What are extra pallbearers called?

Depending on the tradition, pallbearers would either carry the coffin on their shoulders or by their waist. At times additional pallbearers, known as honorary pallbearers, walk either behind or directly in front of the casket in a showcase of supplemental distinction towards the deceased.

Who are honorary pallbearers at a funeral?

An honorary pallbearer is a pallbearer that does not actively carry the casket at the funeral service. Depending on the family's wishes, honorary pallbearers may or may not have reserved seating. It is customary for the honorary pallbearers to walk behind the casket being carried by the 6-8 active pallbearers.

What is an alternate pallbearer?

This title is usually used for older friends or relatives who might not be able to physically carry the casket. Sometimes people even choose to have deceased friends or family members as honorary pallbearers, as they don't have to carry the casket or even be physically present to have the honor.

Where do honorary pallbearers walk?

If any people whom you would like to have as pallbearers are not physically capable of carrying the weight of a casket, those people can be made “honorary pallbearers” and can walk in front of, beside, or behind the casket.

Can you have 4 pallbearers?

Sometimes they can be between 6 and 8 pallbearers, and the number would depend on how many handles are on the casket. In some cases, the casket may have three handles on either side while at others it may have four. In the case of the latter, eight people can serve as pallbearers.

How to be a Great Pallbearer!

What color suit does a pallbearer wear?

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.

Can you have 8 people carry a coffin?

There may be around six to eight pallbearers, depending on the size of coffin. Pallbearers are usually chosen by the closest relatives of the person who has died, and may be family members, close friends or co-workers. Although pallbearers have traditionally always been men, women are now also given the role.

Why don't they show the legs at a funeral?

It is always easier to light up the upper half of the body and present the face under the best light. By covering the legs, funeral directors save time by spending lesser time lighting the lower portion of the body.

Do you tip pallbearers?

Because these are volunteers who are close to the family or the deceased, it's not typical to tip. If you need to hire pallbearers, however, a small tip might be appropriate. If the hired pallbearers are not a part of the funeral staff, tipping anywhere from $5-15 is fair for this service.

Can pallbearers sit with family?

In many funerals, the pallbearers are seated together in a special section of the funeral setting as a group. When most or all of the pallbearers are family members, they may choose to be seated with their family.

Where do Honorary pallbearers sit at a funeral?

Pallbearers typically sit together in one of the first rows on the right. At some funerals, pallbearers sit with their family or friends in the congregation. If this is the case, just make sure that you speak with the funeral director so you understand when you are required to leave your seat to help move the casket.

What happens if you don't have enough pallbearers?

In these instances, you can work with your local funeral home to assign extra employees to help perform this service. You might also work with a local church to find senior church leaders or even youth who would be able to help.

What is the average weight a pallbearer carries?

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 is the purpose of an honorary pallbearer?

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.

What is the difference between pallbearers and honorary pallbearers?

If any people whom you would like to have as pallbearers are not physically capable of carrying the weight of a casket, those people can be made “honorary pallbearers” and can walk beside or behind the casket.

Can honorary pallbearers be dead?

Can honorary pallbearers be deceased? The honorary pallbearers don't participate in carrying the casket, so why not? If a close friend died recently, it is perfectly acceptable to name them posthumously as an honorary pallbearer.

Should a son be a pallbearer for his father?

Whether it is a father, mother, son, daughter, uncle, aunt, cousin, husband, wife, or best friend, it is crucial that a pallbearer is emotionally, mentally and physically capable of carrying out the task. If any person is unfit mentally, emotionally or physically, they can serve as an honorary pallbearer.

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.

Is pallbearer an honor?

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.

Is the brain removed during embalming?

Do they remove organs when you are embalmed? One of the most common questions people have about embalming is whether or not organs are removed. The answer is no; all of the organs remain in the body during the embalming process.

Why do caskets have pillows?

A rather large overstuffed pillow is included in the interior package of a finished casket. This pillow helps to hold the decedent in an inclined position. This position helps present a naturally comforting presentation to the survivors.

What's the hardest part of a funeral?

Attending a visitation can be the hardest part for people to attend, because it involves talking to the deceased's family. A good recommendation is to say something simple such as “I am sorry about your loss”, especially if there are many other guests waiting to share their condolences.

What is the heaviest part of a coffin to carry?

Usually the head end of the coffin is the heaviest, thus the strongest two of your six pallbearers should take the handles at this end.

Why is a casket carried feet first?

Foot always come first and not the head. The casket should always have the foot end towards the driver to be foot first when being driven in the car. It's a symbolic step, as it reminds us of a person walking. It's also made for practical reasons, as it will reduce the body's risk of purging.

Can girls carry 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.