Deciding what to wear to a funeral can be difficult. You want to wear comfortable clothing you don’t have to fuss with, but you still want to look refined and respectful. Since it can be confusing trying to decide on the right outfit for a mournful occasion, below are a few suggestions for choosing appropriate funeral attire.

How to Choose Respectful Funeral Apparel

1. Avoid Revealing Clothing

When attending a service, modest attire shows respect for the bereaved and their loved ones. Revealing or offensive clothing only draws negative attention and makes for an uncomfortable situation. As such, avoid dresses or blouses that expose more skin than necessary and keep hemlines below the knee. Throw a cardigan over any sleeveless tops and be sure your neckline is appropriately modest.

2. Consider Religious Customs

Keep religion and culture in mind when selecting an outfit. Consider the customs of the deceased and do some research on appropriate funeral apparel for specific religions. If you are unsure at any point, check with the person organizing the service.

3. Be Comfortable

Burial services or cremations often involve standing or sitting still for long periods. Try to wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t make your skin itch or chafe and make sure your outfit isn’t too tight. Avoid shoes with an extremely high heel and try to wear clothing that is weather-conscious as well.

4. Minimize Accessories

Funerals are not the time to over-accessorize. Statement necklaces, dangling jewelry, and flashy hats or purses have no place at a burial service. Instead, opt for no-frills jewelry and leave any bold-colored bags at home. 

5. Ask for Advice

Consult with the funeral director or someone close to the departed for guidance on what to wear. Depending on the location of the service, there may be a specific dress code. It’s also possible that the deceased may have specified a preference for what attendees should wear to the service.

 

If you need further guidance on appropriate apparel, consult the professionals at Cornwell Funeral Home. Located in Dardanelle, AR, they provide respectful memorial services and have been helping families through the grieving process since 1898. A family-owned establishment, they offer support through all of your arrangements and give gentle guidance every step of the way. To learn more about their offerings, call (479) 229-2524 to speak with a funeral director or visit them online today.