It’s not often that we have to think about what to wear to a funeral, but when the time comes, it’s important to get it right. After all, this is a time for mourning, and you’ll want to dress in a way that shows respect for the deceased. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of funerals and give you some tips on what clothes to wear to each one. We’ll also provide some suggestions for accessories and shoes. So whether you’re attending a funeral at a church or a crematorium, read on for our guide on what to wear!
Some tips
There are no set rules for men when it comes to funerals, but most people will agree that a dark suit is the way to go. It’s respectful and shows that you take the occasion seriously. That said, there are variations that can be made based on the type of funeral and the deceased’s personal preferences. Here are some tips:
- A black suit is always a safe option and will be appropriate in most cases.
- If you don’t have a black suit, then navy or charcoal gray are also acceptable.
- Avoid wearing anything too bright or flashy – this isn’t the time for loud colors or patterns.
- A white shirt is a good choice, but avoid wearing ties that are too colorful or patterned.
- Be sure to dress conservatively and respectfully. This isn’t the time to show off your fashion sense.
- Wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for standing and walking long distances.
- If it’s cold outside, wear a coat or jacket that is respectful and matches the rest of your outfit.
Types of Funerals
There are a few different types of funerals that you may encounter. The most common are church funerals and crematorium funerals, but there are also home funerals and military funerals.
Church Funerals
A church funeral is usually the most formal type of funeral. Men typically wear a suit or dress pants with a dress shirt and tie. Women should wear a skirt or dress slacks with a blouse or sweater. Shoes should be closed-toe and heels should be low or moderate in height. Accessories such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets should be kept to a minimum.
Crematorium Funerals
Crematorium funerals are less formal than church funerals, but still require a certain level of formality. Men should wear dark-colored pants or khakis with a collared shirt, and women can wear slacks, skirts, or dresses that aren’t too revealing. Shoes should be closed-toe and heels should be low to moderate in height. Accessories such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are optional. However jewelry shouldn’t be flashy or draw attention away from the funeral service itself.
Home Funerals
Home funerals tend to take place at the deceased’s home instead of at an official venue like a church or crematorium building. These types of services are more casual than traditional funerals so clothing isn’t as important at these events; just make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the weather. For example, if it’s cold outside then wear layers underneath your suit or dress pants to keep warm.
Military Funerals
Military funerals are usually held in a chapel and followed by burial at sea (the deceased may be buried on land instead). Men must wear their service uniform with medals and badges pinned to their chest. Women should wear either the same attire as men or a skirt suit with heels that aren’t too high off of the ground. Women also need to make sure they have an appropriate hairstyle such as French twist updos or low buns because these styles tend to hold up better throughout long ceremonies like this one where you’ll spend hours standing upright at attention without moving much.
What To Wear For A Church Funeral?
The easiest way for men who are attending a church funeral is by going with what is called a “dark suit.” This is a two-piece suit with a matching jacket and pants that are all one color. Black, navy blue, and gray are all good options. Make sure the clothes fit well – they should be neither too tight nor too loose. A dress shirt and tie are also appropriate for men in a church funeral. The dress shirt should be white or light blue, and the tie can be any color other than black. If you don’t have a dark suit, you can wear a darker colored version of your everyday clothing – just make sure everything matches together well.
What To Wear For A Crematorium Funeral?
If you have the option of wearing a dark suit, wear one. If you do not have the opportunity to wear a dark suit, don’t despair! You may still look appropriate by wearing whatever less formal clothing you can think of. You can go with khakis and a dress shirt or slacks in black, navy blue, or gray paired with an appropriate long-sleeved top such as button down tucked into those pants. An optional but recommended accessory would be some sort of tie (could even be just plain solid colored one) that matches your other clothing items – this adds another layer of formality while still being respectful at the same time!
What To Wear For A Home Funeral?
Since home funerals can be more casual than traditional funerals, it’s not as important to dress up as much as you would for a service at a crematorium or church. However, it’s still advised that you dress more conservatively than you would for everyday life. This means avoiding bright colors and dressing in darker shades instead. A dark suit or pants and shirt combination is always a safe option, but you could also go with khakis and a dress shirt if you want something a bit less formal. Closed-toe shoes and low or moderate heels are also recommended. As with any funeral, it’s best to avoid flashy jewelry or accessories that will take away from the somber atmosphere of the event.
What To Wear For A Military Funeral?
Military funerals are typically reserved for fallen service members, so it’s important to dress appropriately when attending one. For men, this means wearing your service uniform with all of your medals and badges pinned to your chest. Women should wear a skirt suit with heels that aren’t too high off the ground – they can also wear the same attire as men if they prefer. Ladies should make sure they have an appropriate hairstyle such as French twist updos or low buns since these styles tend to hold up better throughout long ceremonies. Wearing something less formal than a service uniform is not recommended, as it may appear disrespectful.
