Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Choosing Clothes
• Part 2 of 3: Accessories and Jewelry
• Part 3 of 3: Other Important Aspects
• Tips
• Warnings

A funeral is a mourning event, which is why it is so important to honor the atmosphere of the event and choose the right clothes. In general, it is recommended to wear conservative clothing in dark colors. Opt for a suit in a muted dark color and modest accessories. In some cases, relatives of the deceased may ask guests to come in a particular color or style of clothing. Under these circumstances, conventional etiquette can be neglected.At any funeral, the wishes of the family of the deceased must be respected.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Choosing Clothes

1. 1 Choose black or dark clothing. Traditionally, people come to the funeral in black clothes, but today they are beginning to deviate from this rule. It is not uncommon to see people preferring dark gray and dark blue tones. If you decide to move away from the traditional color, then choose clothes in dark colors.
   • Instead of black, you can opt for neutral dark shades. Dark blue, dark gray, dark green and even brown suits are acceptable substitutes for black clothes.
   • First of all, you need to understand whose funeral you are attending. Traditionally, it's best to be discreet and go for a classic black outfit.
2. 2 Discard bright colors. Bright clothing at funerals is unacceptable. So, all primary colors - blue, red and yellow can be mistaken for an offensive and disrespectful attitude. In a number of cultures, red is considered solemn, so it is especially important not to wear red clothes.
   • On this day, bright colors should be completely abandoned. A black dress with pink stripes at the hem or a black suit over a red shirt is not acceptable at a funeral.
   • Exceptions to this rule are encountered, but extremely rare. Relatives may ask guests to come in bright clothes or clothing of a specific color to honor the deceased. In this case, you should listen to the wishes of the family of the deceased.
3. 3 Observe the formalities. A funeral is a mourning event. Choose clothes that are suitable for a job interview, not for a club party. In some cases, the family of the deceased may want guests to come in less formal attire. If this was not the case, then follow the formalities.
   • A black, dark gray, or navy suit is a good choice. The tie and trousers should also be dark in color. Complete this outfit with a black shirt.
   • Girls and women are advised to give preference to long dresses and skirts. Also, you can not choose an overly tight outfit. Clothing should be formal, not festive. A dark blouse and trousers are good choices.
4. 4 Pay attention to the length of the sleeve. In general, for a funeral, you should choose clothes that cover the body as much as possible. Better to skip a sleeveless or short-sleeved suit. Choose clothes with long sleeves. If you want to wear a sleeveless black dress, be sure to cover your shoulders and arms with a handkerchief or jacket.
5. 5 Choose clothes that are not patterned. Clothing with patterns is perfectly acceptable for funerals, as long as they are not too flashy. A skirt with a floral pattern or a shirt with dark stripes is fairly neutral, but elegant and unrestrained patterns are not acceptable, especially if they are made in bright colors. For example, a black skirt with red polka dots might not be the best choice for funeral clothing.
   • Again, one should not forget about the wishes of the relatives of the deceased. In some cases, a very specific pattern may be required.

Part 2 of 3: Accessories and Jewelry

1. 1 Choose formal footwear that is comfortable. This aspect is especially important if you are also planning to visit a memorial service or burial. At a funeral, you have to stand and walk a lot, so the shoes should be comfortable. For example, high heels will not be the best choice. Austere and dark shoes are better.
   • Dress shoes or flat shoes are a good solution. Neat dark green, navy blue, gray or black flat shoes or dress shoes will always be appropriate.
   • Dark tennis shoes and even sneakers will do if you don't have to be too formal. At the same time, it is always better to look too formal than not strict enough.
2. 2 Conservative tie. If you are wearing a tie, then it should not be flashy. A tie in a bright color or with a catchy pattern is not good for a funeral. The best choice would be a dark plain tie without patterns.It can be dark green, dark blue, or black.
   • However, some exceptions are permissible. You can wear a tie that you got as a gift from the deceased. Relatives should appreciate this gesture. You can discuss this issue in advance so that your actions are not misinterpreted.
3. 3 Light makeup. In the case of cosmetics, restraint is important. A funeral is a very formal event. Bold and flashy makeup is unacceptable not only in the workplace, but also at a funeral.
   • A small amount of base cream and flesh-colored lipstick is sufficient. To this you can add a minimal amount of blush, eyeshadow and mascara.
   • As always, the exceptions are the wishes of the relatives of the deceased. For example, if you are going to attend a theater actor's funeral, you may be asked to wear bright and pompous makeup.
4. 4 Classic jewelry. If you can't find the right jewelry, then you can go to the funeral without them. This will make you look less formal. If you want to complement the outfit with jewelry, then choose the classic options. A string of pearls will be more appropriate than a bright and sonorous necklace.
   • If you wear earrings, it is best to choose a discreet option. Large earrings or rings are not particularly appropriate for funerals, so it is best to wear studs.
5. 5 A pocket square in a matching color. If you are complementing the suit with a pocket square, then it should also be dark. Dark blue, dark green or gray shawls are acceptable, and a pink shawl would be extremely inappropriate.

Part 3 of 3: Other Important Aspects

1. 1 Consider religious beliefs. If there is a religious ceremony at the funeral, there may be special dress requirements. Find out this information in advance to investigate the issue. It is important to know the dress requirements for funeral ceremonies. The religious views of the deceased must be respected.
   • For example, according to some religions, women must appear very modest during the funeral service, so do not wear too short a dress or skirt.
   • Information about religious rituals can be found on the Internet. Better yet, go directly to the relatives of the deceased. They will best explain how to dress properly.
2. 2 Consider different cultural backgrounds. If the deceased was from a different culture, clothing of a different color may be required. In the Western world, dark outfits are chosen for funerals, but there are differences in other cultures.
   • For some peoples, bright colors are closely associated with sorrow. In Korea, blue is considered a mourning color. In Egypt and Ethiopia, this color is yellow.
   • In some Middle Eastern cultures, it is customary to wear white clothing at funerals.
3. 3 Consider the weather conditions. If the ceremony takes place outside, consider the weather. You may need an umbrella in case of rain or a coat in cold temperatures. Such accessories should also be suitable for a funeral.
   • Even a raincoat and umbrella should be appropriate for the event. A hot pink umbrella will look extremely out of place. Dark umbrellas and raincoats work best.
   • The kurta or coat should also be dark in color. A white coat at a funeral may be considered bad form.
4. 4 Consider the desires of the deceased. Always respect special, albeit very unusual, wishes. If the relatives of the deceased ask you to wear clothes of a particular color or style, then it is better not to refuse such a courtesy. If you are invited to an unconventional funeral to honor the deceased, then follow the directions, not the traditional funeral etiquette.

Tips

• If you do not know what to choose, then check with the relatives of the deceased.
• For a very conservative ceremony, women can wear a simple formal hat.
• The family of the deceased may abandon traditional rules. In this case, you should find out the suitable clothing options.
• If the funeral takes place in early November in the United Kingdom (or other countries of the British Commonwealth), then it is necessary to complement the outfit with a poppy flower.
• In Egypt, you cannot wear a yellow suit at a funeral. In all Arab countries, black clothing is preferred. Exotic options are unacceptable. The best option would be a win-win black or dark gray. Don't draw too much attention to yourself.

Warnings

• From cosmetics, you should choose waterproof mascara and a minimum amount of shadows or eyeliner.
• It is extremely uncomfortable to walk on the grass in high heels, especially in the rain.
• Give up your seat or umbrella to older guests and people with small children.