How heavy is a casket with a body inside?
Asked by
pshizzle (
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February 18th, 2012
My grandmother died a few days ago, and I have been asked to be a pallbearer. I don’t know if I should go through with it, because of comfort. I am in my mid-teens, and I am scrawny. I won’t be the only one, but I just wanted to know how heavy it was. She was an early 80’s scrawny woman.
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21 Answers
My condolences.
What I found on a Dutch website about funerals is that each of the six bearers that can be hired will carry 15 to 25 kilo.
So that is 90 to 150 kilo for a casket plus body.
@rebbel Thank you I am from the United States, so can you please help me out by converting that into pounds? Sorry to be a jerk, but us Americans aren’t as smart.
@pshizzle Don’t worry about the physical weight. It’ll be ok. You sound like you’re a little concerned about the mental part of it. Is that bothering you?
There will be other pall bearere and you wont have to tote the brunt of the load. The handles give physical comfort.
But if you are afraid of your emotions…...learn to be strong. and express yourself as well.
@pshizzle Don’t worry about that. They take extra care of the sidewalks and take your time. Everyone else is concerned about that too. Go slow. It will be something you can think back on years from now and remind you of how you honored your grandmother. You’re one of six to get to honor her.
If there are 6 pallbearers you should have no problem especially if you are one of the middle pallbearers. Don’t try to just use one hand on the handle, use both hands. Also put the strongest pallbearers on each corner.
When I was in the U.S. Army I was on several burial details and I was always on a corner. One time the guy in the middle was obviously loafing and I picked up his slack.
Take care!
I promise you that you will have more than enough strength to carry out your pallbearer duties.
You will not even realize the weight, because the good Lord gives us extra strength, when we need it. jp
@pshizzle It’s okay to be nervous. Throw a paper towel in each of the front pockets of your pants. Dry your hands before you take hold. Look to the other pallbearers. They’ll offer you support and you can do the same for them.
I was surprised how much it actually was as compared to the weight of the occupant. They are weighted to prevent the casket from floating in the event of a flood. If this is your first, definitely get a center position. It shouldn’t be more than you can handle, it just will be kind of surprising.
@pshizzle I am sorry to hear about your grandmother. My condolences to you and your family.
As for the pallbearer honor – I think almost everybody in your position has been nervous about the moment.
But it’s an old ceremony. The details were figured out in the 1800s. Even though it is a once-in-a-lifetime event for most pallbearers, the funeral directors and religious leaders deal with it over and over. They would step in if something looks awry.
You will do a great job, and your grandmother would be proud.
Don’t worry. I’m sure the funeral director is a pro. He will put bigger people in front and behind you.
My condolences as well. Took about 7 people to carry a casket into a car, strategically placed. It wasn’t hard at all. I wish you realization and peace in your time of grievance.
song dedication
My sons were pallbearers in England for their grandmother in July. There were five all together and they found the casket quite heavy. Also, one of her grandsons is 5’6’’ and another 6’2’ so it was a bit awkward for the carrrying.
They were pallbearers for my mother recently but that involved a simpler casket and a shorter carry.
I’ve done it a few times. Don’t worry about it. The weight is usually shared, and as long as they spread out the scawnies and the hulks, you should be fine.
I wouldn’t worry too much. Around here any more they keep the trolley under the casket as long as possible. You only really have to carry it if there are steps, or at the cemetery.
My condolences as well. Don’t worry about the weight. You will be able to handle it.
It is an honor to be asked and you shouldn’t refuse. Even if it is a little heavy, you will be able to handle it with others.
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