Serving as a Pallbearer?

A pallbearer is someone that helps carry or officially escorts a casket during a funeral at a funeral home in Colonial Beach, VA. 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.

Were you asked to be a pallbearer for someone’s funeral or service before a cremation service? Being chosen as a pallbearer means that the bereaved trust you and care about you. It’s a privilege, so do your best to treat the honor with dignity and respect. You might be a little nervous – and that’s ok!

These tips for serving as a pallbearer are here to give you guidance and inspiration:

1. Turn Off Your Phone – It would be horrifying to have your phone ring during the service or, even worse, when you’re carrying the casket. Turn off your phone completely or leave it in your car or at home.
2. Being Nervous is Normal – It’s true that all eyes will be on you when you carry the casket, so it’s OK to be nervous. Just follow the instructions, breath deeply, and you’ll be alright.
3. Follow Instructions – Always follow the instructions of the family, bereaved, and funeral directors. This is true even if you’ve been a pallbearer before or have different ideas of how things should go. It’s not your time to shine, it’s your chance to be respectful and honor the deceased.
4. Be Prepared to Lift – The main job of a pallbearer is to lift and carry the casket, so prepare yourself. Remember, it’s OK to turn it down if you’re asked to be a pallbearer by can’t physically do the job.
5. Stay Back and Support the Family – Don’t rush out as soon as the service is over. Hang around for a bit to offer support, comfort, and assistance to the family.
6. Be On Time – You need to arrive at the funeral home or service location at or even before the time specified. This way you can be as prepared as possible and not rush or worry after a late arrival.
7. Consider Your Attire – 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.
8. Wear Sensible Shoes – You really don’t want to trip when carrying the casket. Be sure to wear sensible shoes that will help keep your feet firmly planted on the ground and will be supportive when you lift the casket.

Hopefully, these tips will help you calm your nerves and make sure you are ready to take on this honor. We are here to help if you need more guidance or assistance when it comes to pallbearers or Colonial Beach, VA funeral homes. Call or visit us today to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss or of preplanning.