Pallbearers?...

[Jemisa]

One of my neighbours hubby has died after a long illness and she's in the middle of arranging his funrtal, she wants her grandsons and sons to be Pallbearers, she asked me last night how many Pallbearers one could have, I had no idea. Is there a certain number? does anyone know here?

Thanks.

Jem

[RATTER15]

Usually 6 I believe.

[emmie]

seeing as how a coffin is usually quite heavy i would say 4, but i have seen 6 at other funerals.

[Gizmonster]

It's usually 6 isn't it (3 at either side), although at my grandmother's funeral I was at the back walking behind with my hand on the coffin, as I was a bit taller than everyone else, making the total up to 7.

[emmie]

http://www.friendsatrest.com/bereavement/how-do-i-select-honourary-pallbearers-and-what-do-they-have-to-do/

[VHG]

In this era of "health and safety" do will still have pallbearers?

[ummmm]

6 but you have to take into consideration their heights.

[excelsior-1]

hello Jem

my sympathies to your neighbour .. please

[Jonathan-Joe]

Em's link above refers to "honorary pallbearers" who accompany the coffin but do not carry it. This should be easy to arrange with no set number required.
If your neighbour wants family members to carry the coffin, she should ask the funeral director for advice. Once chosen, I'm sure the FD will brief the bearers; he will want to ensure that all goes without a hitch.

[mrs_overall]

4 or 6 is the norm. Their height is crucial.

[Jonathan-Joe]

Unless one bearer is significantly taller or shorter than the others, their height is not too important. The FD is an expert in this, why not seek his advice?

[RATTER15]

VHG, yes we do still have Pallbearers, I was one for my Mothers funeral two years ago.

I can see it becoming a thing of the past though.

[Jemisa]

The last funeral I went to they brought the coffin in on a set of wheels like an oversized pram frame.
I have passed all your comments on to Sylvia. She was so pleased that you all wanted to help her, Thankyou.

jem

[2sp_]

In my area, the funeral directors provide pallbearers for the carrying of the coffin. Only at the graveside do family and friends get involved with the lowering of the coffin into the grave.

Then there's usually 10, with the funeral directors helping where needed.

[Jemisa]

J.J. BA is yours.

jem

[DTCwordfan]

The reason that it strongly disencouraged to have pallbearers of different heights........ go to 0:25 and it starts a few seconds in.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EeE2aEqPv8

[Jemisa]

2sp, Sylvia & her son have just popped in to tell me she is having a cremation & the undertaker has agreed to let her 3 sons and 3 Grandsons be pallbearers, when the hearse pulls up in front of the church doors they will take over & carry the coffin to the podium while his fav music will be playing. He explained it to them beautifully, they are very happy.

jem