Got a funeral coming up? Here’s what to wear.
When you think funeral attire, you most likely picture dark, conservative clothing.
While black and other shades like brown or grey are most common, it’s important to respect the wishes of the deceased and their family, whether they decide to follow this traditional path or not.
You might find that the family of the deceased are expecting less formal attire. They may request a less traditional, more casual dress, or might even have a personal theme they want guests to adhere to.
If you’re unsure what to wear, there’s no harm in reaching out to the family just to double-check, but the expert funeral directors here at Ashley Edwards have put together this simple guide on what to wear to a funeral service.
What should women wear to a funeral?
There are several things women can wear to a funeral, including:
- A skirt or dress
Try to opt for something a little longer, like a knee-length midi skirt. Anything shorter should be worn with tights.
- Smart trousers
Jeans or any other casual type of trousers aren’t normally appropriate for a funeral. A pair of smart, dark full-length trousers are perfect though, and they’ll look great with a plain blouse or top.
- Cardigans, jumpers or blazers
You can’t go wrong with a knitted cardigan or jumper, especially in the colder months. Blazers are also a great option if you need to smarten up a more casual outfit.
- A smart jumpsuit
If you’re attending a funeral in the spring or summer, a jumpsuit is a perfect choice. They’re becoming much more popular, and if you’re wanting to stay comfortable throughout a long service they’re a must.
- Appropriate shoes
Any flats or suitable heels are your best bet. In some instances, you’ll be able to wear open-toed shoes or sandals, but 9 times out of 10 they’re deemed inappropriate.
What should men wear?
There are also many options for men, and traditionally they’re expected to wear:
- A smart, dark suit
Dark suits work well with any smart white long-sleeved shirt and tie – you seriously cannot go wrong.
- Smart trousers and a blazer
If you don’t own a traditional suit, pairing any smart pair of trousers with a plain white t-shirt and blazer is the next best thing. It’s a little more casual but still suitable.
- Plain black tie
Unless stated otherwise by the bereaved family, a black-tie is completely optional. However, we always recommend wearing one if you want to look especially smart.
Do I have to wear black?
The short answer is no.
While black is a traditional colour, it’s not always necessary and there’s a vast array of alternatives for both men and women.
Wearing dark grey or navy blue is just as appropriate as black, with brown and light greys being suitable for the majority of services, too.
Looking for a funeral director in Burnham-on-sea?
At Ashley Edwards, we have many years of experience in the funeral industry – so it’s safe to say we know our stuff.
We understand how distressing losing a beloved friend or family member can be, and the last thing you should need to worry about is what you’re going to wear to their funeral.
Working with you directly, we always ensure that we support you as much as possible during this difficult time.
Whether you have concerns about the service, are looking for a funeral director in Burnham-on-sea and surrounding areas, or you’re simply looking for someone to talk to after a funeral has taken place, be sure to get in touch with our caring, compassionate team.
Give us a call on 01278 794 304 or send us an email to info@ashleyedwards.co.uk and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can!