What is the protocol for pallbearers?
What is the protocol for pallbearers?
They must carry the casket with strength and reverence. They’ll usually meet at the funeral home after the family says their final goodbyes. Once the family exits the funeral home, the pallbearers will lift the casket onto a church truck. This device is on wheels and folds down when placed inside of the hearse.
How do you respond when someone asks you to be a pallbearer?
Thank you for providing this special & meaningful service to the family. They have entrusted the care and safety of their loved one to you by asking you to serve in the role of pallbearer. We will help you in every way to assume and carry out that role with all the dignity & respect it deserves and the family expects.
Are pallbearers immediate family?
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.
How many carry in a coffin?
Both men and women can be pallbearers, and many people often choose either family members or close friends of the deceased to carry the coffin. Traditionally, there are four to six pallbearers at a funeral, depending on the weight of the coffin.
What does casket on shoulders mean?
While in the United Kingdom and Ireland, pallbearers carry the casket on their shoulders—the casket handles are used to help lift the casket out of the hearse or funeral car and to assist in lifting the casket onto the pallbearers’ shoulders.
Who usually carries the coffin?
pallbearer
A pallbearer is responsible for carrying the coffin or casket of the deceased from the hearse to its final place of rest, depending on whether it is a cremation or burial service.
Is carrying a coffin heavy?
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.
How much do empty caskets weigh?
An average casket weighs 150 to 200 pounds when empty. This figure varies widely depending on the casket size and material used.
Who should be a pallbearer?
A Pallbearer is someone who helps carry the coffin of a deceased person as part of the funeral process. It is an honour to be asked to be a Pallbearer and the coffin is usually carried by family members, close friends or close work colleagues.
Who should be the pallbearers at a funeral?
A pallbearer is someone who is selected by a close family member of the deceased to help carry the casket to the burial site at a funeral. There are typically six to eight pallbearers, depending on the size and weight of the casket. They can be men or women.
Do honorary pallbearers have to be at funeral?
The pallbearers actively carry the casket typically from the site of the funeral to the hearse and from the hearse to the final resting place at the cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are often selected when a cremation has taken place and there is no casket to carry.
Who can serve as 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. However, anyone can serve as a pallbearer.
