When it comes to funeral attire, there are many opinions out there. There are traditionalists who believe that you need to wear black or navy suits or simple, conservative dresses.
There are also people who believe that colour is okay – framing it as a celebration of life rather than a solemn occasion.
So, who’s right? What constitutes proper funeral attire these day?
Both camps are right in their own way. So, how do you know what’s right or wrong?
Funeral Attire Dos and Don’ts
When it comes to picking an appropriate outfit for a funeral, don’t focus so much on the colours of the garments, but more on the styles.
You might own black clothing, but it might be too casual or too flashy for a funeral. But every family is different – so what constitutes appropriate will depend on that. However, if you are a distant relative or casual friend of the family, err on the side of caution.
Same goes for colour. It’s safe to avoid loud patterns if you’re not sure what the family would want. Solid colours or subtle patterns are more appropriate.
Requested Attire
In some cases, the family will request that funeral guests wear a certain colour or pattern to honour the deceased. If the person’s favourite colour was blue, they may ask that attendees wear something blue.
Some religions and cultures call for specific attire. Though black is the traditional mourning colour in the western world, white is actually more common globally.
In some cultures, red is considered inappropriate. If you’re attending a funeral for someone from an unfamiliar culture or religion, do some research before hand so you won’t make a mistake. While many families have adopted western practices, many still adhere to their customs. Never assume western style dress is appropriate and ask someone if you’re unsure.
Chapel Ridge Funeral Home and Cremation Centre in Markham, Ontario, hosts funeral services for people from all religions and customs. We encourage you to personalize the service and include as many or a few traditions as you wish into the service.
Contact our staff today to start pre-planning your funeral.