Nowadays, people are aware of all funeral etiquettes. They are also much familiar with the role of a pallbearer in the funeral services. If anyone of your close relative or friend has passed away, you may be asked to serve as a pallbearer in the funeral service. Have no idea about a pallbearer? - A pallbearer is usually responsible for carrying the casket from the funeral home to the hearse. Michael Scarpaci, the manager of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island, says that if someone is asked to become a pallbearer, one should consider it an honor. It is like the deceased’s family is putting their trust on you to carry the casket carefully to its destination.
If you’ve already accepted to become a pallbearer, Michael Scarpaci explains below the tips to become a pallbearer in the funeral service.
- If you got doubt about anything approaches the funeral director - Well, the funeral director has been doing this since a while. So, they may know almost everything. If you still have any doubt, feel free to approach the funeral director for help and advice. They will tell you all from how to transport the casket safely to when you will be taking your pallbearer duties, where to stand/sit, brief you about your role at the cemetery, and anything else you’re not familiar with.
- Be the one who arrives early and leaves late - If you’re asked to become a pallbearer, make sure you arrive at the service at least 15 minutes early. You don’t want to become a reason for stress on the family thinking whether you reach before the service or not. Also, try to leave the place a bit late. As you’re representative of the funeral ceremony, if you stay back and attend the guests will a great thing for the family.
- Dress formally - Dressing formally is one of the etiquettes people have to follow while attending a funeral ceremony. Being a pallbearer, it becomes more important to wear a dark suit, tie, and shoes. Make sure you have a decent hairstyle and avoid too much jewelry on the funeral service.
- Take your assigned place - Usually, a special section in the front is reserved for the pallbearer to sit during the funeral ceremony. Unless there is an urgency for you to go behind otherwise, try to be with the other pallbearers for the funeral.
- Consider it as a responsibility and honor - As a pallbearer, you got one of the most significant duties of the funeral ceremony. Accept it with respect and dignity.
- Relax, don’t fret! - Don’t panic with the thought of dropping the casket! All you need is to relax. The funeral director and staff will take care that you prepared enough for the task.
If you ever get the chance to become a pallbearer, accept it with dignity and honor. It is the most crucial role in the funeral ceremony.
