What Does a Pallbearer Do? The Complete Guide to Duties and Etiquette

By: VGFS
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

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.

Pallbearers are used in funerals or burials that include a coffin or casket.

They carry the coffin from one point to the next throughout the service. Traditionally, there are six pallbearers to align with each of the six handles on the sides of the coffin. There are also handles in the front and back so it is possible to have eight total pallbearers carrying the casket. The number needed depends on the size and heft of the coffin and its contents. Coffins alone generally weigh between 150-250 pounds and must be carried at waist height. Due to this heaviness, pallbearers are typically males over the age of 16. However, women can also serve as pallbearers. Those chosen are often close to the departed or the bereaved family. Any pallbearers who are unable to help carry the coffin due to limited strength can still participate by walking alongside as the others carry it. This role is referred to as an honorary pallbearer.

Pallbearers carry the coffin during critical parts of the funeral service.

Therefore, it is recommended that every pallbearer arrive early at the funeral home. Lateness could hold up the entire funeral service, so it’s important to choose pallbearers who are dependable and have reliable transportation to get to the funeral home. The first key task for pallbearers is to lift the casket onto a church truck (a sturdy platform that holds the casket), which then retracts as the coffin is placed inside the hearse. The pallbearers then take a designated car or limousine that follows the hearse so that they and the casket arrive at the funeral site together. Once at the church, a religious leader may bless the casket. Then, the pallbearers carry the casket down the aisle to the front of the church, with the immediate family walking either ahead or behind the casket. At the service’s conclusion, pallbearers will again lift and carry the casket back to the hearse where it is driven to the burial site. Once at the burial site, the pallbearers lift the casket a final time and carry it to a platform at the burial site. At this stage, pallbearers have fulfilled their duties and may join the rest of the funeral attendees as guests.

Although pallbearers play a vital role, they should not attract undue attention.

Their funeral attire is typically a dark suit or dress that matches or blends in with what the other pallbearers are wearing. Pallbearers are also advised to wear dark shoes that are both comfortable and sturdy. Being a pallbearer requires walking on hard surfaces, such as the sidewalk, as well as on softer surfaces, such as the ground at the gravesite.

Being a pallbearer is not a task to be taken lightly.

If you are considering asking someone to be a pallbearer or have been asked to be one yourself, take time to think it over. Not everyone is suited to the task, and that’s OK. If you are the one asking, be sure to inquire if the potential pallbearer has any concerns about their ability to fulfill their assigned duties. The more honest and open the conversation at the beginning, the more smoothly the funeral services will go.

If you have additional questions about what a pallbearer does or if you need help determining who to ask, please contact our compassionate professionals. It is our pleasure to assist you.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 20 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

How Much Do You Really Know About Cold and Flu Season?

The chill of winter is in the air, and that means the cold and flu season can’t be far behind. You may think you're savvy about avoiding seasonal illnesses, but how much do you really know about h...

Funeral Food Fusion: Seven Tips for Combining Comfort and Culture

Through the act of breaking bread together, funeral food becomes a symbol of shared grief and strength. Amid loss, food is often used as a way to connect with one another, express sympathy, and he...

Military Funeral Traditions: Seven Ways to Remember America's Heroes on Veterans’ Day

Veterans’ Day presents an opportunity to express gratitude for those who have selflessly served in the United States armed forces. To ensure that the memory of these heroes lives on, it's fitting ...

The Best and Worst Sources of Protein, According to Nutritional Experts

From plant-based to animal-derived, sources of protein range from exceptional to the less-than-ideal. In the world of nutrition, protein is an undisputed superhero. It is essential for building mu...

Coping With Grief After Sudden Loss? Here are Seven Important Things to Know

Grief can engulf us when we least expect it, especially after the sudden loss of a loved one. This kind of grief is uniquely intense, plunging us into a confusing world where everything feels unfa...

Plan a Memorable Final Farewell with these Smart Fall Funeral Considerations

Surrounded by autumn's beauty and serenity, fall funeral planning offers special solace to the grieving. With its vibrant leaves and crisp air, autumn brings a sense of comfort, reflection, and no...

Experts Say These Eight Things Can Reduce High Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol is a common health concern, but the good news is that there are ways to tackle it naturally. Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, and maintaining heal...

Returning to Work After a Loved One Passes: Eight Helpful Coping Strategies

When you are returning to work after a loved one passes away, it can be an emotional journey filled with uncertainty. If the prospect of heading back to your workplace after loss feels overwhelmin...

How Should You Choose the Day and Time of the Funeral?

When bidding farewell to a cherished family member or friend, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is selecting the appropriate day and time of the funeral. Amid the emotional challen...

Celebrating National Alcohol & Drug Recovery Month

This September we celebrate National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Starting in 1989, National Recovery Month was coined to promote and support evidence-based treatment and recovery...