What to Wear to a Funeral

Do you have up and coming funeral and not sure what to wear?

Rest assured, you are not alone. This question is widely searched in Google with thousands of Australians unsure of what clothing is appropriate to wear to a funeral.

When you attend a funeral it is important to dress in a way that is respectful to the deceased and their family. But there are a few things to remember when choosing what to wear to a funeral.

First, you should avoid wearing anything that is too casual or inappropriate. Second, tradition is to dress in dark or neutral colours unless the family request otherwise. Third, you should avoid wearing anything that could be considered disrespectful.

Traditionally, black is the colour worn by attendees at a funeral, but it’s not always as black and white as this, pardon the pun. To ensure you have dressed appropriately – there are a few other factors to consider.

6 Things to Consider When Deciding What to Wear to a Funeral

What type of service is it?

When deciding what to wear to a funeral, it is important to consider the type of service that will be taking place.

If the service is formal, such as a full funeral service or religious ceremony, it is appropriate to dress in dark, conservative clothing. Men should wear a suit and tie, and women should dress in a dark skirt or pantsuit.

If the service is more casual, such as a memorial gathering, it is acceptable to dress in lighter colours and fabrics. In general, it is respectful to avoid brightly coloured or revealing clothing.

Where is the funeral being held?

When attending a funeral, it is important to know the location of the service so you know what type of clothing to wear. If the funeral is being held in a church or chapel, opt for  dark, conservative clothing.

However, if the funeral is being held outdoors, it is not necessary to dress as formally.

In either case, it is important to show respect for the deceased and their family by dressing appropriately for the occasion.

Honouring Servicemen and women

If the deceased has served in the military, police force or correctional officer, some guests may choose to honour their service by wearing the official uniform.

This is a wonderful way to pay your respects and remember the deceased’s contributions and achievements. Out of respect, it’s always advised to pass this by the funeral organisers first.  

Community Organisations or Institutions

Similar to those that have served in the Defence force, the deceased may have been a part of a special group that was meaningful to them and their life. This could include a running group, scouts, or motorbike group.

This may also be acceptable to wear to honour the deceased.  Just be sure the family and organisers of the funeral are ok with this first and always remember to look sharp and tidy.

Age of the deceased

Age may help you decide what to wear at a funeral. This will give you clues as to whether the deceased would like a more  ‘traditional’ farewell.’. This can be a great way to pay your last respects.

In some instances, the immediate family of the deceased may explicitly ask attendees to break with tradition and wear something bright, or even a specific colour.

What are the wishes of the loved one or family members who have passed?

If someone has pre-planned their funeral or shared their funeral wishes, you may find that they specifically requested guests wear a certain colour, too.

What to wear to a funeral

There are no set rules when it comes to what to wear when attending a funeral. It is important to dress respectfully and within the wishes of the family.

If you are unsure what to wear, it is best to dress conservatively. Black clothing is always appropriate for a funeral. You should avoid anything too revealing or casual, such as jeans or a t-shirt.

It is also important to avoid wearing bright colors or patterns unless that is the deceased or family’s wishes. All in all, when in doubt, go for something simple and classic.