It’s important not only what clothes we wear but how our appearance reflects on those around us so please try not reflect poorly on others by dressing inappropriately for a funeral.
Accessories and Shoes
When it comes to what shoes to wear to a funeral, comfort is key. You’ll likely be standing and walking around for a good portion of the service, so avoid anything that’s going to make your feet sore. Closed-toe shoes or loafers are both good options, and you may want to consider bringing a pair of socks just in case your shoes start feeling too tight or uncomfortable later on.
When it comes to accessories at funerals, men should keep them subtle. This means no flashy jewelry or large watches. A watch is a good idea if you’re going somewhere else after the funeral service and want to be on time for your next appointment – just make sure it’s not too big or loud.
Cufflinks are a fantastic way to accessorize your outfit while also giving it more flair. They’re not required, but they may give your look a little more flare if you want them to.
Is it ok to not wear a suit to a funeral?
While it’s not recommended to attend a funeral in anything less than semi-formal attire, there are certain cases where you may be allowed to wear something less formal. If the deceased was an extremely close family member or friend and you feel more comfortable wearing something other than a suit, go ahead and do it! Just make sure whatever clothing you choose is respectful and doesn’t clash with the rest of the attendees.
Don’t forget about care of clothing
When it comes to what clothes to wear to a funeral, don’t forget about the care and maintenance of those items. Make sure your clothes are freshly laundered and pressed before you wear them – this is especially important for suits and other formalwear. You may also want to consider bringing a Tide Pen with you just in case any stains or marks occur during the service. If you’re wearing a tie, make sure it’s not too loose or ill-fitting – ties should be tied tightly so that they don’t hang down in front of your chest.
What about grooming?
It’s important to pay attention to your grooming when attending a funeral. Make sure you’re well-groomed and have trimmed any excess hair, especially if you’re wearing a beard. Avoid wearing anything that’s too loud or flashy – funeral attire should be somber and understated.
If you have any tattoos or piercings that are visible, make sure they’re covered up as best as possible. Wearing something less formal than a service uniform is not recommended, as it may appear disrespectful.
Etiquette tips
- When attending a funeral, always dress in black and avoid bright colors.
- If you’re the guest of the family, arrive on time and introduce yourself to them. Tell them where you knew their loved one from (if applicable) and express sympathy for what’s happening.
- Avoid talking during services/visitation hours unless it’s directly to the bereaved family members.
- Never take pictures or videos during services or visitation hours as this is considered very disrespectful. If you want to take pictures, do so before or after the service has ended.
- Do not gossip about the deceased or the grieving family members – this is inappropriate and rude.
- Offer assistance to the bereaved if they seem overwhelmed or need help with anything (such as food, drinks, or taking care of children).
- Make sure to thank the family for having you in attendance once the services have ended.
- If sending flowers, make sure they are appropriate for a funeral (no bright colors or humor). Basket arrangements and plants/green flowers are always good choices.
- Never send a card that says “Sorry for your loss” – this phrase is often seen as insensitive. Instead, try phrases like “My condolences go out to all of you right now.” or “I’m sorry for your great loss.
What flowers to take to the funeral?
When you are unsure of the appropriate floral tribute to give, a funeral home can be a great resource. They will work with you to choose an arrangement that is in keeping with both the senders’ and the deceased’s cultural beliefs and customs.
In most cases, it is best not to bring cut flowers from your garden to a funeral service. The fragrance of fresh flowers can be overwhelming and distracting for those who are grieving. It is more considerate to bring an artificial flower arrangement or potted plant instead. If you do choose to bring live flowers, make sure they are unscented.
If you are attending a funeral service out of town, find out what types of flowers are popular in that region so that your gift will be appropriate and appreciated. If the deceased was a gardener, it would be nice to send a plant or flowers that were favorites of his/hers.
Here are the most popular floral designs and arrangements that can be given to a family in mourning:
Standing Spray or Casket Spray
A standing spray is usually ordered by the immediate family members and placed on top of the casket at an open casket service. They are typically made with roses, carnations, lilies, hydrangeas and gerbera daisies. The traditional funeral flower colors are white and red but you can also use other very colorful flowers like orange calla lilies, yellow sunflowers or blue irises if you wish to convey condolences in a vibrant way.
