Mourners are usually encouraged to wear dark, muted colors. Black is traditional but any dark color is usually considered appropriate. A dark-colored suit and tie for men is often seen as traditional attire, but need not be so formal. Meanwhile, a black dress or suit for female mourners is also considered appropriate.
Depending on the traditions and customs observed by the individual the most traditional items include sympathy flowers, baked goods and desserts, fruit, dried fruit, & nuts, and assorted chocolates.
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.
If a funeral Mass is celebrated for a non-Catholic, for instance, the name of the deceased should not be included in the Eucharistic prayer, but their name can be used in the other prayers. For a family member who is non-baptized, a priest or deacon could, if requested, offer prayers for the deceased in a funeral home.
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.
What do women wear to a funeral? A skirt or dress – these should be knee-length and not flashy or revealing, normally with tights. A pair of smart trousers – jeans and other casual trousers are not appropriate for a funeral. A pair of smart full-length or ankle grazer trousers in a dark colour can be a good option.
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 priest typically leads the wake. Prayers are said for the person who has passed away, and people read from the bible or recite the rosary. There may be other readings, songs and poetry, and people usually read eulogies and share fond memories of the departed.
Typically held at night, it might take place at a Catholic church, a funeral home, the family home or an alternate location. Guests offer prayers and condolences to the family and may read scripture. Eulogies, singing and poetry readings may also take place during a vigil.
How long is a Catholic funeral? If you're wondering how long does a Catholic funeral last, the answer varies depending on whether the service includes a Requiem Mass. If one is included, the funeral lasts around 60 minutes, otherwise it is around 30 minutes long.
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 a dress that goes to your knees or below is a safe bet. A nice shirt and skirt in dark colors. Shirts that aren't low-cut and that also have some sort of sleeve are usually considered appropriate for funerals. Longer skirts are also more common, usually to the knee or longer.
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.
These occasions are attended by friends and family members, and often take place at a funeral home, church or home of the family. At the vigil, mourners are encouraged to pray in remembrance.
The primary distinction between Protestant and Catholic funerals is that Catholics bless the mausoleum or ground before burying the remains or urn. Only a few prayers and commitments will be said for Protestant funerals.
With generally no eulogies permitted at Catholic funerals, and homilies serving as the exclusive purview of the priest or deacon leading a funeral Mass, it may feel like there is no room for loved ones to speak during a Catholic funeral.
A Catholic funeral service can last between 40 minutes and two hours, depending on if Mass is included in the event.
Non-Catholics are not allowed to read the scripture readings at Mass but may do so at the other rites in the OCF. All readers must be well prepared for the proclamation and believe in what they are proclaiming, engaging the gathered assembly through their eye contact, tone, rhythm and pace of the reading.
“The Last Rites”
The proper celebration for those about to die is Viaticum, the last time that person receives the Body and Blood of Christ. This is a special Eucharistic service celebrated near the time of death. Viaticum may be administered by a priest, deacon or a trained layperson.
The word Novena is rooted in the Latin word for nine. The practice of the novena is based in early Christianity, where Masses were held for nine days with devotional prayers for someone who has died.
As a Catholic, may I be cremated? Yes. In May 1963, the Vatican's Holy Office (now the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith) lifted the prohibition forbidding Catholics to choose cremation.
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.
Pink: admiration, appreciation, elegance, grace, love (often used at the funerals of women or children)
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.