What Do You Know About Pallbearers?

Choosing who will be pallbearers at a funeral can be difficult. This guide will help you understand what a pallbearer is and how to choose the right people for the job.

What is a pallbearer?

A pallbearer is someone who helps carry the casket of the deceased from the place of ceremony to the hearse and then from the hearse to the cemetery or crematorium. Pallbearers are typically chosen for their strength, but also for their relationship to the deceased. If you are looking for someone to fill this role, it is important to choose someone who will be respectful and who can handle the physical task of carrying a casket.

What does a pallbearer do?

Pallbearers are responsible for carrying the casket from the place of ceremony to the hearse. They will then follow the hearse to the cemetery or crematorium. At the cemetery, pallbearers will again carry the casket, this time from the hearse to the gravesite. Once the casket is in place, pallbearers will typically stand near it during the service.

Who makes a good pallbearer?

When choosing pallbearers, you should look for people who are strong enough to physically  carry the casket and who are close to the deceased or the deceased's family. Pallbearers should also be able to remain composed during the service.

What do you know about pallbearers?

As intense or scary as this job seems, being a pallbearer is not as overwhelming as you might think. If you were you asked to be a pallbearer for someone’s funeral at a funeral home in Fulton, IL, here’s everything you need to know about pallbearers in order to prepare you.   

• What is a Pallbearer? A pallbearer is someone that helps carry or officially escorts a casket during a funeral or service. Their duties traditionally consist exclusively of carrying the remains from the hearse to the church or funeral home before the service, and then back into the hearse after the service. If the remains are to be buried or inurned, the pallbearers also carry them from the hearse to the final resting place.  
• What Is 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. 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.  
• How Heavy is a Casket? Caskets can weigh as little as 60 pounds up to 400 pounds or more depending on the type of casket and the size of the remains inside. For example, pine caskets generally weigh about 150 pounds, while mahogany can weigh up to 250. Metal caskets, on the other hand, can weigh between 160 to 200 pounds depending on the kind of metal and the metal gauge.  
• What Should Pallbearers Wear? Its best for pallbearers to dress conservatively, ideally in a dark suit and tie, dress, or pantsuit. However, be sure to wear clothing that is comfortable enough for you to move and lift in. Don’t forget to wear flat or low-heeled shoes so you don’t trip while carrying the casket.  
• Who Can be a Pallbearer? Pallbearers can be anyone the bereaved or deceased choose. However, they are usually close family or friends like siblings, older children or grandchildren, colleagues, or friends. And yes, women can be pallbearers even though it doesn’t happen very often.  
• How Many Pallbearers are There? While there can be as many or as few as desired, there are traditionally six to eight pallbearers. If there are six, three stand on each side of the casket. If there are eight, the extra two stand on the front and back.  
• Can You Have Pallbearers at a Cremation? While pallbearers are traditionally used when the body is buried in a casket, people can choose to have pallbearers carry the casket at a funeral before a cremation. They can also carry or walk alongside the urn before or after a memorial service. 

Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation is here to help if you have more questions about pallbearers or Fulton, IL funeral homes. Call or visit us today to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss.  

Pallbearer FAQs

How many pallbearers are needed?

Typically, there are four to six pallbearers chosen for this role. However, more pallbearers can be used if necessary.

What if I can't find enough pallbearers?

If you cannot find enough people to fill the role of pallbearer, you may want to consider asking funeral home staff members to help.

What do pallbearers wear?

Pallbearers typically dress in dark clothing that is appropriate for a funeral. This might include a dark suit, dress shirt, tie, and dress shoes. Some families also request that pallbearers wear a white glove.

The decision of who will be pallbearers is an important one that should not be taken lightly. By following the advice in this guide, you can ensure that you choose the right people for the job and provide them with the necessary information to carry out their duties effectively. Have you chosen your pallbearers yet? Contact us.