How many pallbearers do you need for a funeral?

The traditional format regarding the number of pallbearers is 6, primarily due to the length of the standard casket, so that 3 people on either side can conveniently carry the casket. Most caskets have additional handles at each end which will accommodate 2 more bearers.

What is a Paul Bearer at a funeral?

March 9, 2013
Paul Bearer/Date of burial

Why are pallbearers male?

Well, the reason for this is basically because of the weight of the casket. It may seem sexist, but the truth is that men will actually really find it easier to carry heavier loads. The casket can weigh up to 300 pounds, including the body of the deceased. … This is perhaps the only reason why most pallbearers are men.

Who is usually a Paul Bearer?

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.

Why do they call it a Paul Bearer?

The term pallbearer originally comes from the word pall, a decorative cloth that is used to drape the casket. In the middle ages, the pallbearers carried the four corners of the pall, thus “bearing the pall”. The pallbearers held the pall in place as other men carried the casket to a church or cemetery.

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.

What is the role of a Paul Bearer?

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.

Why do pallbearers put their gloves on the casket?

A pallbearer is one of several participants who help carry the casket at a funeral. They may wear white gloves in order to prevent damaging the casket and to show respect to the deceased person.

Are there pallbearers with cremation?

Do you have pallbearers at a cremation? A traditional pallbearer is not necessary for people who have chosen to be cremated. Although you might select honorary pallbearers to walk alongside or behind the person carrying the urn.

How do you become a Paul Bearer?

Tips for Being A Pallbearer
  1. Ask the funeral director if you are unsure about anything. The funeral director has done this more times than they can count. …
  2. Dress conservatively. …
  3. Arrive early and stay late. …
  4. Sit in your assigned seat. …
  5. Consider it an honor. …
  6. Relax, everything will be okay.

What is expected of a pallbearer?

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

How do pallbearers carry the casket?

Pallbearers will either carry the coffin at waist height, on their shoulders, or wheel it in with the assistance of a small trolley, known as a wheel bier.

How strong do you have to be to be a Paul Bearer?

Being a pallbearer requires that you help carry a heavy coffin at waist height with the help of five to seven other pallbearers. The weight of both the decedent and the casket varies but expect to help bear 300 pounds of weight or more.

Why do pallbearers wear boutonnieres?

Following suit, each of the pallbearers will place their boutonnieres on the casket in succession. This is a customary act that expresses final respect to the family and to the loved one being buried. Once this is done, your role as a pallbearer is complete.

What should a Paul Bearer wear?

Traditional pallbearers dress in modest and dark clothing. Men wear suits with ties and women wear dresses or pants suits. Women should avoid heels and wear comfortable dress shoes to avoid injury. Pallbearers will try to wear typical funeral attire, keeping the focus on the casket and the deceased.

Can a pallbearer wear sunglasses?

If it is bright and the sun is in your eyes, while carrying the casket, and even when you are standing to the side with the other pallbearers, I don’t see it as inappropriate. Of course, when interacting with the family it is respectful to remove your sunglasses.

How heavy is a casket for a pallbearer?

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. If a heavier casket was chosen for a large person, the weight that the pallbearers must carry might be as much as 600 pounds.

How heavy is a casket with a body in it?

A standard casket meant for average adult bodies weighs about 200 pounds. The actual weight of a casket will vary depending on material, size, and furnishings. How much does a metal casket weigh? A metal casket made of steel weighs approximately 170 to 220 pounds.

How much does a pallbearer lift?

Pallbearers carry the weight of the deceased person, as well as the weight of the casket itself. The weight of a standard adult casket is approximately 200 lbs (or 90 kgs). However, a higher-end casket can reach 400 lbs (or 181 kgs) in weight.

Can pallbearers be different heights?

Think about everyone’s heights

If you’re carrying a coffin on your shoulders, it’s much easier if all of the pallbearers are around the same height. But if that’s not the case, don’t worry. Make sure people of similar heights are opposite each other on either side of the coffin, and put shorter people at the front.

Do you have clothes on when you are cremated?

Typically, a traditional cremation arranged with a funeral home will include a dressing prior to a viewing and/or cremation. … In many cases, people are cremated in either a sheet or the clothing they are wearing when they arrive at the crematory.