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. However, anyone can serve as a pallbearer.

Do pallbearers sit with family?

At the graveside, the role of the pallbearer comes to a close and they sit or stand to join their family and friends.

What is the proper etiquette for pallbearers?

Pallbearer etiquette

Carry the coffin with dignity and respect. Carefully follow the funeral director's instructions. Wear smart and appropriate attire. Walk slowly and steadily.

Who should not be pallbearers?

Opinions differ on whether family members should be asked to be pallbearers. Some people consider it a no-no, while others are fine with including family members. It's possible that immediate family members of the deceased, like siblings or children, may be grieving too deeply to be tasked with this job.

How do you politely decline as a pallbearer?

Choosing not to be a pallbearer

You might want to decline because you do not feel you are physically able to carry the coffin, as it is often quite heavy. In this case you should politely decline the offer and explain why you do not think you would be suitable.

What is IMMEDIATE FAMILY? What does IMMEDIATE FAMILY mean? IMMEDIATE FAMILY meaning

Is being a pallbearer heavy?

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.

Why do they cover the legs in a casket?

Tradition, Region and Culture

Many people choose a casket that covers their loved one's legs simply because that's how it's usually done in their country.

Can a son be a pallbearer for his mother?

There is absolutely no limit as to how any people can serve as honorary pallbearers. Common choices for selecting pallbearers are siblings, adult children, grown grandchildren, nieces and nephews, close friends, and colleagues. Anyone you choose can serve as a pallbearer at your funeral.

Does a pallbearer have to wear a suit?

Unless the family expresses a desire otherwise, it is customary in most cases for pallbearers to wear a suit, sports coat, and optional tie. It is not necessary, of course, but the dress represents the dignity & respect of the role. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes prior to the funeral service.

Who carries the coffin at a funeral?

A Pallbearer is traditionally one of the people who will help to carry someone's coffin from the hearse to the funeral venue and, if they are being buried, to their grave. Typically four or six Pallbearers carry or escort a coffin at the funeral.

Are there female pallbearers?

Women pallbearers are often placed in the middle on each side of the casket because that is where the weight of the casket is not as heavy. Note that a funeral service can have more two or three sets of pallbearers so are to make it easier to carry the casket up to its final resting place.

Do you give pallbearers gifts?

There is no standard for pallbearer gifts, but those who opt to provide them should make sure that the gesture is meaningful and honors the service—even if just a small token of gratitude.

What do you wear to a funeral pallbearer?

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.

Can a son be a pallbearer for his father?

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.

Can a wife be a pallbearer?

Who Can Be A Pallbearer. Pallbearers can be men or women, and are often either family members or close friends of the deceased.

How heavy is a coffin with a body in it?

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).

What color do pallbearers wear?

These are some simple etiquette tips and pallbearer advice. What should a Pallbearer wear? Of course, black or dark colours are usually preferred for the sombre occasion, however sometimes the family of the deceased will request a certain dress code. They may ask for a favourite colour to be worn, for example.

Why do pallbearers leave their gloves on the casket?

As early as the 1700s, gloves were given to pallbearers by the deceased's family to handle the casket. They were a symbol of purity, and considered a symbol of respect and honor.

What are the responsibilities of a pallbearer?

The role of a pallbearer consists of carrying the casket from the funeral home to the hearse, and then from the hearse to the interment site for burial. This is a solemn duty, and if you've been asked to be a pallbearer, you may be nervous.

What age can you be a pallbearer?

In the past it was traditional for men to carry out the role, but today, anyone can take part. In fact, because the pallbearers generally escort, rather than carry the coffin these days, people of all ages, genders and abilities can often play a part.

What does honorary pallbearer mean?

An honorary pallbearer is someone who will not actually carry the casket but is still recognized in some way. This title is usually used for older friends or relatives who might not be able to physically carry the casket.

Why are you buried without shoes?

Rigor mortis and other body processes make the feet larger than usual and often distort the shape. Many times the shoes of the deceases no longer fit. Even with the correct size, the feet are no longer bendable, making it a challenge to place shoes upon them.

Why are caskets only half open?

Viewing caskets are usually half open because of how they are constructed, according to the Ocean Grove Memorial Home. Most of today's caskets are made to be half open. They cannot lie fully open for viewing.

What is a coffin carrier called?

Today, a pallbearer is also known as a casket bearer. The pallbearer today is responsible for carrying the casket of the deceased from the funeral home into the hearse, and once at the cemetery, the pallbearers will carry the casket from the hearse to the burial site. Being asked to be a pallbearer is a great honor.