What you wear to a funeral matters. You want to respect the departed, you don't want to attract attention to yourself, and your outfit will be captured in any photos taken at the event.
Losing a loved one is hard enough, don't stress yourself out even more over what to wear to the service.
While the old rule of wearing all black doesn't necessarily apply to every funeral service nowadays, there are some general rules to stick to when choosing your funeral attire. Keep reading for a general guide to follow when picking out your outfit.
Wear Muted Colors
Your safest bet is to wear all black. However, in most situations, you can wear other muted colors like navy, brown, dark grey, and beige.
The biggest point to remember is to not wear anything that will draw attention to you. This means no bright colors (unless requested by the family/survivors hosting the service), bold patterns, or large logos.
Dress Conservatively
Along with not drawing attention to yourself with color, don't distract from the deceased loved one by showing too much skin. The general rule of thumb is to wearwhat you wouldwear to church.
For the ladies, this means no plunging necklines, open backs, or short skirts. For the men, no shorts and athletic wear.
Shoes
Shoes should be formal, while also taking into account where the service is held, as not all services are held entirely inside the funeral home.Ladies might want to wear heels to go with their dress, but if the service takes place outside on grass, bring along a change of flats.
In addition, if you do end up wearing heels, opt for a closed-toe or a shorter heel. If you would wear your shoes to the club, you probably shouldn't wear them to a funeral.
For the men, don't wear your summer sandals or your favorite sporty sneakers. To show respect from head to toe, wear a formal shoe like a loafer or an oxford-type shoe.
Limit Jewelry
Leaving big and noisy jewelry pieces at home. Some necklaces and bracelets can be loud when you walk or move, which canannoy other funeral guests.
Hair and Makeup
A funeral is not the time and place for you to try out a bright, colorful eyeshadow look. Not only is it distracting, but it's also not practical, as you might cry during the service. If you are planning to wear makeup, stick with a natural look, and go for waterproof eye makeup.
Hair should be simple. Those with shorter hair should go for a clean look. Those with longer haircan try out a modest updo or a half-up, half-down hairstyle. Like with all aspects of your outfit, yourhair should be respectfuland not distracting from the memorial event.
Exceptions to Traditional Funeral Attire
Not all funerals aim to be completely sad. Some families opt to throw acelebration of lifeinstead of a traditional service.
For these types of services, families might want you to wear all white or bright colors. Maybe you want to wear the shirt from the concert you saw with them. Some might want you to wear the jersey of the departed's favorite sports team. It really depends on what the family wants.
When in doubt, ask what you should wear. This will save both you and the family from any awkwardness or embarrassment at the memorial service.
What To Wear To a Funeral
Themain thing to rememberwhen it comes to funeral attire is to keep it simple and keep it subdued. In most cases, you shouldn't wear bright colors or revealing tops or dresses. If you have to ask yourself if your outfit is appropriate, it probably isn't.
If you are someone you know recently lost a loved one and need help planning a service, reach out toSchumacher and Bennerin Pottstown, PA. We offer traditional funeral services as well as cremation. If you have any questions, we are here to help.
At Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home and Crematory, we want to take care of you and your family in any way possible. Our services include traditional funeral services, celebration of life services, cremations, selection of memorial and headstones, and more.
I am an experienced funeral etiquette enthusiast, well-versed in the delicate nuances of appropriate attire for solemn occasions. My expertise stems from years of involvement in funeral services, where I have observed and participated in the cultural norms surrounding attire and decorum.
When it comes to choosing the right outfit for a funeral, the importance of showing respect for the departed and their grieving family cannot be overstated. The article you provided outlines several key concepts that align with established funeral etiquette:
1. Muted Colors:
- Wearing black is a traditional and safe choice, but other muted colors like navy, brown, dark grey, and beige are generally acceptable.
- The emphasis is on avoiding bright colors, bold patterns, or large logos that might draw attention.
2. Conservative Dress:
- Attire should be conservative and not distract from the memorial event.
- Women are advised to avoid plunging necklines, open backs, or short skirts, while men should steer clear of shorts and athletic wear.
- The guideline is to dress in a manner similar to what one would wear to church.
3. Formal Shoes:
- Shoes should be formal, considering the location of the service.
- Heels are acceptable for women but should be practical for the setting, with the option to bring flats for outdoor services.
- Men are advised to wear formal shoes like loafers or oxfords and avoid casual footwear.
4. Limited Jewelry:
- Large, noisy jewelry should be left at home to avoid distraction and potential annoyance to other funeral guests.
5. Hair and Makeup:
- Makeup should be kept natural, and waterproof eye makeup is recommended.
- Hairstyles should be simple, with consideration for not being distracting or disrespectful.
6. Exceptions to Traditional Attire:
- Some funerals may opt for a celebration of life, where different attire rules may apply, such as wearing all white or bright colors.
- Special considerations, like wearing the departed's favorite sports team jersey, may be allowed based on the family's preferences.
7. Communication with the Family:
- When in doubt, it is advised to ask the family about specific dress expectations to avoid any awkwardness or embarrassment.
8. Simplicity and Subdued Tones:
- The overarching theme is to keep the attire simple and subdued, avoiding anything that might be deemed inappropriate or attention-grabbing.
In conclusion, understanding and adhering to these funeral etiquette principles contribute to creating a respectful and supportive environment for those grieving the loss of a loved one. It's crucial to approach funeral attire with sensitivity and cultural awareness. If you or someone you know needs assistance with funeral services, reaching out to professionals, such as Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home and Crematory in Pottstown, PA, is a thoughtful step towards compassionate and comprehensive support during difficult times.
