What to wear to a funeral
12 easy tips for everyone
Black is a traditional color and is always appropriate
Non-black clothing is generally acceptable, as long as it isn’t brightly colored
Shirts/dresses should cover up to the neck; no open collars
Pants/dresses should cover the knees; no shorts or miniskirts
Avoid flip-flops or athletic shoes
In a casual setting, t-shirts may be appropriate – but avoid wild prints, logos, etc
Keep a formal jacket on hand; this basic addition can help make many outfits passable!
Wear subdued style and colors; you do not want to attract attention away from the deceased
Dress as you would for church or a job interview
Revealing attire is generally not appropriate; many traditions require shoulders and knees covered
Be considerate of any religious setting; i.e., some require hats for women and/or men
For information on funeral traditions of different religions, see here
What colours should you wear to a funeral?
Black is always the ideal; traditional, formal, or casual, you will never look out of place in black at a funeral
Dark grays and deep blues are also highly appropriate, especially with accents and accessories
Brown shades, lighter grays, and other earthy colors are acceptable for most funeral services
Avoid bright colors such as pinks, yellows, oranges, and reds
White is acceptable for jewelry, accents, and shirts worn under darker colors (i.e. a white dress shirt with suit and tie)
What women can wear to a Funeral
Basic tips for women:
Dark dresses or suits are always appropriate
Keep shoulders covered
Skirts/dresses should reach the knees
Tasteful color accents can be acceptable
Avoid bright sun dresses
Avoid anything overly revealing
Basic funeral outfit ideas for women
Skirt suit
Pant suit
Dress
Skirt and blouse
Skirt and sweater
Pants and top with sleeves
For women attending a funeral, the traditional dress code has long been a modest black dress or a black business dress suit.
But again, with the changing times, less strictly formal attire has become acceptable to wear to a funeral. While you will generally want to wear respectful, non-attention-grabbing outfits, you will be fine with a conservative selection of brighter or lighter colors, business-casual options, modest dresses, and variations of skirts, blouses, and pants.
When in doubt – especially if you are unfamiliar with the family or service location – you should opt for the more conservative and more traditional options. Of all occasions in life, it is best to come to a funeral overdressed rather than underdressed.
What men can wear to a Funeral
Basic tips for men:
Dark suits or buttoned shirts are always appropriate
Long-sleeved shirts, something with a collar
Belt with tucked-in shirt
Dress shoes or loafers
Avoid: sneakers, athletic shoes, flip flops
Consider avoiding: jeans (though in many settings, dark jeans with tucked in shirt is acceptable)
Avoid: shorts
Avoid: baseball caps
Basic funeral outfit ideas for men:
Dress suit with tie
Polo shirt, slacks, belt
Button-down shirt, tie, slacks, belt
Button-down shirt, vest, slacks (or dark jeans), belt
Any of the above with blazer
The traditional dress code for men at a funeral has long been a suit in darker colors (black, gray, or dark blue) with the customary collared dress shirt and tie.
However, with the changing times, this traditional attire is no longer an absolute requirement. Instead, it is acceptable to wear something along the lines of “business casual” or “Sunday best.” Use your judgment, but it is generally sufficient to wear slacks in any color along with a collared shirt. This can be a dress shirt minus the tie or even a golf or polo shirt. Keep the colors subdued, but acceptable funeral attire is no longer limited to only the darkest colors.
If you are unsure or not quite as familiar with the family or location, you should play it safe and go with the more conservative options. It is better to dress in more traditional funeral attire than to arrive underdressed.
Many thanks to urnsonline.com for the info in this article.
Steve Mummery is a celebrant based in Perth who can officiate the celebration of a loved one's life.
Funerals don't need to be a morbid affair - its already sad enough.
Steve believes that a ceremony to celebrate the life of a loved one is how most people would prefer their own life be dealt with once they are gone.
It would be my honour to help you celebrate the life of your loved one.