Can You Wear White To A Memorial Service

Deciding what to wear to a funeral or a memorial service can be stressful and confusing.

Have y'all been rummaging through your closet wondering what would exist appropriate for solemnity of the occasion? Don't worry—nosotros've got you covered!

We've put together a 3-office series almost what to wear to a funeral—or memorial service or a celebration of life— for men, women and children to accept the stress out of choosing correct funeral attire.

In this Ultimate Guide for Women , we requite you:

Quick-to-readanswers to common questions about funeral attire
3 basic tips to ensure that you select an appropriate funeral outfit
A cheat sheet forwomen'south funeral attire—with lots of photographic examples and a video summarizing the main fashion tips!
Ashoppers guide to ownership funeral attire online—fast and hassle-gratis

Be sure to bank check out other guides for What to Wear to a Funeral or Memorial Service for Men and Funeral Attire for Kids .

In other words, we've answered every question about funeral attire that you lot could possibly have! (And if we're wrong nearly that, please allow usa know about in the comments section below!)

Let's get started…

Why Do You lot Wear Blackness to a Funeral?

The tradition of wearing black to a funeral dates back to 1861 when Queen Victoria'southward husband, Prince Albert, died. She wore black to publicly signify the depth of her grief, a trend followed past her subjects. Today, black is still the "go to" colour for funeral attire.

Do You Have to Wear Blackness to a Funeral?

You don't have to wearable black to a funeral. Any dark, neutral colour will do for Western funerals (e.g. navy; brown; grey). Other cultures accept different customs when it comes to the colour of appropriate funeral attire. For example, Hindus wear white.

What Should I Wear to a Funeral?

For Western funerals, vesture bourgeois clothing in night, neutral colours (e.g. black; navy; grey). Avoid bright colours and wild patterns. Shoes should be polished. Women should clothes modestly, with simple makeup and jewellery.

What Should I Wear to a Memorial Service?

It depends on whether the service is formal or informal. For a formal memorial service, wear traditional funeral attire (night-coloured, conservative clothing). Apparel less formally for an informal service (but still remain modest). Follow whatsoever wishes the deceased'due south family unit expresses for clothing color and style.

three Basic Tips For Funeral Attire

1. Determine What Kind of Service You are Attending

Before heading to your closet, you demand to make up one's mind what kind of service you are attention.

What is advisable funeral attire depends on the type of service being held.

Guests to a traditional funeral service in a church would habiliment different wear than guests to a celebration of life ceremony held on a beach.

What to Wear to a Traditional Funeral

With traditional funerals, services typically occur within the calendar week after someone's passing.The feelings of loss are still fresh and raw.Grief and mourning are at their most intense. Therefore, a traditional funeral is a sombre matter.

As stated higher up in our Q&A department above, while many people will choose to clothing blackness clothing, it is non absolutely necessary to do so.Y'all should, however, wear bourgeois attire and subdued colours like navy, grey and brown.

For ladies' funeral attire, conservative and appropriate means nothing too short, too sexy, or too revealing. Your makeup should be simple and not overdone. Your shoes should besides wait polished and classic.

In other words, youdon'twant to look similar you are nearly to hit the clubs!

It's also a good idea to invest in waterproof mascara.

When considering what to vesture to a funeral, definitely stay abroad from wearing bright colours and wild patterns.

You lot don't want to exist the person that shows up to a dignified funeral in a brusk, hot pink sundress.

Not only would information technology make yous stand out similar a sore thumb, it will have people gossiping about your inappropriate fashion choice for years to come up.

You lot also don't want to detract from the real reason that everyone is gathered together, which is to mourn a loss.

If y'all keep reading, y'all will find the ultimate crook sheet of "do's" and "don't" when it comes to funeral attire for women—with lots of helpful pictures to illustrate each signal.

What to Wear to a Memorial Service or to a Celebration of Life

If, on the other hand, you are attending a memorial service or a celebration of life, a traditional black outfit may not be the best option.(Although, we don't recommend your curt, hot pinkish sundress hither either!)

Memorial services and celebrations of life tend to take place months after a decease, in one case the initial shock has passed.

Later services tend to be more informal than a traditional funeral service, and focuses more on celebrating the life of the person that died, rather than religion.

Therefore, dressing for a memorial service or life celebration is typically more than informal (but should always exist respectful).

Ladies take more than wardrobe choices in terms of colour and style.However, the rule of "nothing besides brusque, too sexy, or likewise revealing" still applies.

While memorial service or a celebration of life is typically less formal than a church funeral service, it is nonetheless a special and meaningful occasion, which ways dressing modestly.

Memorial services or life celebrations tin can take place in a variety of locations.For example: at a local embankment, a favourite restaurant, or someone's dwelling.

