Is it rude to decline being 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. The person arranging the funeral may offer to make you an honourary pallbearer instead.

Can I decline being a pallbearer?

The pallbearers who carry the coffin are called “active”. If you find that you are not physically up for the task, you can decline but still participate in the funeral as an honorary pallbearer. In this role, you will walk alongside the other pallbearers but do not have to physically carry the coffin.

How do you tell someone you don't want to be a pallbearer?

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.

Is it an honor to be a pallbearer?

Participating in a funeral as a pallbearer is a time-honored tradition and a sign of trust. It's both an honor and a responsibility. After all, you have been asked to accompany a dearly loved person to their final resting place, which means the family trusts and values you.

Are pallbearers necessary?

Of course, pallbearers are necessary for traditional funerals where the deceased will be buried in a casket, but you can also have pallbearers at a cremation service who accompany the urn to the burial site or the memorial location.

How to be a Great Pallbearer!

Who is usually asked to be a pallbearer?

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.

Why do they cover the legs in a casket?

They cover the legs in a casket because the deceased is not wearing shoes in many cases due to the difficulty of putting them on stiff feet. Also, funeral directors may recommend it to save money, for religious reasons, in the event of trauma, for easier transportation, or with tall bodies.

How hard is it to be a pallbearer?

Selecting who you would like to serve as the pallbearers is never an easy task. Even more difficult can be asking those people to do the job. Regardless, the pallbearer is a job that must be done, and most people will accept the role if they are asked. Typically, there will be six to eight pallbearers needed.

Is a coffin heavy?

Generally speaking, a wooden casket weighs from 150 to 250 pounds, with some woods being heavier than others. Pine (it weighs around 150 pounds) is considered light, whereas mahogany (as heavy as 250 pounds) stands as the heaviest, along with cherry wood.

How should a pallbearer dress?

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.

Who should carry the coffin?

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.

How do pallbearers not cry?

How many bearers carry a coffin?

2. It takes between four and eight people to carry the coffin, depending on its size. Six is usually a good number. You don't have to be tall, able-bodied or particularly strong, and the role of bearer is not restricted to any particular gender or age.

Are pallbearers usually 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.

What to say 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.

Why do funeral directors bow at the coffin?

So why do Funeral Directors bow at coffins? Respect. The aim when working with any family is to show their loved one as much dignity and respect as possible. Even though this person may not be walking on this earth any longer does not mean that they deserve any less respect.

Why do you carry a coffin feet first?

It is important to remember that, when carrying a coffin or casket, the person inside is always carried feet first – the only exception is a vicar, who is carried head first to face their congregation. Coffins are carried feet first simply because of health and safety, rather than any kind of ceremonial tradition.

Are females ever pallbearers?

In most instances, men are pallbearers, so it seems like the norm. However, there is no cultural or religious customs stating that women can't serve as pallbearers. The only reason why they don't do this job is that they may not be strong enough to lift the casket, which can sometimes be quite heavy.

Who lowers the coffin into the grave?

2 Lowering the coffin into the grave. There will be a sufficient number of lowering Straps used to lower the coffin into the grave. The Funeral Director is responsible for lowering the coffin in to the grave. The coffin lowering party will be placed around the open grave by the Funeral Director.

Does a pallbearer have to wear black?

Usually you'll wear a suit in a black or dark colour. However, less traditional funeral clothing is becoming more popular. So it's best to ask the family or funeral director what the pallbearer dress code is. You'll also want to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes in case you're walking across uneven ground.

What is the significance of being a pallbearer?

The role of a pallbearer at a funeral comes with both honor and responsibility. Pallbearer duties primarily consist of helping to carry the casket during a traditional funeral or burial. Below, we have outlined what a pallbearer is responsible for, as well as the etiquette attached to this important role.

What color tie should a pallbearer wear?

Are you a close family member or pallbearer? If so, The Emily Post Institute says you should consider wearing a black or dark suit and a conservative tie. This is true whether you are an actual pallbearer or an honorary one. The color black is a symbol of mourning.

What happens to a body after 1 year in a coffin?

For the most part, however, if a non-embalmed body was viewed one year after burial, it would already be significantly decomposed, the soft tissues gone, and only the bones and some other body parts remaining.

Do bodies sit up during cremation?

Does the body sit up during cremation? Yes, this can happen. Due to the heat and the muscle tissue, the body can move as the body is broken down, although this does happen inside the coffin, so it won't be visible.

Do bodies explode in coffins?

Once a body is placed in a sealed casket, the gases from decomposing cannot escape anymore. As the pressure increases, the casket becomes like an overblown balloon. However, it's not going to explode like one. But it can spill out unpleasant fluids and gasses inside the casket.