How Should You Dress For A Funeral

When attending a funeral, it is essential to dress appropriately and respectfully to honor the deceased and their family. Generally, the way to go is to wear mostly black. But what if you don’t have clean black clothes to wear? What if the deceased had a different religion with different dressing expectations? In this article, we will answer those questions, as well as discuss the general guidelines for funeral attire and provide some helpful tips to help you dress appropriately.

General Guidelines

1. Dress Conservatively: Regardless of the specific customs, it is always appropriate to dress conservatively for a funeral. The general rule is to wear somber, muted colors such as black, gray, or navy blue. Avoid wearing bright or flashy colors, patterns, or prints as they are considered inappropriate for a funeral.
2. Dress Comfortably: Funerals can be emotionally and physically draining, and it is important to be comfortable throughout the event. Make sure to choose clothing that fits well and does not restrict your movement, as you might have to walk a long way to get to the burial site in the cemetery. Avoid tight-fitting clothing, high heels (especially if walking in grass to get to the burial site), and heavy accessories that can cause discomfort during extended periods of standing or sitting.
3. Check The Weather: Before you dress, be sure to check the weather conditions as well as the locations of the funeral service and/or burial service. Weather can change drastically and it’s important to be prepared, especially if the service will be several hours long. Many burial services are held outside in a cemetery. If it’s raining, bring an umbrella or two. There might be a few people, who in their grief, forgot their umbrellas. Consider bringing rain boots to switch to after the funeral service so you don’t slip or get your shoes all muddy. If it is going to be windy or rainy, consider bringing a rain jacket or poncho.
4. Respect Religious and Cultural Customs: Different cultures and religions have their own unique funeral customs and attire. Do some research to understand their customs, and dress accordingly to show respect for the deceased and their family. For example, in some cultures, wearing white is appropriate, while in others, wearing bright colors is a sign of respect and celebration of life. If you do not have the same culture as the deceased and don’t know the customs, then consider calling the funeral home to ask questions. You can also try asking relatives or friends. Try not to call the immediate family of the deceased as they are already going through so much and might not have time to answer your questions.
5. Follow the Dress Code: Some funerals may have specific dress codes, such as formal attire or traditional clothing. Be sure to follow the dress code outlined in the invitation or communicated by the family to avoid any unintentional disrespect. Again, this is where calling the funeral home to verify dress code will come in handy.

Tips for Women

1. Dress modestly: Women should dress modestly for a funeral, avoiding low-cut tops, short skirts, or revealing clothing. Choose dresses or skirts that fall below the knee and cover the shoulders. Avoid wearing anything too tight or form-fitting.
2. Wear neutral makeup: Keep your makeup natural and understated, avoiding anything too bold or flashy. Use neutral tones and avoid glitter or shimmer. Consider wearing waterproof mascara to avoid smudges, especially if you expect to shed tears.
3. Keep jewelry simple: Choose simple and elegant jewelry that compliments your outfit. Avoid anything too flashy or that makes noise, such as bangles or jangling bracelets.
4. Don’t wear high heels: Choose comfortable and sensible shoes that you can walk and stand in for extended periods. Avoid high heels, sandals, or flip-flops.

Tips for Men

1. Wear a suit: Men typically wear a suit or dress pants with a dress shirt and tie. Avoid wearing anything too casual, such as jeans or t-shirts.
2. Keep accessories simple: Choose simple and understated accessories such as a watch or cufflinks. Avoid wearing anything too flashy or noisy, such as jangling bracelets or large belt buckles that can disturb the service.
3. Wear dark-colored shoes: Choose dark-colored dress shoes that are clean and polished. Avoid wearing sneakers or casual shoes.
4. Keep hair and facial hair tidy: Keep your hair and facial hair tidy and well-groomed. Avoid anything too flashy, such as brightly colored hair or bold facial hair.

Dressing appropriately for a funeral is a way to show respect for the deceased and their family. Choose somber, muted colors, dress conservatively and comfortably, and respect cultural and religious customs. With these tips in mind, you can be sure to dress appropriately for any funeral.