Selecting appropriate funeral attire is an important way to show respect at memorial services, yet can also feel challenging to navigate. At Joseph A. Hey & Son funeral home, our experienced directors have supported Bradford families with compassionate guidance on funeral wear for over a century.
Over the years, we’ve organised all manner of funerals, from traditional funerals to more unique, modern celebrations of life. However, one thing that has remained unchanged throughout these funerals is the respect shown to the deceased through what the guests and mourners choose to wear.
Why Does Proper Funeral Attire Matter?
Donning appropriate funeral wear demonstrates respect for the deceased, their family, and the solemnity of the occasion. It signals you are there to mourn and commemorate with dignity. Key considerations include:
- Reflecting the formalness and tone of the service based on the family’s wishes.
- Avoiding causing distraction or offence due to informal clothing.
- Following any customs or dress codes associated with the family’s culture or faith.
- Dressing modestly to avoid diverting focus from the ceremony and bereaved.
Attire should always err on the conservative, subdued side when attending funerals. The goal is to blend in graciously.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Funeral Outfit
When selecting funeral attire, key factors to consider include:
Type of funeral service – Formal church ceremonies and traditional funeral rites call for more conservative dark-hued suits and dresses. Casual memorial gatherings allow for somewhat lighter colours and fabrics.
Solemnity and tone – More sombre services often warrant darker, simpler outfits and minimal accessories or jewellery. Joyful celebrations of life can incorporate brighter, more relaxed attire when appropriate.
Cultural or religious customs – If the family’s faith or ethnicity involves head coverings, modest dress, or other traditions, make accommodations to show respect.
Season and weather – In winter, topcoats and warm fabrics like wools are ideal. Light breathable fabrics suit summer funerals.
Your relationship to the deceased – Close family members tend to wear black, while more distant friends might opt for grey, navy or muted tones.
Any dress code requests – The family may ask guests to avoid wearing black or follow other guidelines. Defer to their wishes.
Recommended Attire for Traditional Funerals
For formal church ceremonies and sombre funeral services, time-honoured respectful attire includes traditional formalwear in subdued, conservative hues:
For Men
A dark tailored suit in a colour like black, charcoal, navy or grey projects an appropriate solemnity. Pair this with a collared white or pale-coloured dress shirt and a muted tie with a simple unobtrusive pattern.
Consider including a dark overcoat during cold weather months. Polished leather dress shoes and dark conservative socks complete the look. Avoid loud statement accessories and limit jewellery to a simple watch, wedding band, or religious symbol.
If lacking suitable formalwear, some alternatives for men include pairing a collared shirt with a tie, trousers, dark jumper and sports jacket.
For Women
Opt for a knee-length subdued dress or a formal skirt suit in darker shades like black, grey or navy. Blouses paired with skirts, trousers or pencil skirts also work well. Choose formal fabrics like fine wools rather than casual knits or cottons.
Closed-toe heels in dark hues are most appropriate for shoes.
Accessories can include a tasteful hat, fascinator, or headpiece, along with neutral sheer stockings. Simple stud earrings and a delicate necklace make suitable delicate jewellery choices.
For women, a twinset, cardigan and skirt or trousers, or chinos with a modest blouse can still look respectful.
Dress Code for Casual Memorial Services
For more intimate gatherings like memorial services, wakes or burials, the dress code may be somewhat more relaxed if styles remain tasteful.
For Men: An open-collar light-coloured shirt often provides sufficient formality when paired with a jacket or sweater on top. Chinos, khakis or trousers are preferable over jeans. Shoes can include loafers, oxfords or dark sneakers. A sports jacket provides an optional extra layer.
For Women: Simple yet elegant light-coloured dresses, skirts, blouses and twinsets work well. A cardigan or jacket on top creates a polished look. Trousers paired with a modest blouse make a respectful alternative to dresses. Flat shoes or low block heels strike a comfortable note. Subtle makeup and delicate jewellery like pearls keep the aesthetic refined.
If lacking tailored pieces, dark non-distressed jeans, a polo shirt, sweater, and loafers can still look presentable. The key is avoiding casual athletic sneakers, embellished tees, shorts, or mini skirts.
What to Avoid Wearing to Funerals
To keep the focus on honouring the deceased, make sure to avoid:
- Shorts, short skirts, mini dresses, crop tops, ripped or faded denims
- Casual tees, hoodies, sweatshirts, tank tops
- Flip flops, athletic sneakers, rubber sandals
- Bold prints, loud patterns, distracting embellishments
- Sheer fabrics, mini hemlines, plunging necklines
- Uniforms, clothing with logos
- Strong colognes or perfumes
- Excessive jewellery, large hoops, jangly bangles
- All black ensembles if contrary to family requests
The goal of funeral wear is to blend in gracefully and not divert attention. Our funeral directors can advise if you are unsure about suitable attire.
For Funeral Directors in Bradford You Can Rely On, Call Joseph A. Hey & Son
Making funeral outfit choices amidst grief can feel challenging. At Joseph A. Hey & Son funeral home, our compassionate funeral directors can organise the right funeral for your loved one. Whether you’re looking for a traditional or contemporary funeral, our experienced team is here to guide and support you through this difficult time.
We are always here to answer any questions you may have, so don’t hesitate to get in touch today. You can reach our supportive team directly by calling 01274 571021, or through our simple online contact form.