PALLBEARING · COFFIN LOWERING
Carrying the coffin and lowering it into the grave is the final moment of a burial, requiring experience, the right equipment, and respect. Pallbearers carry the coffin from the hearse to the graveside, and the lowering is done with lowering straps, smoothly and under control. We handle everything so the family can be fully present in the moment.
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Pallbearing means carrying the coffin from the hearse to the church and then to the graveside, as well as lowering it into the grave. It is the final physical act of the burial, requiring care and experience.
A coffin — particularly one made from solid hardwood — is heavy. Carrying and lowering it safely and with dignity is not straightforward, which is why it is done by experienced staff.
The coffin is usually carried by four to six people, depending on its weight. They may be relatives and close friends of the deceased, or funeral home staff.
Many families prefer relatives to bear the coffin as a mark of respect. Where this is not possible — a heavy coffin, difficult terrain — we provide experienced pallbearers.
The coffin is lowered using strong straps or a purpose-made lowering device. It is positioned on supports over the open grave, then lowered smoothly and under control by the pallbearers.
The moment requires synchronisation and care so that the coffin descends straight and evenly. Our experienced staff ensure the safety and dignity of this final step.
The lowering of the coffin is accompanied by prayers and traditional gestures. The priest speaks the final prayers, and family and friends scatter earth over the coffin.
In some traditions a handful of soil and flowers are cast in. These are intense moments, and our team attends with discretion and respect.
For a safe lowering, several items are used:
A heavy coffin, a deep grave, and sometimes difficult ground require careful attention. Experienced staff prevent accidents and ensure a smooth, steady lowering.
Beyond the practical, the moment calls for dignity. The team works quietly in the background, allowing the family to experience the final farewell without worrying about logistics.
We provide the pallbearers, lowering equipment, and coordination with the priest and the cemetery administration:
Pallbearing and lowering are part of the burial service. We coordinate them together with the transport, the service, and the rest of the ceremony.
We answer day and night. For a no-obligation conversation, call us or see our funeral packages that include burial.
The lowering of the coffin is accompanied by customs that vary from one region to another:
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Carrying the coffin from the hearse to the church and then to the graveside, plus lowering it into the grave. It is the final physical act of the burial, requiring experience and respect.
Usually four to six, depending on the weight. They may be relatives and close friends, or funeral home staff if the family cannot provide pallbearers.
Using strong lowering straps or a purpose-made lowering device. The coffin is positioned on supports over the grave and then lowered smoothly and under control.
Yes, many families prefer this as a mark of respect. Where it is not practical — a heavy coffin or difficult terrain — we provide experienced pallbearers.
We do. We provide experienced staff for carrying and lowering the coffin, safely and with dignity.
Strong lowering straps or a lowering device, supports for positioning the coffin over the grave, and secure handles and gloves for the pallbearers.
The priest speaks the final prayers, and family and friends scatter earth over the coffin. In some traditions, a handful of soil and flowers are cast in.
With experienced staff and the right equipment, no. A heavy coffin and a deep grave require care — which is why this is entrusted to professionals.
Yes. Lowering the coffin is part of the ritual, and family and friends are present for prayers and the scattering of earth.
The lowering itself takes a few minutes. With prayers and the traditional graveside customs, the graveside ceremony usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes in total.
At some cemeteries, yes. A device allows a smooth, controlled descent. At others, the coffin is lowered by the pallbearers using straps.
Cemetery staff, or our team, before the cortège arrives. We also prepare the grave edge and the supports for the coffin.
Earth and flowers are scattered, then the grave is filled in. The family can remain for a final moment before the memorial meal that follows.
Yes. Carrying and lowering the coffin are part of the burial service, alongside transport, the church service, and the ceremony.
Yes. A solid hardwood coffin — oak or mahogany — is heavy and normally requires six pallbearers for a safe carrying and lowering.
Yes, with additional care. In bad weather we use secure handholds and protect the grave edge, to ensure a safe lowering.
At a vault, the coffin is placed in a niche rather than lowered into the ground. The handling is different, adapted to the construction of the vault.
We provide the pallbearers, equipment, and coordination with the priest and the cemetery. The family experiences the moment without worrying about logistics.
Yes. Anyone close to the deceased can bear the coffin, regardless of gender, if they wish and are able. Where physical strength is needed, we supplement with our experienced staff.
For a solid hardwood or oversized coffin, usually six pallbearers, to carry and lower it safely.
They are usually included in the burial service. If the family requests additional pallbearers, the cost is communicated clearly in advance.
We provide experienced pallbearers. You need not worry if relatives are not available or not enough — we take care of it.
At the family's request, yes — discreetly. Some prefer a sober record of the ceremony; others prefer complete privacy. We respect the family's choice.
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