Celebrations of life are becoming increasingly popular in modern times. They are far less traditional than funerals and offer guests the opportunity to celebrate the deceased in a more upbeat, party-like manner. Because of the less-structured nature of this type of occasion, what to wear to a celebration of life is somewhat different from what you would wear for a funeral.
The idea behind a celebration of life is to acknowledge the happy, good life an individual lived. The type of ceremony to have after a person has died will usually be discussed with the family beforehand. If someone does not want a somber send-off, they may opt for a celebration of life.
Appropriate Dress for A Celebration of Life Ceremony
Guests attending a funeral are strongly encouraged to wear dark, preferably black, plain clothes. However, for a celebration of life, wearing bright colors is actually more encouraged. The formality of the celebration of life should be communicated to you before the event. Some organizers like to have more formal celebrations like dinners and cocktail parties, whereas others may go with a more casual affair like a picnic or garden party. It can be difficult to decide what to wear, but we’ve put together a guide to help you.
For Adults
As a rule of thumb, it’s always recommended to slightly dress up, regardless of the formality of the celebration. Dressing well is a sign of respect and appreciation for the deceased and their lives, so you should always aim to put a little effort into your outfit. Depending on the formality, consider the following clothing articles.
Men
Formal
For formal events, men should consider wearing slacks and a button-down, collared shirt. Some may choose to wear a dinner jacket with this outfit, however, it is not entirely necessary. One essential for men to wear to formal events is a pair of dress shoes or smart, Chelsea boots. This will tie the outfit together to give it that formal look. For formal gatherings, men should minimize the accessories they wear, although a modest watch is perfectly acceptable.
Informal
Although informal, there are plenty of options for men to wear to this type of celebration of life. A great way for men to dress well for an informal event is to make sure their shirt has a collar. The shirt can be short sleeved, such as a polo t-shirt or golf shirt, which is especially welcomed in hotter weather. Men can also wear more accessories if they want to, but it’s still advised to keep these simple and to a minimum.
Women
Formal
For women, the formal celebration of life attire usually requires them to wear a dress or formal trousers and a blouse. Women should also wear dress shoes although high heels are not essential. To ensure comfort for the duration of the event, women can also wear ballet flats depending on the weather. As bright colors and patterns are encouraged at a celebration of life, women do not have to be restricted by plain, dark attire. Lighter blues, greens, and reds are lovely colors for women’s formal wear.
Informal
Depending on the weather, women can also wear dresses to informal celebrations of life, however, these can be dressed down to suit the tone of the occasion. Informal events are often more personalized and may include activities where a dress may not be appropriate attire. In this case, women should wear smart shorts or jeans with a nice, but practical top. Flat shoes are also recommended such as ballet flats, or even sneakers. If the weather is cooler, smart boots are also acceptable.
For Children
If a child is attending a celebration of life, parents should know what is best to dress them in. Celebrations of life are usually more child-friendly than traditional funerals, so it’s a good opportunity to introduce children to the concept of passing on. It’s essential that kids’ clothing is comfortable for them as they may be in their outfit for a long time depending on the say’s agenda.
Boys
For formal celebrations, boys should wear a collared shirt and smart slacks or trousers. A shirt and jeans are also perfectly acceptable for boys of a young age to wear on a more formal occasion. Again, you are not restricted by colors, and most kids’ clothing is brightly colored anyway.
Girls
Girls should wear dresses to a formal celebration of life. Something with flowers or any pattern she may like is more than appropriate for the occasion. If there are activities, then a dress may not be appropriate. Shorts or jeans with a sweet top will be perfect for an informal celebration of life.
Appropriate Dress for A Celebration of Life During The Daytime
If the celebration of life is taking place during the day, the weather may be warmer therefore your outfit should allow for this. Daytime celebrations are often hosted outdoors and tend to be less formal than evening events. They, therefore, call for lighter, brighter colors to be worn so you can explore these options when you choose your outfit for a celebration of life.
You should not wear something you are going to be uncomfortable in, as you will want to be focused on the day without being distracted by being too hot or too cold.
Appropriate Dress for A Celebration of Life in The Evening
Even in the summertime, the evening can be chilly, so make sure you have something with you that you can throw on in case it gets cold. In general terms, an evening celebration is more formal than those during the day. An evening event may therefore require more formal attire to be worn. Consider the location and the venue of the event before selecting your outfit. If you’re not sure about the formality event, try to find out beforehand to ensure you dress appropriately.
Inappropriate Dress for a Celebration of Life
Although a celebration of life allows for more outfit options than a funeral does, certain items of clothing remain inappropriate to wear. Women should avoid wearing very short skirts or dresses, as these are usually more for going out on the town. Excessive make-up should not be worn, and footwear should be modest and practical. Platform high-heels, for example, are not recommended.
Similarly, men should avoid baggy clothing, graphic t-shirts, flat caps, flip-flops, and excessive accessories. Some celebrations may be informal, however, it remains important that you show respect by dressing smartly. Overly distracting clothing items may detract from the sentiment of the day.
