How to Carry a Coffin

Being a pallbearer is a final favour asked of you, the last thing you will ever do for a loved one. It is an honour to be asked to fill this role, but at the same time, it may make you nervous. What if you are not strong enough to lift it? What if you make a misstep and stumble? How will you know what is expected, and what you are supposed to do. We have some guidelines and information to reassure you and help you take on this meaningful task.

The weight of the coffin includes, of course, the weight of the person. Additionally, the weight of the coffin itself depends on the size of the person it holds. A standard coffin weighs about 20 kilograms when empty, but they can go up to 125 kilograms in weight, particularly if the coffin is for a larger person.

If you have been asked to serve as pallbearer, there are some things you should know.

No one expects you to instinctively know how to do this. The funeral director will talk you through it, explaining the process in detail, using clear and practical terms. You will be instructed on how to lift the coffin safely, the route you will follow, and what you will need to do at every stage. Feel free to ask questions and know that the director is there to support you as you perform a valuable service.

Depending on the size of the coffin, there will be anywhere from four to eight people carrying it. There is no need to be tall or very strong, and there are no restrictions on pallbearers in terms of gender or age. The rule of thumb is to have one pallbearer for every 25 pounds of weight, so no one is carrying too much.

With the bearers facing each other with the proper spacing, you will then be able to take on the weight of the coffin, supporting it from underneath, at waist height. Once it is out of the hearse, the funeral director will instruct you to lift it, and you will move it to your shoulders.

The funeral director will call out, and you will start with your left foot first. It is not necessary to be perfectly in step, but it helps to keep an eye on the person ahead of you.

The command, “into hands” will be given, and you will move the coffin gently from your shoulders to your hands, and then into position. At this point, you will be standing face to face with the other bearers once again.

If you are responsible for lowering the coffin into the ground, you will be instructed on how to do so. Essentially, you will take hold of webbing situated under the coffin, so that this webbing supports the coffin. You will gently lower it, hand over hand, releasing the webbing gradually, under the guidance of the funeral director.

Being a pallbearer is an honour, but it is not an obligation. If you are concerned that you do not have the strength to help carry the coffin, but you still want to be involved, talk to the funeral director. You may be able to walk alongside it, placing a hand on the coffin without carrying the weight of it.

Founded in 2002 by Nigel Gillard, Bridgwater Funeral Services Limited, in the centre of Bridgwater, Somerset, is a family business that provides personal service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Traditions both old and modern are honoured here, with Green and Woodland burials, horse-drawn funerals, military funerals, and services in all religious denominations as well as non-religious and humanist life celebrations. We also offer low-cost funerals and Golden Charter pre-paid funeral plans. If you need help planning a funeral and want to learn more about our services, contact us through our website for information and resources.