the funeral venue by the funeral home staff. Who Can Be A Pallbearer Pallbearers can be men or women, and are often either family members or close friends. Traditionally, there are six pallbearers at a funeral, as there are usually six handles on a casket three on each side , though there are often two handles on the front and back sides of a casket, allowing for eight pallbearers.
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. Most people who you ask to serve as pallbearers will likely accept your offer.
The people you select should be in good physical health to lift a casket. If they're unable to lift the weight, you may consider making them honorary pallbearers. Their presence will have an impact regardless if they lift or carry the casket. You might want to ask family members for help with selecting the pallbearers. Be sure to ask if anyone has any concerns before asking them to commit.
Let them know that you understand if they have to decline and that you appreciate them either way. When you ask someone to consider this role at the funeral, give them as much detail as possible. You will want to convey that they will need to arrive early and be dependable. Pallbearers commit to serving in a big way and they should always remember why they are there. Their role is to keep the casket safe and deliver it from the funeral service to its final resting spot.
A pallbearer should be respectful and approach their role with dignity and grace. The best pallbearer is someone who can listen and take directions well. A good pallbearer knows how to remain calm and present amidst sorrow and grief. It is suggested that they arrive early to greet the family members and meet with the funeral director.
By arriving early, it can ease the burden of the family and provide needed support. Carrying the deceased to their final resting place is a significant part of the service. Pallbearers serve a practical and emotional purpose. In some cases, pallbearers have the final contact with the closed casket.
Traditional pallbearers dress in modest and dark clothing. Men wear suits with ties and women wear dresses or pants suits. Women should avoid heels and wear comfortable dress shoes to avoid injury. Pallbearers will try to wear typical funeral attire , keeping the focus on the casket and the deceased. If you are active or retired military personnel, wearing your uniform is acceptable. If you have said yes to serving as a pallbearer for the first time, it is normal to feel nervous.
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