What Should You Wear to a Funeral

Losing a loved one is never a pleasant feeling. We shouldn’t then talk about what to wear at a funeral.

The unlucky happen in life. As a way to send them off, it is respectful to attend the funerals of those we have lost. This should be done with honor. It is important to keep your dignity intact by dressing appropriately. This article will cover everything you need to know.

Dos and don’ts for a Memorial Service

When the funeral service is not attended by the body of the deceased, it is known as a memorial. This usually takes place weeks or even months after the death of the deceased. It is less formal than regular funerals because it is a gathering in memory of someone.

Although the dressing style is similar, it is informal and more casual. You should wear clothes that are light on the eyes, such as pastels, off-whites or undertones. If you’re not sure, it is best to wear formal clothes. To get a sense of the traditions and pulse of your family, you can ask them.

Dos

• Wear pastels, blacks, and other subdued colours
• Trousers and tops in dark washed jeans and light colored shirts
• One-piece dresses – flowy, formal, or long
• Closed shoes, sandals, boots, or closed footwear
• Scarves and shawls

Don’t

• Jeans with distressed details
• Even though memorials are considered formal, dresses and skirts with large slits are not acceptable.
• Shoes, boots or sandals with a swanky style
• Loud jewelry or heavy makeup
• Clothing with gaudy or animal prints
• Wearing see-through clothes, plunging necklines or revealing clothes
• Strapless or spaghetti straps

Guidelines for Women Dressing to a Funeral

• For women, the standard etiquette has been to wear a black or white dress. Things are changing. Funeral dressing is now more relaxed if you are respectful. If in doubt, always ask for or lean towards the traditional or conservative side. Keep your formal funeral attire. These are some other guidelines to help you:
• Cover up as much of your body as you can. Avoid wearing skin-revealing clothing. Skirts and dresses should not be more than the knees if you’re choosing skirts and dresses. You can choose from a skirt, pantsuit, formal, semi-formal, or informal outfit, as well as a skirt or a pantsuit with a silk sweater or chiffon sweater. Also, you can wear a top with sleeves or a shawl, scarves, or pashmina.
• Shoes that are both comfortable and stylish should be worn.

There is no need to stress about what dress to wear to the funeral. Keep it simple and straightforward. Your sensibilities will guide you.

Share any special memories you have with the deceased with all those attending the funeral. Ask your family members if they would allow you to wear something that was given to you, even if it is not permitted by the dress code. You are honoring the dead, so do whatever you have to.

Your intentions are the most important. Talk to your family, even if you were wearing something unintentionally. People are open-minded and patient. No one is going to judge you or criticize your character.

Funeral Attire For Winter

If it is indoors, the rules for what to wear inside will remain the same. Layering up requires you to be aware of a few more details. Layer up in neutral or black trench coats or long jackets with opaque leggings and winter boots.

This applies to scarves and gloves as well as hats and any accessories that you may plan to use. Avoid color-blocking and contrast colors. For rainy days, you can bring a hat and an umbrella.

A classic wool coat is a good choice for women. It can be in black, pastels or mellow colors. Outerwear can also be worn in olive, navy, dark blues and browns as well as checkered or plaid. Accessories such as gloves, scarves and other protective layers are necessary because it is winter. They should be kept in warm tones, and with a low key. An appropriate piece of jewelry is a simple pearl necklace or pair of earrings.

Funeral Attire For Summer

Some parts of the world can heat up in summer. Keep your clothes light, fluid, and smooth. Formal attire is recommended, except as requested by the family. The dress should fall below the knees.

As a cover-up for a sleeveless gown, a satin or silk shawl can be used. Maxis can be considered acceptable in certain families. But it all depends on the family. You can choose from linen trousers (provided they don’t have drawstrings or aren’t baggy), or semi-formal (dark) pants with a chiffon or satin top.

Do not wear flip flops or shorts. Strapped sandals can be worn, but closed-toe shoes are preferred. Avoid skin-revealing clothing. It’s best to avoid spaghetti straps and transparent clothes even if it is a hot summer.

If the service takes place outdoors, bring sunglasses and an umbrella. The sunglasses and umbrella should be plain and not too cheerful (and black, if possible). If lighter colors are permitted, check with your family members or someone you trust.

Religious Customs At A Funeral

Different cultures and countries view the colors used in mourning in different ways. Black is the preferred color for mourning in Europe, while white is the preferred choice for Chinese. Depending on their relationship with the deceased, some people in China wear different colors. It’s also fascinating to see that yellow is used for funerals in countries such as Mexico and Egypt. The Thais, on the other hand, wear purple while Koreans are dressed in blue.

India, however, prefers to wear white when attending funerals or in mourning. White is a common color for traditional Indian clothing, such as sarees, salwars, and kurtas. There is quite a bit of variation.

This may seem trivial to others, but it is vital that we all understand the differences. It is not bliss to be ignorant. It is very sensitive for the families involved so you shouldn’t do anything that could offend or hurt them. This is it. It’s better to be formal than sorry. Ask, at the very least!

What men should wear to a funeral

For the longest time, a suit has been the standard dress code. Black, gray, navy or blue are all good choices. These colors look great with a collared shirt, a tie, and a blazer.

The times are changing and many people are moving away from traditional attire, as long as they are not too formal. You can also wear business casuals. Slacks can be worn with lighter colored collared shirts. Tie is not an obligation. If you are unsure, ask your family members or stick to the traditional side.