What to wear at a funeral for females
You will ask how I am qualified to write about what women should wear at a funeral? And you will be right to do so.
This is the result of helping someone with a project. I googled “what to wear at a funeral” read, re-read and took notes on the top 10–12 articles and this is the result.
A funeral is not a place to stand-out. It is a time to pay your respects to those loved ones that we have lost. Therefore it is important that you understand the expectation of deceased and their family as appropriate clothing. It is quite okay to ask the immediate family for guidance in this respect.
If you are not able, or do not feel comfortable doing this it is always best to go with conservative dark colours covering yourself up as much as possible. If you are attending a religious funeral, then you may need to be understand and respect the customs which are followed by that particular faith.
“When deciding what to wear to a funeral, the most important thing is to respect the wishes of the bereaved family” states Dignity With Distinction Funeral Services. “If you are unsure about what to wear, it is perfectly fine to ask an immediate family member or the funeral director for advice and guidance. The family may request a certain dress code; it may be that the deceased expressed their wishes before they passed away.”
Funeralwise say of this issue “when deciding what to wear to a funeral it is always best to go conservative. While it’s true that you don’t have to wear black, you should dress in a way that shows respect. That means avoiding bright colours, flashy prints, and glittery fabrics.
A good rule of thumb is to dress as if you are attending a serious business meeting. That means what you choose may be guided by your location, the climate, and the culture of the deceased.”
To add to this we recommend that you consider the culture of the deceases, the location of the funeral and use your common sense to dress to blend in. If you are dress in a similar manner to everyone else at a funeral you have nailed this on the head.You will probably want to avoid a bright floral dress or wild print or neon necktie, unless the family of the deceased asks you to. It is also not appropriate to show too much skin, so don’t wear something with a plunging neckline or short hemline.
You should choose appropriate skirt lengths and do not wear revealing outfits. Now is not the time to stand out from the crowd. This goes for jewellery and accessories; keep these to a minimum. It is acceptable to wear a hat to the funeral but keep these conservative and not meant for Royal Ascot. If you are going to be attend the graveside bring appropriate shoes!
The Spruce supports this recommended that “The most important thing to remember is that you should never call attention to yourself with your attire. The whole focus should be on what you’re there for.”
Funeralwise continues to recommend 5 tips for women when considering what to wear to a funeral:
- A suit with a skirt or pants in a dark, solid colour is a safe choice. You do not have to wear black unless the specific culture dictates it.
- A skirt of appropriate length and blouse or sweater is normally appropriate.
- Flat shoes or pumps are your best choice for shoes. Open-toed shoes or sandals may be appropriate depending on the venue and climate.
- Depending on the culture, a hat may be worn.
- Unless there are special circumstances, jeans are usually considered too casual.
Remember that it “can be tricky to determine what is both respectful to the deceased and also comfortable for you, the bereaved” according to WhoWhatWear recommending that you consider wearing a one-piece option recommending that a “dress or jumpsuit is best”.
Any feedback will be much welcome.
