Help! What Do I Wear to a Funeral?

By: Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation
Monday, June 6, 2022

You’re not alone if you’re wondering what to wear to a funeral at a funeral home in Fulton, IL. Use this ultimate guide to funeral attire as inspiration for your funeral or memorial outfits!  

To begin, different kinds of services have different attire requirements. For example, wakes, viewings, or visitations are muted, somber events and therefore require muted, somber clothing. Expectations for attire can range from highly formal to dressy-casual, so be sure to check the invitation or dress according to what you know about the family. Similarly, it’s important to dress respectfully and conservatively at a funeral to honor the deceased and the bereaved. Stick to tradition, avoid bright colors, and, when in doubt, dress like you would for a job interview.  

Memorials are more informal events than funerals, but they still require somewhat subdued formal clothing. When in doubt, err on the side of more formal and more traditional with dark colors and conservative cuts. Celebrations of life are unique services in that they are more casual and upbeat. As such, they have fewer expectations and requirements for dress. Celebrations of life can range from lighthearted memorials to parties with dancing, so be sure to check the invitation for guidance on attire. However, it’s safe to assume that a smart-but-casual outfit will be acceptable. 

When dressing for a funeral or memorial, you should be aware of some common attire guidelines. For instance, avoid revealing pieces. Shirts and dresses should always cover up to the neck and pants and dresses should go down to the knees. Many traditions also require shoulders and knees covered as well as headwear such as hats for the men and headscarves for the women. As for footwear, avoid athletic shoes like sneakers as well as casual shoes like flip-flops. More causal services may allow t-shirts and other informal wear, but always avoid loud prints or big logos and keep a formal jacket on hand just in case. A general rule of thumb is to dress as you would for a job interview or a church service: conservative, clean, and put-together.  

The traditional colors worn to funerals are an important aspect of funeral attire. Though not every service calls for dark hues, you will almost always blend in and be appropriately dressed if you stick to the tradition of wearing a black, dark grey, or deep blue. Brown shades, lighter grays, and other earthy colors are acceptable for most funeral services. Be sure to avoid bright colors including yellow, red, pink, orange, and white. You can wear white if it’s part of an accessory or worn underneath dark colors, like a white shirt with a dark jacket. 

Funeral, memorial, and other service attire can be a minefield of differing traditions and opinions, often leaving guests completely unsure of what to wear. However, you don’t have to be unsure anymore. We are here to help if you want more guidance on Fulton, IL funeral home or what to wear to death-related events. Please call or visit us today.  

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Keep Memories Close with Elegant Cremation Jewelry

In the wake of a loss, the desire to keep your departed loved one close is a natural feeling. At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we understand your need to hold onto those memories in a tan...

Celebrating Every Memory in Honoring Life

At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we've been privileged to understand, through years of diligent service, that every life is unique and brings along a distinctive story. Being a part of yo...

Quality Meets Value in Affordable Cremations

Navigating through the sincerity of the grieving period requires thoughtful decisions about end-of-life arrangements. Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation is here to provide you with the dignity,...

Planning Ahead for Peace with Pre-Need Funeral Services

For many individuals, planning for the end of life scenarios can be a difficult subject to broach. However, at Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we firmly believe that it is integral to have ...

Affordability Meets Dignity in Low Cost Cremation

The journey of life, with all its rich experiences, must also come to an end someday. When that end arrives, it's comforting to know that you can honor your loved ones without adding financial stre...

Planning Ahead with Pre-needs Services

Life can be unpredictable, but some things can be planned to ensure peace of mind, and end-of-life services are one of them. Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, a trusted provider among funeral...

Direct Cremation, A Respectful and Simple Choice

In navigating the complex path of saying final goodbyes, the services of Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation can be of immense support. As a key provider of cremation services in Morrison, IL, t...

Embracing Tradition in Our Final Goodbyes

In times of profound sadness, finding refuge in cherished traditions can provide immeasurable comfort. It is with this understanding that Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, a respectable provi...

Understanding the Concept of Direct Cremations

Understanding the concept of direct cremation is crucial when making funeral arrangements for our loved ones. Direct cremation, a practical and cost-effective alternative to traditional funeral ser...

Understanding the Importance of Pre-Need Funerals

At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we understand the significance of pre-need funerals and the peace of mind they bring. Pre-planning your funeral services allows you to make important deci...