Funeral Attire Etiquette - What to Wear & How to Dress (2024)

FAQs

Funeral Attire Etiquette - What to Wear & How to Dress? ›

Darker dresses, suits, pants, jackets and sweaters are appropriate. Flip-flops, tank tops, shorts, sundresses, casual tennis shoes and cleavage are not appropriate. Even though the service may be a celebration of life, many of those attending will be mourning. Your goal is to blend in, not be conspicuous.

What is appropriate clothing for a funeral? Traditionally, funeral etiquette suggests men and women wear black clothing that's conservative and respectful. Black or dark colours are most common, but some cultures expect mourners to wear a less traditional funeral colour.

Instead, opt for a sleeveless, cap sleeve or long-sleeved dress, or pair a shirt or turtle neck with a pair of black flared trousers. Alternatively, a classic black blazer will smarten up pretty much anything.

Many people come in a robe or hospital gown since they may have passed away at a care facility or in a hospital. It's completely acceptable and even normal for people to be cremated right in that outfit. Pajamas and nightgowns are also common and acceptable.

Generally, a wake calls for less dressy attire than a funeral, but it should still be formal and modest. This is not the occasion to wear any flashy items, and jewelry can be worn but should be modest and minimal. Avoid wearing bright colors or anything that draws attention to yourself.

First and foremost, dress appropriately. This means no jeans, shorts, or tank tops. Instead, opt for dark, conservative clothing. Women should avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy, and men should make sure their clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.

Traditional funeral and cremation attire will consist of items that are dark-colored or black, and here are a few suggestions to follow: Shirts and blouses should come up to the neck. Skirts and dresses should cover the knees. Choose dark-colored clothing.

If you're trying to be elegant, start by wearing classic styles of clothing, like knee-length skirts and tailored button-down shirts, and choosing clothes made from high-quality fabrics, like silk and satin. Never too baggy, never too tight; the clothing of an elegant woman looks like it was made to fit just her.

A business suit or a simple dress that covers the shoulders and knees should suffice. If you want to wear something different, many women will wear dress pants with a nice sweater or blazer. Try to stick to more subtle colors like black, gray, dark blue, or purple and avoid overly floral patterns or vibrant colours.

The body is washed, dressed, and placed in the cremation container in preparation for positive identification completed by the legal next of kin. Proper authorization and permits are obtained.

What is removed from a body before cremation? ›

Removing all internal rods, pins, or plates made from steel or titanium before cremation is best. Generally, silicone implants can remain intact during flame cremation. However, the melted material may adhere to the remains. Dental implants, as are gold or silver teeth, are usually safe to leave intact.

For women, darker suits are always a simple and appropriate choice. You should also ensure that you keep your shoulders covered and that any skirts or dresses reach the knees. While dark colors should be followed, having tasteful accents of colors is often acceptable.

It's typically considered more important to attend the funeral service. Perhaps you'd feel more comfortable only attending the funeral; however, you might like the chance to speak to the family in a more relaxed setting at the visitation. As long as you're kind and respectful, the choice is yours.

While black has been traditionally associated with funerals in many cultures, it's no longer the only acceptable option. While dark, subdued colours are typically a safe choice, opting for charcoal, dark navy, or other dark hues can also be appropriate.

unless otherwise instructed by the family. Flowers, sympathy cards, custom keepsakes, and donations are all appropriate gifts to bring to a funeral. While a gift is certainly not required, it can be a thoughtful way to communicate your love for those grieving.

When selecting a shoe for the funeral, it's best to go with one that matches your suit or dress clothes. For example, if you have a light grey suit or brown slacks, it would be best to pair them with brown shoes. However, if you have a black or dark blue suit, black shoes would be more appropriate.