Terri Ramsey Beavers 
Etiquette can be a difficult thing to navigate, especially when it comes to funerals. For instance, how do you decide what to wear to a funeral? While it might seem trivial, you do have to put some thought into it.
We discuss how to dress for a funeral so you don’t put a foot wrong.
3 Things to Consider When Choosing Funeral Attire
1. The Time of Year
Depending on where you live, your decision might be dictated by the weather. Deciding what to wear to a funeral in the summer may differ greatly from what you would choose during the winter.
2. The Family’s Expectations
When choosing a funeral outfit, think about the family’s preferences. High-profile families may expect you to wear a formal black dress or suit and tie. Others may be fine with casual clothes or simply dark colors.
In some cases, the family may request non-traditional attire that holds special meaning. Perhaps the person was known for always wearing Hawaiian shirts, so the family requests that friends wear one as a farewell gesture.
3. What Color to Wear
Again, this may depend on the type of funeral. In most cases, it is entirely appropriate to wear black. At other times, any dark color or black with other colors will do. There are no hard and fast rules about the style of clothes, so long as your attire is suitable for the setting.
Pay attention to communications from the family. Sometimes loved ones will request that attendees wear bright colors rather than black.
Things to Avoid When Deciding How to Dress for a Funeral
There are some general etiquette rules to keep in mind when deciding what to wear to funerals.
For women:
- Avoid mini skirts
- Avoid low-cut blouses or dresses (no revealing attire)
- Avoid tight clothing and spandex
- Go easy on the accessories
- Be careful in your selection of shoes, as you may have to walk in the grass. (Note: High heels will sink into the ground, making it difficult to walk.)
- Avoid casual or floppy hats
- Avoid noisy bracelets, bangles or overly bright/shiny necklaces
For men:
- Avoid casual or inappropriate shirts
- Iron your shirt
- Avoid printed T-shirts
- Avoid loud colors or distracting patterns (unless requested to wear one)
- Avoid wearing a ball cap
- Wear a suit and tie if formal attire is requested or at least a nice blazer and tie
The point is to avoid being the center of attention. Remember, you are paying your respects and showing support for the family.
There will be other things to consider if you are planning a funeral for a loved one. While some people write down their wishes, you may have to decide between a traditional burial and cremation.
Find out more about environmentally sustainable options for laying your loved one to rest.
Choose Your Funeral Attire with Care
When deciding how to dress for a funeral, the first rule is to be respectful. The occasion is a time for grieving and remembering someone who is no longer here. You don’t want to do anything that would make a difficult situation even worse.
Be sure to search the site for more ideas about fashion, decorating, family life, and entertainment.