What to Wear to a Funeral

<?xml encoding="utf-8" ?><h2>Introduction</h2><p>Choosing what to wear at a funeral is can be a challenge, and it is likely that you have much more important concerns than fashion while you are attending, but it is important to be aware of what is appropriate to wear, both in show of respect for the person that has died, and to acknowledge the feelings of his or her family. While black is traditional for funerals, there is, however, more variation than you might think and culture, religion and the deceased's family's wishes all affect what should be worn. As a rough guide: smart, discreet, and understated is the way to go.</p><h3>1. Conventional Funeral wear</h3><p>What you are traditionally expected to wear to a funeral consists mostly of smart, dark clothing. Black is expected traditionally but dark grey and navy are equally appropriate. Generally, dark clothes signify respect and the respectful atmosphere at a funeral.</p><p>It is conventional for men to wear a suit with a collared shirt and tie, or alternatively, dark trousers with a dark jumper or blazer; if it is a more informal funeral. The key aspect is wearing smart polished shoes as opposed to trainer shoes or some other form of inappropriate casual wear.</p><p>For women, a black or dark dress, skirt or pair of trousers accompanied by a dark blouse or sweater are appropriate. Anything too tight, short or flashy should be avoided and a limited amount of unobtrusive jewellery and minimal accessories are best.</p><p>Essentially the dress code is not a fashion parade but a mark of respect. Conservative attire ensures that you blend into the background in the name of respecting the dead. When in doubt, the traditional black suit will generally be the most appropriate and safest outfit you could wear.</p><h3>2. Funeral dress codes for different types of funerals</h3><p>Funerals do not necessarily all follow the same dress codes. Religious funerals can be very restrictive about what guests should wear and certain beliefs dictate special colours, or ways of dressing. Checking with members of the family beforehand may be helpful.</p><p>More informal services, such as a celebration of life or a relaxed memorial service may adopt less strict dress codes. Families may even encourage guests to wear certain colours and styles that reflect the personality of the person who has died. On these occasions it is best to wear what the family asks you to wear.</p><p>Graveside services, which may be outside, could call for the need for warmer, more practical clothes. Sensible footwear should be worn to accommodate the weather.</p><p>Military funerals, and other very formal services will call for a formal approach. In such circumstances the traditional suit and dress are the most appropriate form of dress. If you are attending a service other than that, you need to consider the type of ceremony you are to attend before choosing your clothes.</p><h3>3. Out of place funeral outfits</h3><p>While being clear about what can be worn to a funeral, so can not be worn too. Bold colours and loud prints, plus fashionable styles are sure to clash with the situation, unless the family specifically requested guests to wear them.</p><p>Refrain from wearing very casual attire, such as graphic tees or any with slogans on them, ripped jeans, shorts or any clothes that are just too relaxed. Beach attire must be avoided at all costs as must short dresses and skirts, not to mention revealing clothing.</p><p>While you are entitled to complete your outfit with footwear that may go with your attire, highly casual shoes such as flip flops and trainers should also be kept at home. It is not appropriate to wear bold statements or an enormous piece of designer jewellery as this will detract from a decent smart approach. Avoid wearing or using a strong scent or a piece of fashion jewellery; this will take a previously perfectly respectable outfit to somewhere utterly unpleasant.</p><p>When putting together a funeral outfit you should always aim for simple and sensibleness in order to avoid a truly inappropriate presentation which can be kept to respect the solemn occasion of a funeral service.</p><h3>4. Environmental influences and practical advice</h3><p>When planning what to wear for a funeral the weather conditions you may face must also be considered. Lightweight fabrics will help you feel cool during a summer funeral, where the weather might be very hot, yet you must strive for a smarter image regardless.</p><p>For a funeral in the winter months, warmth must also be a consideration so you may wish to bring warm coats, along with suitable shoes and gloves and any dark-coloured scarves. You may also wish to wear waterproof clothing to protect you against the rain that could possibly fall during the service.</p><p>For a Graveside service waterproof clothing and sensible shoes must also be thought of to keep you comfortable. It will be very important to wear a pair of shoes suitable to wear when walking on the grass and over rough terrain.</p><p>Whatever the conditions, at the end of the day, you must make sure you have an outfit which will make you look presentable for the context in which you are presenting yourself.</p><h3>5. Modern funeral traditions</h3><p>The dress code of a funeral does not necessarily have to be dark colours as there are a number of different funeral traditions in which darker clothes are not the norm; in certain cultures white clothes will often signify a funeral. When attending an unusual funeral it is best to check what clothing would be appropriate for the guests to wear, in these circumstances some families will want guests to wear their favorite colours or clothes associated with an particular interest.</p><p>It is often acceptable to wear dark, clean casualwear or even business casual clothes in an informal setting as an outfit such as a dark blouse with dress trousers or a collared shirt with dark coloured slacks is perfectly acceptable. In some cases bright clothes can be worn at a funeral ceremony but only when this has been specifically requested by members of the grieving family and even in these circumstances bright, vibrant colours should be avoided unless stated otherwise.</p><p>As stated in modern funeral attire above the important thing about attending a funeral ceremony is to respect it and your deceased loved one. You should therefore always dress appropriately for all funerals; regardless of whether the service you are to attend is one which involves only the closest of friends and family, or one that is attended by friends, family and acquaintances.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The fundamental principles of what to wear to a funeral are respectability, discretion, and decorum. While you should almost always wear black, you should also bear in mind such influences as the location of the funeral service and the wishes of the deceased's relatives before you choose what to wear.</p>