What should I wear to a funeral or visitation? (2024)

FAQs

What should I wear to a funeral or visitation? ›

If you are ever unsure of what to wear, it is better to dress up rather than dress down. A shirt and tie with khakis, a suit, even a nice button down shirt with a pair of dress pants is acceptable for a man. Women should lean towards a dress, a skirt and blouse or dress slacks and an appropriate top.

What should I wear to a visitation vs a funeral? You should wear dark and muted colors to both a visitation and a funeral. However, at a funeral, you'll typically be expected to wear more formal clothing, such as a suit or a dress.

Can you wear jeans to a funeral? The most common answer is that jeans aren't considered appropriate funeral etiquette unless requested by the family. However, dark, unembellished jeans paired with a shirt, tie, and blazer for men or a blouse and a blazer for women can be appropriate for a casual service.

Traditionally, funeral etiquette suggests men and women wear black clothing that's conservative and respectful. Black or dark colours are most common, but some cultures expect mourners to wear a less traditional funeral colour.

Unless religion or local tradition dictate, black is no longer required. However subdued colors are always appropriate. 2. That said, in some instances the family may request that guests wear bright colors or even fan attire to reflect the interests of the deceased.

Visitations, or calling hours, are generally more casual than funeral services. They often occur after the regular work day, so it's completely appropriate to attend a visitation in your usual business or business casual clothes.

While the standard protocol for a funeral visitation is to stop by, introduce yourself to the family (if needed) and pay your condolences, you may want to consider staying for a little while. Funeral visitations provide an opportunity for the bereaved to receive support from friends and family.

General etiquette dictates that if you're a close friend, you should stay a few hours to show your support and help. If you're not, 15 – 20 minutes is okay. Most importantly, sign the guest book. It helps the family track everyone who visited if they want to say thank you after.

If you're attending a visitation or calling hours, it's best to wear something modest but not over-the-top; dress like you're going to church on an average Sunday.

Don't be judgmental, tell jokes, or tell that embarrassing story of something the deceased did in the office or among friends. Avoid the following statements: "You'll get over it with time." Don't tell a husband or wife that there's plenty of fish in the sea, or any variation of "you'll meet someone else."

Is there anything you shouldn't wear to a funeral? ›

First and foremost, dress appropriately. This means no jeans, shorts, or tank tops. Instead, opt for dark, conservative clothing. Women should avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy, and men should make sure their clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.

Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.

A little black dress, of course, is the most conservative and safe, but you can still be respectful and conservative without wearing black clothing. Your clothing style can shine through even in funeral clothes. You will be safe with other subdued hues of dark blue, navy, grey, or brown.

A visitation is often a less formal gathering of loved ones, usually taking place before a funeral. Visitations can be held several days before the funeral service, the night before, or even the day of. Funerals are typically more formal ceremonies, with set structures and time limits.

What do you bring to a visitation? While you're not required to bring anything to a visitation, some people like to send flowers ahead of time or bring a sympathy card or food for the family to enjoy. At the visitation, you may have the opportunity to provide a donation to a charity that was important to the deceased.

Appropriate attire to wear to a wake, viewing, or visitation

Western wakes, visitations, and viewing ceremonies typically require staid, dark-colored clothing, but it is less formal than a funeral service.

Flowers, sympathy cards, custom keepsakes, and donations are all appropriate gifts to bring to a funeral. While a gift is certainly not required, it can be a thoughtful way to communicate your love for those grieving. Flower and plant arrangements can often be sent to the funeral home prior to the service.