When it comes to apparel, you should consider the location of the service.For example, high-heeled shoes aren't practical on a sandy embankment.

For outdoor locations, you'll as well need to know the atmospheric condition forecast.Avoid long skirts and dresses on windy days, or y'all may be doing a "Marilyn Monroe" at the most inopportune fourth dimension.

Respect the Family's Wishes

In some cases, an invitation may give special instructions on what to article of clothing to a funeral, memorial service or a celebration of life—such as wearing a item colour in laurels of the deceased.

When Sawyer Sweeten—the former child-star from "Everybody Loves Raymond"—tragically died, his family unit asked that people wear his ii favourite colours to the funeral service.

On the solar day of the funeral, the funeral home was filled with 200 guests all wearing blues and greens.His twin brother Sullivan even dyed his pilus blue to accolade him.

If you do non know whether you are attending a traditional funeral or an informal celebration of life, offset take a look at the invitation and evaluate its overall tone.

If that arroyo fails, do non be afraid to ask the person planning the service what you lot should wear.They will capeesh your care and business organisation.

two. Consider Cultural Traditions When Choosing Funeral Attire

Although traditional Western funerals typically vesture black and other dark, neutral colours, it is important to practise a little research about the culture of the deceased person and their funeral traditions when because what to wear to a funeral.

For example, white attire is not considered to be appropriate funeral attire in Western culture, but in traditional Hindu funerals, coincidental white wearable is the norm.

In Hindu civilisation, white is the colour of purity and the highest social caste.Wearing black, on the other hand, is considered impolite and disrespectful to the deceased.

Many mourners attending a Hindu funeral wear sandals, as information technology is compulsory to take off shoes to pray at the temple during services.

As another example, mourners to a Chinese funeral do not habiliment jewelry or ruby clothing, as ruby-red is the color of happiness.Wearing crimson is considered extremely rude and is highly offensive.

A young law associate once attended the funeral of a senior partner at her law business firm who was Chinese.

She wore a classic, black suit—which lawyers seem to have in abundance—just paired it with red high heels and a matching red handbag.

She was very confused by the frosty reception she received from the deceased'southward family.

Her confusion turned to embarrassment, however, when she discovered the law-breaking she had acquired with her wardrobe.(No doubt her face matched her handbag and shoes.)

3. Dress Modestly! (When In Doubt, Dress like a Kennedy, not a Kardashian!)

Our best advice is to wearable classic, pocket-size clothing.

Think "Jackie Kennedy", with her uncomplicated, yet beautifully tailored outfits.

Like Jackie, avert lots of jewelry and heavy makeup. As the proverb goes: "Less is more."This is specially true when it comes to appropriate funeral attire.

If you lot are in uncertainty virtually whether an item of wear is appropriate for a funeral, ask yourself: "Would Kim Kardashian wear this?"

If the answer is yes, go out it in your closet for another fourth dimension.(That also holds truthful for her makeup manner.)

At the end of the day, funerals are not about creating fashion moments.

It is about beingness there.It is about expressing your grief.Information technology is nearly supporting each other.And it is nearly saying goodbye.

What to Wear to a Funeral: A Cheat Sheet for Women

Exercise: Blackness Funeral Apparel

You lot will never go wrong by wearing a blackness apparel or suit. Here are examples of black funeral dresses:

If you don't want to wear a black funeral dress, you could also wear a dress or suit in some other dark, neutral colour like grey, brown or navy.

Here are examples of funeral dresses in other dark colours:

DON'T:Brightly Coloured Wearing apparel

Everybody has that bright, vibrant clothes that you love wearing because it makes you feel sexy every time you lot put it on.Even so, this is NOT the occasion for it.

These dresses, although very cute, are definitely too brilliant and upbeat to be advisable funeral attire. They are definitely far more suited for a wedding.

DO:Subtle Patterns

When you're choosing a clothes with patterns, information technology'south better to stick with subtle patterns—such as lace and pinstripes.

Here are examples of patterned dresses that are both stylish, sophisticated, and appropriate funeral attire.

DON'T:Loud and Bold Patterns

Patterns that really "popular" or are "bold and loud" are very distracting for other funeral guests.

You should e'er remember that this occasion is not nigh y'all.

Here are examples of patterns you shouldn't wearable to a funeral. (Save these dresses for a more festive occasion where it's okay to be the centre of attention!)

DON'T:Sequins and Other Flashy Fabrics

Although it should get without proverb, sequins and other flashy fabrics are a huge 'no-no' when it comes to funeral attire.

This is a funeral—non a party—and so save the sparkly clothes for a nighttime on the town or for New Years Eve.

