How to Select Pallbearers
The Family Mess
March 17, 2019
Funeral Procession Etiquette
March 25, 2019
The carrying of the casket to the hearse that will take it to the burial location after the funeral service is done by people called pallbearers. These can be provided by the funeral home or you can choose them. For most people, choosing pallbearers allows them to give loved ones the opportunity to honor the deceased. Of course, careful consideration must be given to who will be a pallbearer. If you are starting the process of making these kinds of decisions, Colonial Heights, VA funeral home directors have suggestions that can help.
Physical strength is definitely one of the first things you need to consider. Although there are usually six pallbearers, they each have to be able to do some of the lifting. People who are ill or who are not naturally strong are not the best option. This does not mean, however, that only men should be considered. Lots of families have all-female pallbearers. If you would still like to have a particular person who you know is not strong enough to do the job, you can make them honorary pallbearers.
Another consideration is whether the person you are considering can make it through the ceremony in an emotional state that allows them to do the lifting. People who are going through a very rough grieving period might not be able to hold it together for long enough to help. Choose people who feel the loss but who you are certain will not break down during the service. If you have any doubts about this with anyone you choose, the best thing to do is to choose someone else. You do not want to put extra worries or stress on the person who is suffering so badly.
You want to choose people who are reliable. The last thing you need when going through such a difficult and stressful moment is to have to worry about people not getting to the service on time. Do not choose people who are constantly late or who do not show up at all.
The pallbearers do not necessarily have to be relatives to the deceased. Many times, friends were closer to the person than family, and it makes more sense to give them the honor. If your loved one did not leave a list of their preferred pallbearers, you will want to make a careful list of the people he or she was closest with.
Selecting pallbearers is not something that should be done in a hurry. It is an important decision and it requires careful thought. If you still have worries or are not sure about the tasks a pallbearer will have to perform during the service, speak with an expert at a funeral home in Colonial Heights, VA. By reaching out to a company like Morrissett Funeral and Cremation Service, you can get the guidance that you need. Visit them at 6500 Iron Bridge Rd Richmond, VA 23234 or schedule an appointment right now by calling (804) 275-7828.
