What to Wear to a Funeral
What to Wear to a Funeral
We all know that having to attend a funeral ceremony can be a difficult time for everyone, and nobody wants the added stress of having to choose suitable funeral attire. Many have searched for the ultimate guide for funeral ceremony etiquette and attire, and today, we hope to provide you with the answers you seek. Many traditions that have been expected throughout the ages are modernizing and evolving to better reflect current trends, and funeral etiquette is no exception. Gone are the days of black on black suits and heavy black veils, but this doesn’t mean however that there are no set standards for appropriate behavior during these difficult times.
It’s important to remember that it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed, and this doesn’t mean we must sacrifice comfort. Being overdressed displays the utmost respect and sincerity to the family and others in attendance alike. On the contrary, paying your respects in a worn-out pair of jeans and a stained shirt does the completely opposite, and you’d probably feel as though not making an appearance would have resulted in a better outcome. So, the question is: how am I able to meet in the middle? How can I choose funeral attire that is appropriate but still comfortable? Having options available will be sure to provide you with the perfect array of funeral attire for both men and women alike!
Funeral Attire for Women
Stay Conservative
An important funeral etiquette tip to remember is that it’s always safer to be on the conservative side when selecting funeral attire. Wearing clothing that shows respect and reflects the genuine nature of the service is always best practice. This may mean that wearing a comfortable business style suit, or dress pants with a well-kept blouse or cardigan can provide a well-put together outfit while still being funeral appropriate, especially in the colder months. In warmer weather, you may find a simple dress that covers your shoulders and knees is perfect. A shawl or shrug is another option to help cover your shoulders if you just can’t resist that off the shoulder dress!
Stay Plain Jane
A funeral is not the place to show off your new floral print sundress! You want to avoid bright or vibrant colors and patterns as much as possible. Instead you should focus on more neutral and subtle colors, with a very limited pattern. Aim for funeral attire in black, navy blue, violet or dark greys. Wearing these colors will provide you with a variety of options and keep you from being the center of attention (and not in a good way).
High Comfort over High Class
Attending any funeral ceremony always comes with a lot of walking, standing, sitting, then standing again. It is important to keep this in mind, especially when deciding on footwear. Whatever shoe you may choose to wear, you want to be sure you will be comfortable in them for the majority of the day. While those 4” heels might look good, they can leave your feet aching and uncomfortable. A better choice may be a comfortable pair of flats. If you know that a pair of shoes are uncomfortable, but they look good with your outfit, the answer is simple: always choose comfort over class.
Funeral Attire for Men
Funeral Ready Suits
A suit is always a classic and respectable choice for men’s funeral attire. A dark colored suit paired with a light, freshly ironed dress shirt is always going to be your best choice. You also can pair this look with a dark colored tie for a more conservative look. If you’re looking for a more relaxed option, losing the suit jacket for a collared shirt, slacks and a nice tie is also an acceptable option. Much like women’s attire, you should always aim for dark colored attire, especially your pants and jacket. It is acceptable to go with lighter colored dress shirts if you want, but try to stick to white, grey and light blue. It should also be noted that if you are a member of the immediate family or have a role in the funeral ceremony, you should always try to look your best!
Match Your Belt and Shoes
A nice pair of shoes and matching belt are the best finishing touches to your funeral attire. These two simple pieces can really make or break your outfit in a hurry. It is important to remember that brown shoes will better accent a blue, grey or brown suit, while black shoes with go better with a black or grey suit.
Limit the Jewelry
A small and simple watch can be the perfect addition to your attire, and it is important to avoid jewelry that can be a distraction. Much like your clothing, it should be conservative and reflect the nature of the service. If choosing a leather band over a link style watch, try to match the band color with your shoes and belt.
Funeral Ceremony Etiquette
Following funeral etiquette is something that is difficult to prepare for and unfortunately, some people have had more practice than others. It is important to always display the utmost respect and sincerity when paying your respects. Remember that the family is likely speaking with many different people throughout the funeral ceremony and won’t be able to give you a lot of time, so don’t take it personally.
What to Say at A Funeral
An important part of funeral ceremony etiquette is knowing how to offer condolences to the deceased’s family. The best advice we can offer is to keep it short and always be sincere. If you are unsure what to say, express how you are sorry for their loss or share a brief memory you experienced with the deceased. As you socialize with other guests during the funeral, be sure to keep the focus on sharing and listening to stories about the deceased, and memories of easier times.
If you’re ever unsure about what to do during a funeral service, look at what others are doing and follow suit. If you are ever unsure about anything, you can also discreetly ask the funeral director for advice. If this is the case, make sure to approach them before or after the ceremony. For more information regarding funeral etiquette, please visit our funeral etiquette
page.