Funeral Wreath or Funeral Heart
Wreaths come in all shapes (circ wreath, elliptical, triangular) and sizes and can be made of fresh or artificial flowers. They are typically given to the funeral home by close friends of the family. Funeral hearts are made in the shape of a heart and are also usually composed of fresh or artificial flowers. They are often given as gifts from coworkers, classmates or people who didn’t know the deceased very well but wanted to show their support.
Basket Arrangements
Basket arrangements are perfect for those who want to send a small token of sympathy. These arrangements can be either fresh or artificial and come in many different shapes (round, oval, square). Baskets can also be filled with a variety of different types of flowers or plants like ivy, alstroemeria, chrysanthemums or Tulips.
Plants and Green Flowers
Green flowers are very popular because they offer a more natural look and feel. They are often sent by close friends of the family who want to express their condolences in an elegant way with minimal fuss about colors (green can be combined with just about any color).
What about an umbrella?
An umbrella is not typically seen as an accessory for men, but in some cases it can come in handy. If you’re attending a funeral service that’s outdoors and you know rain is in the forecast, bring along an umbrella just in case. You don’t want to be caught in the rain without any protection!
What should an umbrella be like?
When it comes to what an umbrella should be like, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure the umbrella is large enough to protect you from the rain – this may seem like a given, but you’d be surprised how many umbrellas are too small for this purpose! You’ll also want to choose an umbrella that’s made from sturdy materials. A cheap, flimsy umbrella is only going to cause more problems than it’s worth when bad weather hits. Finally, try to find an umbrella with a comfortable grip so you can hold onto it without slipping. The color of the umbrella is also important. If it’s a bright color, such as red or yellow, it could reflect poorly on those around you and may seem inappropriate for a funeral. Darker colors are more appropriate and will help the somber atmosphere of the event.
What to wear to a funeral in cold weather?
When attending a funeral in cold weather, it’s important to dress warmly. This doesn’t mean you have to wear your heaviest coat and biggest boots, but you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable in whatever you choose to wear. A good scarf or winter hat will keep you warm, as will thick socks if your shoes don’t feel too tight.
If you’re attending a funeral in the winter, make sure to avoid wearing any clothing that’s too revealing. This is especially important for women, as it’s easy to catch a cold when you’re standing outside in the freezing temperatures for an extended period of time. A nice coat, hat, and scarf will help keep you warm without sacrificing your modesty.
What else should I take?
A card with words expressing sympathy is always appreciated by those who are grieving their loss; however, don’t feel obligated to send one if it’s not convenient or affordable for you. You might also consider bringing food such as fruit or baked goods as these items can be eaten during visitation hours at most funeral homes and will help ease the pressure on those who are in mourning by providing nourishment when they need it most.
What to say when you meet the family?
You should introduce yourself, tell them your name, where you knew their loved one from (if applicable), and express sympathy for what’s happening (even if they don’t know yet). “I’m sorry” is always a good phrase to use but so are phrases like “my condolences go out to all of you right now.” You might also want to offer any assistance that might benefit them such as helping with chores around the house while everyone else is busy preparing for services/ial arrangements – but again, this isn’t required!
What to do at the funeral?
You should arrive on time and dress appropriately (black suit, white shirt). If there’s an open casket viewing prior to the funeral service, you may want to pay your respects by visiting it before sitting down. When seated during services/visitation hours at most funeral homes and will help ease the pressure on those who are in mourning by providing nourishment when they need it most.
Common mistakes to avoid when dressing for a funeral
There are a few mistakes that men often make when it comes to dressing for funerals. The most common one is wearing something too casual. A funeral is not the time to wear your favorite pair of jeans and a T-shirt – save those clothes for later, when you’re going out with friends or family.
Another mistake men often make is wearing clothing that’s too formal. This can be just as inappropriate as dressing too casually, and may make you stand out in a negative way. If you’re not sure what to wear, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and go with something more traditional and somber.
Finally, avoid wearing anything flashy or loud. Funerals are typically solemn occasions, so you’ll want to dress accordingly. This means no bright colors, no loud prints, and no flashy jewelry. Keep your outfit simple and understated so you don’t distract from the main event.
Dressing for a funeral can be tricky, but if you keep these tips in mind you should be able to put together an appropriate outfit without too much trouble. Just remember that it’s important to respect the occasion and those who have passed away by dressing appropriately – anything less is simply not acceptable.
Summary
When someone passes away, it’s important to dress appropriately. A funeral is a solemn occasion where people come together and remember their loved one with sadness but also joy at having been able to spend time in their presence.
It’s best if everyone wears dark colors such as black or navy blue since these are somber tones that reflect the mood of mourning while still allowing people who attend funerals/memorial services dressed properly (this means no bright colors!). You’ll want an outfit that is both respectful but also shows off your personality so make sure not just any old thing will do!
