The funeral is a time of honoring the person who passed. It is a solemn celebration of the life they had lived and spent with their family and friends.
Choosing what to wear on such occasions can be tricky—and understandably so. However, the general rule of the thumb is to wear something conservative and respectful. Decades ago, people were expected to dress up as if they were attending a serious business meeting. Today, however, more and more people are gradually shifting towards a more casual look when attending a funeral or memorial service.
While there is no specific dress code that people are expected to follow, it is important to dress appropriately so as not to offend the grieving. Since you are attending a solemn event, avoid wearing anything with bright colors, glittery fabrics, and flashy prints—unless the family specifically requested so. Dress up courteously while also considering the deceased’s culture, the funeral location, and the current climate.
If this still sounds confusing for you, here are some helpful guidelines that you can put in mind when attending a funeral:
A Guide for Men
- On What to Wear: A well-ironed suit is a classic outfit when attending a funeral in the US, but you can also explore wearing a dress shirt, tie, and a pair of slacks. If you want to stay on the safe side, you can opt for any of these two general outfits.
- On Color: Black has been the traditional color of choice for attending funerals, but you can also wear other dark shades, such as grey or dark blue.
- On Accessories: Keep everything simple. Wearing a watch or belt is enough. The last thing you would want is to be the source of distraction.
- On Shoes: Wear any formal shoes you think would match your suit, but do not forget to clean or shine them before wearing them.
A Guide for Women
- On What to Wear: As much as possible, avoid wearing clothes that show too much of your skin. If you plan to wear a sleeveless dress, make sure to bring a shawl or cardigan to go with it. If you have no clue what to wear, choose something you would wear in a job interview.
- On Color: As long as it is not too bright or too loud, any color is fine to wear. The safest colors would be solid and neutral tones. Avoid patterned or floral clothes to not make a distraction.
- On Accessories: Avoid wearing jewelry that makes noise. You would not want to disrupt the solemn occasion and look disrespectful. Keep it simple and elegant.
- On Shoes: Wear something comfortable and simple. Closed-toe shoes, whether in flats or heels, would be a good option.
- On Hairstyle and Makeup: The goal is always to look natural and simple.
Conclusion
Dressing appropriately for all occasions is always important. While there are no particular dress codes when attending a funeral or memorial service, always keep in mind that what you want is to pay respect to the life of the deceased and the occasion. As much as possible, you want to reflect the love and respect from this solemn event. Aside from that, being careful and considerate with the clothes you choose would also keep you away from any drama and uneasiness.
Evergreen Cemetery, Funeral Home, and Crematory has been providing all-in-one funeral service packages in Jacksonville, FL, since 1880. Our professional and caring staff is dedicated to working with your family to assist in selecting high-quality and affordable funeral services during your time in need. Contact us at (904) 353-3649 to learn more about our services!