Do:Covered Shoulders

The rule for sleeves at a funeral is that they should, at a minimum, embrace your shoulders.Covering a sleeveless dress with some kind of shawl or a kimono is adequate.

These classic outfits with capped sleeves are definitely advisable funeral attire:

DON'T:Blank Shoulders

Outfits with bare shoulders will do a adept task of showing off your tan and your hard piece of work at the gym, but don't convey respect when attending a funeral.

These black funeral dresses are besides revealing, although they could be salvaged by adding a shawl or jacket to cover the shoulders.

Exercise:Pocket-size Clothing

The cut and fit of a dress are simply as important every bit colour and design when deciding what to wear to a funeral. Your outfit should not be too revealing.

The wearing apparel should comprehend the shoulders, be at to the lowest degree knee-length, and have a small neckline that does non display cleavage.

These dresses with loftier necklines and sleeves are both chic and appropriate funeral attire:

This classic black clothes with mid-length sleeves has a very flattering cutting and is fitted without existence "too sexy".The shape would be flattering on a multifariousness of torso types.

DON'T: Skimpy, Tight and Sexy Clothing

Although this footling black dress fits the colour and pattern requirements, information technology is far too sexy, skimpy and tight for a funeral.It looks like something a playboy bunny would wear to Hugh Hefner's funeral.

The back of the dress is also important.It should be minor and cover your bra strap.This backless dress, although satisfying all other requirements, is far too revealing in the dorsum.Again, attending a funeral is well-nigh paying your respects, not looking sexy.

Dresses with spaghetti straps, cut-outs, or are shorter than human knee-length, should all be avoided:

Practise: Stylish, Archetype Shoes

Like your outfit choice, yous want to stick with black, greys, browns, and navy.You could besides clothing shoes in some other deep colour—like maroon—or a lite neutral colour—like beige.

Here'southward some examples of funeral appropriate shoes.They are blackness, with a minor height heel (1-3 inch max), and are not also "over-the-top" in terms of design.

DON'T:Platform Shoes

Although platform pumps brand your legs wait like they "get on for days", they are too much for a funeral.Again, a classic style would be more appropriate for a funeral.

DON'T:Flip Flops and Sandals

If you look at your shoes and say to yourself—"these would be and so cute for the beach"—put them back into your closet.

You must likewise stay away from sneakers, which are likewise too casual looking for a solemn occasion.

Your wear choices should let family unit of the deceased know that you took the time to apparel appropriately and empathise the importance of the occasion.

Wearing sneakers sends the bulletin that you were too lazy to find something to wearable other than what you wear on a daily ground.

Do:Natural Looking Makeup

When information technology comes to funeral makeup, less is definitely more.

That's not to say you shouldn't spend fourth dimension on doing your makeup.But stick with more subdued eye shadows and lipstick colours.

A light plum or nude lip colour would be perfect, forth with brown or grey centre shadows.

The makeup in this instance is stunning and very funeral appropriate.She has used blush, heart shadows and lipstick in a way that appears classic and natural.

We would also suggest that you opt for waterproof mascara as funerals tin exist extremely emotional.

DON'T:Bold Funeral Makeup

Avoid wearing vivid coloured middle shadows or lipsticks, and too much chroma or bronzer. Try to await equally natural as possible.

For instance, this await is far too bold for a funeral service.

DO:Classic Jewelry

With the adventure of sounding like a cleaved record – again, less is more when information technology comes to accessorizing your expect.

Choose simple, traditional jewelry like a archetype pearl necklace, diamond-stud earrings, or a tennis bracelet.

This elegant and minimalistic earring and necklace pair is simple and subdued, but still adds class and mode to your look.

DON'T: Bold Jewelry

Chunky, colourful jewelry is fun to wear in everyday life, but is also much for a funeral.

When it comes to accessorizing your outfit, avoid hoop earring, large dangling earrings and bulky necklaces.You should as well avoid colourful stones, and stick with soft, neutral colours.

Here is an example of jewelry that is far as well colourful and bold for a funeral.

DO: Archetype Bag

Every bit with jewelry, choose a unproblematic, classic handbag to compliment your funeral attire.

Cull a bag that doesn't take any flashy decorations—like a modest clutch—in neutral or subdued colours.

DON'T: Flashy Bag

While yous might honey your bling, a funeral is no place to flaunt it.

Save your flashy handbag for another occasion—like a dinner out with friends or a cocktail party.

Summary of the Rules

To summarize the rules of what to wear to a funeral, and what NOT to wear:

Exercise Wearable:

Black funeral dress (or some other dark, neutral colour);
Subtle patterns;
Covered shoulders;
Pocket-size vesture;
Stylish classic shoes;
Natural looking makeup; and
Classic jewelry and handbag.

