What is a pallbearer and what are they responsible for? Pallbearers play an important role in a funeral service. The term "pallbearer" comes from the "pall," a cloth that was placed over coffins starting in medieval times. If you've been asked to be a pallbearer at a funeral, you should be aware of typical pallbearer duties before you accept.
What Does a Pallbearer Do?
The primary role of a pallbearer is to help carry the coffin of the deceased person. The coffin is typically carried from a hearse into the church. Pallbearers may also be expected to meet prior to the funeral at the funeral home to carry the coffin into the hearse. Pallbearers will carry the coffin back out to the hearse when the funeral service is over, and will remove it once again at the gravesite. They will then assist with placing the coffin onto the lift that lowers the coffin down into the grave.
How Many Pallbearers Does a Funeral Have?
Usually, there are at least four pallbearers, as this is the minimum necessary to carry a heavy coffin. You may see services that have up to six pallbearers. Some funerals may also have what is known as an "honorary pallbearer," who walks alongside the coffin with the pallbearers. What is an honorary pallbearer? This may be someone who doesn't have the physical ability to carry the coffin, perhaps because they are elderly or in a wheelchair, but still want to honor the deceased as a pallbearer.
Who Chooses Pallbearers?
The pallbearers at a funeral service are usually chosen by the family of the deceased. Pallbearers are often chosen from the friends and family of the deceased person. In the past, it was considered inappropriate to choose members of the immediate family so they could focus on the service and handling their sense of loss, but this is no longer the case. A family can also ask the church to assist with finding pallbearers if they don't have any options, such as not having enough family available for the service. Most churches and funeral directors will assist a family with soliciting church members or staff to help out as pallbearers.
Is Being a Pallbearer Difficult?
Emotionally, it can be difficult to be a pallbearer as you will spend some time close to the coffin of the deceased and it may be hard to keep your grief in check. Physically, you will need to have some amount of strength to help carry the coffin. An empty coffin can weigh between 60 and 400 pounds. In some funerals, the coffin is carried on the pallbearers' shoulders, while at others it is carried at their average waist height. Some funerals will use rolling stands with wheels, called "wheel biers," to help make carrying the coffin easier.
Can a Female Be a Pallbearer?
Females can definitely be pallbearers, although a smaller female with less upper body strength may not wish to be a pallbearer. This is especially the case for a funeral where the coffin will be held on the shoulders. However, if a wheel bier is used to assist with transportation, the ability to carry a heavy object like a coffin is not as much of a concern. Choosing men or women as pallbearers is an individual choice for those planning the funeral; any gender may be a pallbearer.
Can a Child Be a Pallbearer?
Usually, pallbearers are at least 16 years of age. This is due not only to the need for the pallbearer to be tall and strong enough to help with carrying a coffin, but also due to the emotional aspects of the role. A pallbearer needs to remain calm and reserved during the service, and children are usually not able to remain emotionally mature due to coping with grief and loss. If a child is mature enough to handle the role, at the family's discretion they may allow them to be an honorary pallbearer.
Pallbearer Duties at a Cremation Memorial Service
Since there is no coffin to carry in when there is a cremation, pallbearers are not necessary at the service. However, some families appoint pallbearers to walk alongside one person who carries the cremation urn into the service as a symbolic gesture.
Pallbearer Etiquette
If you accept the position of being a pallbearer, you will be expected to follow some basic etiquette rules for pallbearers at funerals. Always keep in mind that being asked to be a pallbearer is a great honor and you should approach your role with respect and solemnity.
- Wear appropriate clothing and act at all times in a dignified, conservative, somber manner.
- Maintain a slow pace that matches the pace of your fellow pallbearers.
- Follow any directives given to you about the service from the family, funeral director and/or church staff.
- Plan on being at the church at least 15-20 minutes before the service begins so you are ready to go and can meet with the funeral director or church staff if necessary.
- It's expected that pallbearers will remain for some time after the end of the service to assist the family with anything they might need, as well as just to be emotionally supportive to them and the funeral attendees.
- If you carry a smartphone, make sure you turn it off or put the ringer on silent so it does not go off while you are performing your pallbearer duties.
Pallbearer Etiquette At the Start of the Funeral Service
At the beginning of the service, pallbearers will gather at the hearse and remain silent. All the pallbearers should stand at the rear end of the hearse with their hands held in front of their bodies, arms down and hands covering or clasping each other. When the procession begins, the pallbearers will remain silent until they are finished moving the coffin. Typically each pallbearer will walk with one arm holding the coffin and the other hand tucked behind their back, and there will be an even number of pallbearers on each side of the coffin. Once the coffin is put in place for the service, such as in a church or chapel, they should bow together toward the coffin for a few seconds and then quietly take their seats. In some services, the pallbearers may be assigned seats, in which case you should sit with the other pallbearers throughout the service.
Pallbearer Attire
W hat does a pallbearer wear? Pallbearers should dress conservatively with typical funeral attire in mind. For men, this means a dark suit, tie and appropriate shoes. Women should wear dark conservative clothes, which can be a modest dress, or pants or skirt suit set. Women should not wear high heels but opt for dark shoes with a flat or low heel as you will need to carry the coffin for some distance. You will also be walking on uneven surfaces if you are carrying the coffin into a cemetery gravesite. Always check with the family prior to deciding on what to wear, as some funerals may have a more "celebration of life" focused theme and the family may prefer less somber attire.
Honoring the Pallbearer Role at a Funeral Service
The pallbearers fulfill a critical role at a funeral service, and an invitation to be one should not be taken lightly. You need to be sure you can carry out the physical aspects of the role, while also staying emotionally in control and openly supportive of the family during the service. It is a great honor to be asked to perform pallbearer duties, and it's a beautiful way to show respect and reverence for the deceased individual.
