Dress For a Funeral

Funerals are respectful occasions, and part of being respectful is dressing appropriately. This article covers Christian funerals. What is considered suitable dress for mourning varies by country and culture. Though black is traditional for a funeral in Western cultures, there are other options that are just as acceptable today, depending on how well you knew the person.

Method 1

General Rules for Everyone

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   Plan to wear something tasteful and conservative. This is especially important if there is a religious service at a church, funeral home or graveside. Black, navy, gray or other dark colors usually appear more conservative. Revealing clothes are not appropriate, as some churches prefer shoulders and knees to remain covered.
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   Don't forget about the shoes. Leave your flip flops, Timberlands and athletic wear at home. Opt instead for more sensible and appropriate shoes.

   • Note: shoes should be polished. Don't wear scruffy shoes to a funeral.
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   As a rule of thumb, dress as you would for church. Or, if you don't go to church, think about what you'd wear to a job interview. Avoid sundresses (unless you have a wrap or it is a young child), celebratory patterns on shirts (i.e. martini glasses or wild prints), or anything too flashy (i.e. sequins, unless minimal). Gentlemen should wear a sports coat or suit.
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   Consider the temperature and dress accordingly. Men can opt to remove their jackets for anything outside but should at least wear them inside for any services.
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   Funerals out of town may necessitate that you bring multiple outfits or be able to adjust for different days.
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   Some do not believe that funeral attire should be strictly black. While the person's death should be grieved, it seems also appropriate to celebrate the person's life with some color. Don't wear anything too colorful like lime green or neon yellow, purple, or yellow but perhaps red or a pale blue.

Method 2

Men

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   Wear a black suit with a white shirt. Accessorize with a long, neutral necktie. Think twice about wearing too much jewelry or hair product.

   • However, there are always exceptions to the rules. A blue suit with a black turtleneck, black dress shirt with long red tie, black dress shirt (no tie; first button unbuttoned), or a black T-shirt (clean, kind of silky) could all be acceptable depending on the family.
   • If you are a pallbearer, you should expect to wear a suit or a dark sport coat and tie at the very least.

Method 3

Children

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   Children should be appropriately dressed as well. Little boys should be outfitted in a black suit, possibly similar to Daddy's. Little girls should wear a "box-like" dress that flows straight down from the shoulders without any unnecessary beading or sequins.

   • Pay attention to the shoes. Girls may wear ballet flats or plain black sneakers. And boys may wear black dress shoes or loafers (like Dad's) or even plain black sneakers.

Method 4

Women

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Women should choose classic black attire for a funeral. A black dress with sleeves, dark suit with jacket or a dark blouse with slacks or a skirt. It is possible to wear a not-too-brightly colored dress under a black coat.

• Some color accessorizing is acceptable. Simple jewelry.

Source : wikihow.com

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