What to Wear to a Funeral: A Guest’s Guide

When attending a funeral, it’s important to dress respectfully to honor the deceased and their family. While there are no hard and fast rules, there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure your attire is appropriate.

First and foremost, it’s important to consider the dress code specified by the family of the deceased. If a specific dress code is requested, such as "formal attire" or "casual attire," it’s best to adhere to their wishes. In the absence of a specified dress code, it’s generally advisable to dress conservatively.

For women, this typically means a dark-colored dress, skirt, or pantsuit. A knee-length or longer skirt or dress is appropriate, and avoid anything too revealing or form-fitting. If you choose to wear pants, pair them with a dressy top and jacket. Closed-toe shoes are also a good choice.

For men, a dark suit or dress pants with a button-down shirt and tie are always appropriate. A sports coat or blazer can also be worn. If you don’t have a suit, a dark-colored pair of dress pants or chinos with a button-down shirt and tie will suffice. Loafers or dress shoes are the best footwear choices.

It’s also important to consider the weather and location of the funeral. If the funeral is being held outdoors, you’ll want to dress accordingly. And if the funeral is being held in a religious setting, you may want to dress more formally.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to dress respectfully and comfortably. You want to be able to focus on supporting the family and paying your respects to the deceased, without being distracted by your outfit.

What to Wear to a Funeral: A Guest’s Guide

What are the general guidelines for funeral attire?

When attending a funeral, it’s important to dress respectfully to honor the deceased and their family. While there are no hard and fast rules, there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure your attire is appropriate.

• Consider the dress code specified by the family of the deceased. If a specific dress code is requested, such as "formal attire" or "casual attire," it’s best to adhere to their wishes.

• In the absence of a specified dress code, it’s generally advisable to dress conservatively. This means avoiding anything too revealing, form-fitting, or casual.

• It’s also important to consider the weather and location of the funeral. If the funeral is being held outdoors, you’ll want to dress accordingly. And if the funeral is being held in a religious setting, you may want to dress more formally.

What should women wear to a funeral?

For women, a dark-colored dress, skirt, or pantsuit is always a good choice. A knee-length or longer skirt or dress is appropriate, and avoid anything too revealing or form-fitting. If you choose to wear pants, pair them with a dressy top and jacket. Closed-toe shoes are also a good choice.

What should men wear to a funeral?

For men, a dark suit or dress pants with a button-down shirt and tie are always appropriate. A sports coat or blazer can also be worn. If you don’t have a suit, a dark-colored pair of dress pants or chinos with a button-down shirt and tie will suffice. Loafers or dress shoes are the best footwear choices.

What are some additional tips for funeral attire?

• If you’re unsure about what to wear, it’s always better to err on the side of being too formal. You can always remove a jacket or tie if you feel overdressed, but it’s difficult to add formality to an outfit that is too casual.

• Avoid wearing anything too revealing or form-fitting. This is not the time to show off your cleavage or legs.

• Choose comfortable shoes. You’ll likely be standing and walking for a while, so make sure your shoes are comfortable.

• Be respectful of the family and the deceased. Your outfit should not be a distraction from the purpose of the funeral.

What if I don’t have anything appropriate to wear to a funeral?

If you don’t have anything appropriate to wear to a funeral, you can always rent an outfit. There are many companies that offer funeral attire rental services. You can also check with your local funeral home to see if they offer any rental options.

FAQ

What should I wear to a funeral if I’m not sure of the dress code?

If you’re not sure of the dress code for a funeral, it’s always better to err on the side of being too formal. A dark suit or dress is always a good choice.

What should I wear to a funeral if it’s being held outdoors?

If the funeral is being held outdoors, you’ll want to dress accordingly. This means wearing comfortable shoes and clothing that is appropriate for the weather.

What should I wear to a funeral if it’s being held in a religious setting?

If the funeral is being held in a religious setting, you may want to dress more formally. This means wearing a suit or dress that is more conservative and modest.

What should I do if I don’t have anything appropriate to wear to a funeral?

If you don’t have anything appropriate to wear to a funeral, you can always rent an outfit. There are many companies that offer funeral attire rental services. You can also check with your local funeral home to see if they offer any rental options.

What are some additional tips for funeral attire?

• Avoid wearing anything too revealing or form-fitting.
• Choose comfortable shoes.
• Be respectful of the family and the deceased. Your outfit should not be a distraction from the purpose of the funeral.

Conclusion

When attending a funeral, it’s important to dress respectfully to honor the deceased and their family. While there are no hard and fast rules, there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure your attire is appropriate.

For women, a dark-colored dress, skirt, or pantsuit is always a good choice. A knee-length or longer skirt or dress is appropriate, and avoid anything too revealing or form-fitting. If you choose to wear pants, pair them with a dressy top and jacket. Closed-toe shoes are also a good choice.

For men, a dark suit or dress pants with a button-down shirt and tie are always appropriate. A sports coat or blazer can also be worn. If you don’t have a suit, a dark-colored pair of dress pants or chinos with a button-down shirt and tie will suffice. Loafers or dress shoes are the best footwear choices.

If you’re not sure about what to wear, it’s always better to err on the side of being too formal. You can always remove a jacket or tie if you feel overdressed, but it’s difficult to add formality to an outfit that is too casual.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to dress respectfully and comfortably. You want to be able to focus on supporting the family and paying your respects to the deceased, without being distracted by your outfit.

For more information on funeral attire, please visit the Emily Post Institute website: https://www.emilypost.com/advice/funeral-etiquette-what-to-wear-and-what-not-to-wear

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