What To Wear To A Funeral

What To Wear To A Funeral

The way we deal with and pay our respects to the death of a loved one is constantly changing! Modern day end-of-life services are now ranging from traditional funerals to more relaxed celebrations of life. More and more families are choosing celebrations of life because the ceremony pays tribute to the deceased's life instead of mourning their death. Even with these changes, deciding what to wear to a funeral or celebration of life can be daunting. While there is no specific dress code, wearing something conservative, formal and non-attention grabbing is always the safer bet. It is also essential that your attire be neat, clean and polished as you would expect it to be for any other important event or occasion. 

There is currently no one set dress code for funerals and the events surrounding them. This is because there are many factors to consider, like what type of service it will be, where it will be located and even what time of year the service will take place. This makes it difficult to create a general list of requirements. That being said, there are some guidelines that, if followed, can help you avoid any wardrobe miscues. Remember, in attending a funeral service, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. A funeral is a time to show your respect and honour the life and family of the deceased, and your clothing should reflect that.

What Should Women Wear to Funerals?

With times changing, women’s funeral attire is no longer expected to be a long black dress or dark coloured business suit. Women are now opting for a more conservative selection of lighter coloured clothing. It has recently become more acceptable to wear business casual options such as conservative blouses, skirts, and pants. A recommendation from experience: leave the heels at home if you'll be visiting a cemetery. It's often not thought of but ladies reading this know how easy it is for those heels to get stuck in the grass.




What Should Men Wear to Funerals?

Men’s funeral attire is no longer limited to black and dark coloured suits. For modern-day funeral services, it’s generally acceptable for men to wear slacks paired with a collared shirt such as a dress shirt, golf shirt or polo. While most coloured slacks are acceptable, you’ll want to avoid wearing bright colours or patterns. While men’s funeral attire has become more relaxed, there are still things they should avoid when deciding what to wear. Most people still avoid wearing clothing items like sneakers, flip flops, ripped jeans, shorts and baseball caps.

Warm Weather Funerals

Before attending a summer funeral, consider the location of the service and the weather forecast for the area you are attending. If you will be attending an outdoor graveside service, be prepared for any potential weather conditions. Summer weather can be unpredictable! A hot and sunny day can quickly turn into wind and rain. If it stays sunny and hot, make sure that your clothing is lightweight and comfortable. Fabrics like cotton or linens will breath easier and help you avoid trapping in sweat or heat. Always keep extra layers or an umbrella on-hand or in your car in case the weather decides to take a turn for the worst.  

Sandals are typically an acceptable choice as long as they are more formal, good quality and professional looking. If you do choose to wear sunglasses, make sure you avoid anything too colourful or dramatic. In this area, simple is better! 

Cold Weather Funerals

With winter funerals, you need to focus more on planning your outerwear. If you will be outside, make sure to wear a dress coat and professional-looking accessories like gloves, scarves, and hats. Women should avoid wearing open-toed shoes and opt for a nice pair of warm, waterproof boots with good traction in case there is snow or ice. 

Pro Tip: If you are still unsure what to wear, it’s best to stick to a more conservative and traditional outfit. Trust your instincts! If you have to ask whether your outfit is acceptable or not, chances are- it’s probably not!

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