Don't Wear:

Bright coloured wearing apparel;
Loud and bold patters;
Sequins and other flashy fabrics;
Bare shoulders;
Skimpy, tight and sexy article of clothing;
Platform shoes;
Flip flops and sandals;
Bold funeral makeup; and
Bold accessories.

The ultimate rule of thumb is that your outfit should don't detract from the solemnity of the funeral.

Online Shopping for Funeral Attire

When it comes to what to wear to a funeral, many people aren't up for a trip to the mall during their time of grief.

Dealing with traffic, finding parking, visiting store later store, and trying on clothes, tin can exist exhausting tasks for the bereaved.

If this applies to y'all, hopefully yous tin put a funeral-advisable outfit together from items already in your wardrobe or loan items from a friend who wears the same size.

But if you don't accept—or can't borrow— funeral attire, you should consider online shopping.

We researched the best online store to purchase funeral attire for you lot and your family.

We have also researched the best place to buy makeup online in case yous need to buy funeral advisable makeup or waterproof mascara.

Macy'south Online: Your 1-End-Store for Funeral Attire for Men and Women

After reviewing various online stores, we concluded that Macy's is the all-time place to shop for developed funeral attire online for the following reasons:

Their website is very like shooting fish in a barrel to navigate.
Macy'southward has funeral-appropriate clothing for women, men and children.
They also sell shoes, handbags and accessories.
Their clothing is reasonably priced.
They offer quick shipping with the U.S. and Canada.
Macy'south has a clear, concise and reasonable returns and exchanges policy.
You can talk to anactual person about your questions and concerns.

The peak tool bar sorts the items past department:

If you click on a department, a driblet-downward menu appears that categories the types of items in that department.

For case, if you lot click on "women", the following driblet-down carte du jour appears:

Once you click on a category, you lot taken to a page with items for sale within that category.

What nosotros love is the filter tool bar in the left-paw column of the page to help y'all quickly sort the items. It makes itand then easy to find what you are looking for.

For instance, if yous click on "dresses" y'all then are able to filter using the tool bar that you tin can meet in the screen shots to the left.

The filters assistance you easily find a dress that fits the rules for funeral attire that we outlined above, as well as your budget.

Macy's offers many shipping options—including aforementioned-day delivery—within the U.S.A:

Since traditional funerals typically take place within a week or two of a person's expiry, it is important for an online store to offer expedited commitment.

Shipping costs are every bit follows:

Macy's will also ship internationally to Canada, United kingdom, Commonwealth of australia, and Russian federation.

Equally tin can be seen from the screen shot above, international shipping costs are presented during checkout.

When information technology comes to international shipping times, Macy'south says the following:

If y'all are at all concerned that your funeral attire might not arrive on time, speak first to a Macy's representative earlier placing an guild.

(We love that you tin talk to an bodily person about your questions and concerns!)

If yous aren't 100% happy with your purchase, you can easily return or commutation the item.

Macy's makes it easy to process a return online:

Yet another reason to love Macy'southward!

Dazzler: Your Funeral Makeup Dilemmas Solved

If yous are looking to buy cute makeup in sophisticated colours or waterproof mascara for an upcoming funeral, look no further.

Beauty has a wide selection from the all-time brands, free samples, speedy shipping, as well as free returns.

Aircraft fees are charged based on the final weight of the package, send method and shipping nix code, and the destination land.

Exact shipping and sales taxation fees will exist presented at checkout prior to placing your order.

What nosotros honey near Beauty is the 'cheat sheets' they provide to assist you achieve a different make up await. You will find these crook sheets in their "latest trends" section.

The cheat sheet lists both the techniques and the products used to accomplish the particular wait.

For a funeral, memorial service, or a celebration of life, we recommend the Clean & Simple look.

Funeral Attire in a Nutshell

Nosotros promise you lot found our Ultimate Guide on what to clothing to a funeral or memorial service for women helpful.

Retrieve, while you don't take to wear black funeral attire, y'all do have to clothes modestly and in a manner that doesn't attract undue attending.

A funeral is not almost you or about being fashionable. Information technology is about paying your respects and proverb goodbye.

Additional Resources

Did you know that Love Lives On has a comprehensive library of manufactures on grieving and healing, as well as on jubilant your loved one's life in unique ways?

Here are another pop posts on our website:

Learn how to survive the 5 stages of grief
All-time examples of heartfelt condolence phrases to use in a sympathy card
The Ultimate Guide to funeral and sympathy flowers
Helping children cope with grief

It Helps to Share…

If you lot have any comments, we'd love to hear from you. At Love Lives On, we're always listening.

You can also bank check out our Pinterest boards for more funeral attire inspiration, and more than advice on coping with grief and loss.

Don't forget to pin this mail for later!

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