DeBordSnyder.com Blog
October 2016
Funeral Etiquette 101 – What to Wear/Not to Wear
Traditionally, black has been the color of mourning and black clothing the norm in many cultures for anyone attending a funeral. While, nowadays, the expectations are less rigid, it’s good to know what general funeral etiquette prescribes.
Here’s a list of funeral etiquette basics to guide you:
Funeral Etiquette 101 – What to Wear
Wearing proper attire can show respect and care for the deceased, their family, and others.
In general, an outfit to wear to a funeral should be more on the conservative side, something you might wear to a business meeting, a job interview, or church or synagogue.
Black or dark colors continues to be the best option, especially for the immediate family of the deceased.
Those attending the service have more options, especially guests, yet the guidelines still require wearing mostly subdued, conservative clothing that is respectful to the event. Clothes should be clean, neat, and well-pressed.
Most common funeral etiquette practices for men to wear include a dark suit with a white or plain solid colored shirt, and a subdued tie; a dark jacket with dark pants, and a collared, shirt with a tie and a belt; and dark dress shoes. Younger men should, at minimum, wear a well-pressed solid-colored shirt, slacks, and dress shoes if possible.
Most common funeral etiquette practices for women to wear include a dark or black skirt suit or pantsuit; a skirt of appropriate length or pants and a top with sleeves, a blouse, or a sweater; flats or pumps. In some cultures, and religions women wear hats to funerals.
In some cultures, black clothing only is still very traditional and expected. If the service follows a specific religion, there may be additional guidelines for clothing, such as head coverings for both men and women, or full-length skirts and tops for women.
Funeral Etiquette 101 – What Not To Wear
According to the International Business Protocol and Social Etiquette, colors to avoid include red, orange, and yellow, bright hues and flowers and other bold and loud patterns.
Interestingly, there are religions and cultures where black clothing would be inappropriate, such as at a Quaker funeral, at which guests should wear white.
As far as the style, men should avoid wearing jeans, short-sleeved shirts, athletic shoes, and baseball caps.
Women should avoid wearing very casual, festive, or revealing clothing, flip-flops, sandals, or sneakers. Also, parents should be mindful of what their children should wear, making sure it’s not messy clothes and jeans.
With this said, the support you offer the family by simply attending the funeral is much more important than what you wear.
- Please note, this article is meant to be “general in nature” and customs and can traditions may vary greatly depending on the region and specific place of worship.
We hope you find these funeral etiquette basics helpful.
At DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, we are deeply committed to helping you through the difficult times and providing compassionate care before, during and after the funeral.
For more information about how DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory can assist you with any funeral needs, we invite you to contact us today:
As someone deeply immersed in the intricacies of funeral etiquette, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise on the subject. My understanding extends beyond the cultural nuances to encompass the sensitive nature of these occasions, recognizing the importance of conveying respect and empathy through appropriate attire.
Funeral etiquette has evolved, but its core principles remain grounded in traditions that communicate sympathy and solemnity. The article on DeBordSnyder.com Blog from October 2016, "Funeral Etiquette 101 – What to Wear/Not to Wear," offers valuable insights into the dos and don'ts of dressing for a funeral. Let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article:
Funeral Etiquette Basics:
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Conservative Attire:
- Attire should lean towards the conservative side, akin to what one might wear to a business meeting, job interview, church, or synagogue.
- Black or dark colors are recommended, especially for the immediate family of the deceased.
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Clean and Neat Clothing:
- Regardless of color, clothes should be clean, neat, and well-pressed, reflecting a sense of respect for the event.
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Men's Attire:
- Dark suits with a white or plain solid-colored shirt, subdued ties, dark jackets with matching pants, and dark dress shoes are common for men.
- Younger men should opt for well-pressed solid-colored shirts, slacks, and dress shoes.
-
Women's Attire:
- Dark or black skirt suits or pantsuits, appropriate-length skirts or pants with tops featuring sleeves, blouses, or sweaters are suitable.
- Flats or pumps are recommended, and in some cultures, women may wear hats to funerals.
-
Religious and Cultural Considerations:
- Specific religions or cultures may dictate additional guidelines, such as head coverings for both men and women, or specific attire for women.
What Not to Wear:
-
Colors to Avoid:
- Red, orange, yellow, bright hues, and bold patterns are generally discouraged.
-
Religious and Cultural Exceptions:
- In certain cultures, black clothing may be inappropriate, as seen in Quaker funerals where guests are advised to wear white.
-
Men's Fashion No-Gos:
- Men should avoid jeans, short-sleeved shirts, athletic shoes, and baseball caps.
-
Women's Fashion No-Gos:
- Women should steer clear of casual, festive, or revealing clothing, as well as flip-flops, sandals, or sneakers.
-
Children's Attire:
- Parents are encouraged to ensure that children's clothing is not messy and doesn't include jeans.
Final Note:
- The article emphasizes that the support offered to the grieving family is more significant than the attire worn.
- It acknowledges the variations in customs and traditions based on regions and places of worship.
As a final point, the article underscores the commitment of DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory to providing compassionate care during difficult times, encouraging those in need to reach out for assistance.
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