What pallbearing involves
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 pallbearers
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.
How the coffin is lowered
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.
| Stage | How it unfolds |
|---|---|
| StageCarrying the coffin | How it unfoldsFrom the hearse to the church and the graveside, by four to six pallbearers, depending on weight |
| StagePositioning over the grave | How it unfoldsThe coffin is placed on supports at the edge of the open grave |
| StageThe lowering | How it unfoldsWith strong straps or a purpose-made device — smoothly and under control; it takes a few minutes |
| StageThe graveside ritual | How it unfoldsThe priest's final prayers, the scattering of earth and flowers; 30 to 60 minutes in all |
A solid hardwood coffin normally requires six pallbearers.
The ritual at the graveside
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.
Equipment used
For a safe lowering, several items are used:
- Strong lowering straps or a purpose-made lowering device
- Supports for positioning the coffin over the grave
- Gloves and secure handles for the pallbearers
- A cloth or matting along the edge of the grave, where needed
Safety and dignity
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.
What is included in the service
We provide the pallbearers, lowering equipment, and coordination with the priest and the cemetery administration:
- Pallbearers, if the family does not provide them
- Lowering straps or device
- Coordination with the priest for prayers at the graveside
- Preparation of the grave edge and supports
- Discreet attendance throughout
Who handles everything
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 packages hub that include burial.
Graveside customs
The lowering of the coffin is accompanied by customs that vary from one region to another:
- Each person close to the deceased scatters a handful of earth
- Flowers are placed on the coffin after it has been lowered
- A prayer or a final farewell is spoken
- Candles are lit at the edge of the grave