When you are attending a funeral, there are several things you need to do to ensure you are ready for the sad day ahead. Firstly, you need to inform the family whether you will be going or not. You also need to arrange transportation so that you know how you will arrive at the service. You also should double-check the date, time of the service and location. That way, you can plan out your day; it’s disrespectful to turn up late.
Also, you should work out what you will wear for the occasion. You want to ensure you wear respectable attire for the funeral. Men, in particular, find it hard to decide on what to wear for the day ahead. Here is our guide to what should men wear to a funeral.
The different outfits to consider
A full suit
A classic, traditional outfit for men for a funeral is a two-piece suit. It’s the most formal outfit you can get for funeral attire. Most men go for black, but you could also choose a navy or a dark gray. With the jacket, you can wear this throughout the day which is ideal if it’s raining. You should also wear it in the church to keep your arms covered during the service.
Most of the men at the service will be wearing a suit, and if you are close to the family, it’s the right thing to do. Just make sure you go fairly plain and simple with your suit. You don’t want something with lots of design for a funeral. After all, the day is about paying your respects to the person who has passed away. Remember to pick out a tie to wear with your suit. Pick a dark color and don’t go for a bright pattern, which will make you stand out at the funeral.
Shirt and pants
Another option for a funeral is a shirt with pants. This is a good way to dress formally yet not in a full two-piece suit. This is also ideal if it’s warmer weather. You will be cooler in a shirt and pants than wearing a full suit. Just make you pick out a shirt color that is plain and classy. You should also still wear a tie to give it a formal look.
After all, a shirt without a tie will not look right on the day. You could go for a white shirt with a black or navy tie to look respectable at the funeral. You can also bring a jacket to wear over the top if it’s going to be cooler, especially if the wake is later in the day. A shirt and tie combo will particularly work well for more casual services.
Sweater and pants
Another thing you could wear for a funeral is a sweater and pants combo. This is perfect if the weather is colder outside, and you need to attend a funeral during the winter months. Layering the sweater with a dress shirt underneath means you can change it accordingly. You will need to go for a dark color for the sweater, and a black or navy would work well. A sweater will also keep you warm if you don’t want to wear a suit jacket. It’s a bit more formal than a traditional cardigan too, which is necessary for the occasion.
Formal shoes
It’s definitely important to think about your footwear for the funeral. It’s not appropriate to wear sneakers to a funeral unless otherwise requested by the family. A good idea would be to wear formal shoes for the funeral to match your outfit. A pair of Oxfords is a common choice when it comes to funerals. These are smart and classic to go with a suit. They are respectable and appropriate for the day, whether you are at a church or burial ground. Just make sure you shine them before the day.
The factors to consider when choosing your outfit
Before we go through different outfit ideas for the funeral, here are some factors that will affect the outfit you choose.
The relationship with the deceased
It’s likely the case that the closer you were to the deceased, the more likely you will want to dress very formally. For instance, if it’s a parent, a sibling or a partner, you will likely dress in a full suit for the day. However, if it’s a work colleague or an old friend, you might want to dress less formally for the occasion as you have a minor role on the day.
The wishes of the family
Another factor is the family’s wishes for attire for the big day. When they invite you to the funeral, they may ask you to dress in a particular way. For instance, they might have decided everyone should wear a particular color for the day. It might be the wishes of the deceased, or it could be a decision of the family. This will ultimately affect what you wear on the day.
The location of the funeral
The location will also affect what you will wear to the funeral. For church services, you will have to ensure you are very respectable and have long pants and your arms covered. If the service is not a religious event, the attire might be more casual. Therefore, check exactly where it is before choosing an outfit. And remember, certain cultures might have particular preferences when it comes to attire. For instance, Chinese funerals ask guests to wear white with red or pink shades if the person who passed was over 80.
The weather on the day
The season will also have a big impact on the type of outfit you wear for the funeral. If you are going to be outdoors and the weather is raining, you will want to cover up as much as possible. If it’s sunshine and a hot day, you will want to go as light as possible, so you don’t overheat during the service. Therefore, consider the season and check the weather forecast before picking out an outfit.
