Funeral Planning: Unfortunately there are some moments in life when it is time to say goodbye to a loved one. If you are attending a funeral then it is wise to educate yourself on what is the appropriate dress for the occasion. The type of clothes you wear depend on your culture, the deceased religious belief, your relationship to the family, as well as where the service will be held. Below are some general tips that will ensure that you are dressed appropriately for the occasion.
Colors, Patterns and Textures:
Proper funeral wake dress used to mean formal all-black clothing. The modern funeral etiquette is not so strict; wearing another subdued color besides black is appropriate and is not a sign of disrespect. However, black is always a suitable color for funeral dress. It has long been associated with mourning in Western culture. There are many colors and patterns that are considered to be inappropriate for funeral dress. Funeral dress etiquette suggests not wearing any bold or loud patterns for men or women. Examples of this are red, orange or yellow dresses, boldly patterned suits, large floral pattern dresses, whimsical prints for ties and dresses and metallic cloth. Etiquette guidelines advise conservative prints, darker colors (purple, green, blue and gray) and subtle textures for fabrics.
Proper funeral wake dress used to mean formal all-black clothing. The modern funeral etiquette is not so strict; wearing another subdued color besides black is appropriate and is not a sign of disrespect. However, black is always a suitable color for funeral dress. It has long been associated with mourning in Western culture. There are many colors and patterns that are considered to be inappropriate for funeral dress. Funeral dress etiquette suggests not wearing any bold or loud patterns for men or women. Examples of this are red, orange or yellow dresses, boldly patterned suits, large floral pattern dresses, whimsical prints for ties and dresses and metallic cloth. Etiquette guidelines advise conservative prints, darker colors (purple, green, blue and gray) and subtle textures for fabrics.
Formal or Semi-Formal?
Proper funeral dress is considered to be semi-formal to formal clothing. For men, this means at least a button-down shirt and slacks and more appropriately a suit and tie (Dark color is a most preferable one). For women, a conservative pants suit, skirt and top is recommended. Guests should never wear apparels like short sleeves, tank tops, flip-flop shoes or tennis shoes.
Proper funeral dress is considered to be semi-formal to formal clothing. For men, this means at least a button-down shirt and slacks and more appropriately a suit and tie (Dark color is a most preferable one). For women, a conservative pants suit, skirt and top is recommended. Guests should never wear apparels like short sleeves, tank tops, flip-flop shoes or tennis shoes.
Modesty is another part of proper funeral wake dress etiquette. Traditionally, women should not wear revealing clothes such as bare shoulders, plunging necklines or mini skirts. Men should not wear shirts that are open at the chest. Closed-toe shoes are best for funeral footwear.
Special Considerations:
Some religions either require or urge the attendants' to cover their heads. Make inquiries if you are unsure of the requirements. For example, some Jewish funeral rituals require head coverings, and a Muslim funeral requires women to wear head scarves in the mosque for the services. When in doubt, take a scarf just in case. Muslim and Buddhist funerals will also require guests to remove their shoes upon entering the mosque or temple. Although the ceremony for Buddhist and Hindu funerals are quite different, the colors are very similar. For both religions white is the color of grieving, and it is reserved for the family. All other guests wear darker colors.
Some religions either require or urge the attendants' to cover their heads. Make inquiries if you are unsure of the requirements. For example, some Jewish funeral rituals require head coverings, and a Muslim funeral requires women to wear head scarves in the mosque for the services. When in doubt, take a scarf just in case. Muslim and Buddhist funerals will also require guests to remove their shoes upon entering the mosque or temple. Although the ceremony for Buddhist and Hindu funerals are quite different, the colors are very similar. For both religions white is the color of grieving, and it is reserved for the family. All other guests wear darker colors.
This was all about what to wear to a funeral. A funeral is a time, when the best condolence, one could offer is through a proper funeral dress. Because, on that day and that time, no amount of words can console the deceased's family, no matter what. And when you go for a funeral, make sure, you reach on time and participate in the ritual. And the most important thing, maintain silence. After all, that is the only way you can show your concern to the deceased's family.
