Black is still the safest color for funeral attire, but you don't have to wear solid black. A black suit with a white shirt is acceptable or a dress that's mostly black but has a subtle color in the pattern is also fine to wear.
A clean, white dress shirt is the best choice. A subdued color like gray or black can also work. Again, avoid bright colors. The focus of any funeral is to mourn the deceased while also celebrating their life.
A classic look for men is a black suit with a white dress shirt. This is a very formal and conservative combination that shows respect for the deceased. The black suit is always a safe choice, while the white shirt adds a touch of elegance.
As a neutral color, white should not be considered inappropriate at most North American funerals. Though you should ask the family hosting the service when in doubt, plain, neutral colors are generally acceptable for memorials. Wearing white in conjunction with other dark tones is absolutely appropriate.
You Don't Have To Wear Black
However, colors like dark grey, dark blue, darker green, white, and beige can be appropriate. If you don't own any black clothing, you may always opt for a subtle hue that is appropriate for formal settings. In addition, stay away from anything with distracting patterns or prints.
A dark suit is most appropriate for a funeral, worn with a tie. If you don't have a black tie, a plain or muted-patterned tie in a dark colour is acceptable these days. It's tradition to wear a white shirt at a funeral, but a plain, unpatterned buttoned shirt in a muted colour is okay.
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.
While in most cultures wearing black to a funeral is the norm, during a Hindu funeral most mourners will wear white. To the Hindu culture white means purity, and it is used to show respect to the departed and the family. It is also very common for the deceased men to be wearing white clothes when buried.
The truth of whether wearing white to a funeral is likely to offend anyone has to do with the circumstances. It's more likely to be offensive if: You're very close family, such as a parent, child, grandchild, or spouse, of the person who has died. You're wearing white with lettering or prints on it.
Dressing appropriately for funerals around the world
In the West, showing respect at a funeral typically requires conservative attire in black or dark colors. However, white is the color of mourning in China, and for Sikh, Hindu, and some Muslim services.
The dress code for most marriage ceremonies is pretty simple- a black tie. A lot of men don't necessarily know what this means, though. It doesn't just mean a tuxedo; it also means a great suit, and a great suit doesn't just mean a suit. An all-black suit is an excellent choice for most weddings.
Dark colours are advisable for a funeral. A black suit is best, followed by dark grey and then dark navy. If you don't own a full suit, wear dark formal trousers with a dress shirt and tie; this will help you achieve you a smart and respectable look.
Traditional funeral attire for men often consists of: Smart black or dark suit. White long-sleeved shirt with a collar. Plain black tie.
Your suit should be very dark in color, regardless of the season. Dark navy and charcoal are good options, and funerals are one of the only appropriate times to wear a black suit during the day.
Be classic
Funeral attire is typically classic in style and dark in colour. A navy, grey or black business suit couple with a white collared shirt and a subtle tie is perfect for funeral wear.
It might seem disrespectful not to attend a parent's funeral, but this is ultimately a personal choice. There is no obligation to attend a funeral, and you might find that you would like to say goodbye in your own way. If you were estranged from the parent, you may have already grieved their death in your own way.
In general, it's not appropriate for guests to wear white to a wedding. "When you're a guest at a wedding, the most important thing to keep in mind is not to upstage or upset the bride," says wedding dress designer Madeline Gardner. "It's safe to stay away from any outfits that are predominantly white, cream or ivory."
First and foremost, dress appropriately. This means no jeans, shorts, or tank tops. Instead, opt for dark, conservative clothing. Women should avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy, and men should make sure their clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.
Black is standard for people to wear at a funeral because it symbolizes mourning and a somber occasion. The color black also shows respect for the deceased, and wearing other colors can be a “slap in the face,” according to some religions.
If you are attending a wake for a child, it is important to be respectful of the family's wishes. Some families may request that everyone dress in white, while others may prefer that everyone dress in black. It is best to ask the family beforehand what their preference is.
If the family of the deceased does not specify otherwise, a dark colored suit (think blacks, navys, and charcoals) is most fitting. Additional funeral attire choices for men include: Slacks and a button down shirt (with or without a vest) Slacks and a polo or golf shirt.
White is meant to signify purity and rebirth and is a popular colour of mourning for many East Asia countries. It also has strong connections to Europe as well. Starting in France in the 16th century, white was worn by bereaved children and unmarried women.
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.
Etiquette says that men should wear a black or dark colored suit to a funeral. However, this isn't always possible and that's okay. Not owning traditional funeral attire is no reason to skip a funeral.
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.