Brown shades, lighter grays, and other earthy colors are acceptable for most funeral services. Be sure to avoid bright colors including yellow, red, pink, orange, and white.
Earth tones, pastels, and neutral colors can be a safe choice. You might be asked to dress down and not to wear suits and ties, but make sure that your clothing is subdued and neat. Ripped jeans, slogan t-shirts, and clothing that's stained, crumpled, or revealing still isn't appropriate.
Glitter or sequins
Again, it's not appropriate to wear anything bright or flashy. This includes glitter and sequins which are highly distracting, especially during a memorial service.
Avoid dressing in casual clothing, such as athletic wear, tank tops, or shorts. Skip the flip-flops, tennis shoes, sneakers, or boat shoes. Remove the neon necktie, purse, or accessory. Shy away from wearing jeans, even black ones, because they are considered too casual for a funeral.
Don't: wear too much makeup.
If you wear makeup, you'll want to keep things minimal for a funeral. Stick to light, natural colors and a nude lipstick. Avoid anything featuring bright colors, glitter, or unnatural hues.
Hair and Makeup
Not only is it distracting, but it's also not practical, as you might cry during the service. If you are planning to wear makeup, stick with a natural look, and go for waterproof eye makeup. Hair should be simple. Those with shorter hair should go for a clean look.
What to avoid wearing to a funeral. Bright colors, flashy prints or sequins: Save bright colors, flashy prints and anything with glitter or sequins for other events. The exception to this rule is when the loved one being honored or the family asks those attending to wear a specific color, pattern or theme.
Dark or muted dresses are traditional and don't take attention away from the service. Shoulders should be covered in most cases. Skirts and dresses should reach the knee. Suits are also considered respectful and appropriate.
Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.
Makeup/Jewelry:
Makeup should be kept simple. Foundation, a bit of blush and black eyeliner should suffice. Avoid bright lipstick, if any at all. As with clothing, you're makeup should not make you stand out.
A floral patterned skirt, or a dark-colored striped shirt, is played down enough to be appropriate for a funeral. However, bright and flashy patterns are to be avoided, especially if they use flashy colors as well.
Etiquette usually asks for simple dress and dark colors in quiet designs. Fashion addicts, as well as fragrance addicts alike, may feel robbed of their right to express themselves, but a funeral is about the deceased, not you, or your impeccable sense of style or taste in fragrance. So don't – for the sake of occasion.
Roses. Red represents love, respect and courage. Pink signifies grace, love and appreciation. White represents reverence, innocence, peace and hope. Dark crimson signifies grief and sorrow.
Roses: representing grace, love, and appreciation, pink roses are an excellent choice to honor your loved one. Carnations: one of the most popular funeral flowers because they symbolize grief and sympathy, no matter what color they are.
What is appropriate clothing for a funeral? Traditionally, funeral etiquette suggests men and women wear black clothing that's conservative and respectful. Black or dark colours are most common, but some cultures expect mourners to wear a less traditional funeral colour.
Most common funeral etiquette practices for women to wear include a dark or black skirt suit or pantsuit; a skirt of appropriate length or pants and a top with sleeves, a blouse, or a sweater; flats or pumps. In some cultures, and religions women wear hats to funerals.
Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is best for a funeral. You can bring a wrap, jacket or blazer to wear during the service if you need an extra layer. It is usually best to dress in dark colours like black, grey, navy or taupe for a funeral.
"Talking or being on your phone during the service is one of the most disrespectful things you could do at a funeral," says Myka Meier, Beaumont Etiquette founder and etiquette expert. It's important to be as present as possible. "Silence your phone, shut off your phone, or even just leave it behind.
Wear dark, neutral colors such as black, navy, or dark gray to appear respectful and for the solemn occasion. Avoid too funky, flashy, or revealing attires like mini skirts or deep-necks. Wear clothes that are formal and do not call for unnecessary attention.
That means avoiding bright colors, flashy prints, and glittery fabrics. A good rule of thumb is to dress as if you are attending a serious business meeting.
While short heels are appropriate for a funeral, you shouldn't choose shoes with a heel that's too high. Stick to heels at or below an inch tall or choose a pair of dark-colored flats.
You are not required to actually view the body at a funeral viewing. Many people are a bit uncomfortable with the idea of attending a viewing, but keep in mind that funeral viewing etiquette does not require you to actually look at or spend time with the deceased if you are not comfortable doing so.
Dresses, skirt-suits, pantsuits, and skirts or pants paired with nice blouses or tops are appropriate for most funeral services. Sleeveless dresses can work, particularly in warmer climates, although you may want to pair them with a wrap, sweater, or tailored blazer.