The Legion encourages the wearing of Poppies at funerals of Veterans, and for any commemorative event such as a memorial service, or the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. As well, it is not inappropriate to wear a Poppy during other times to commemorate Fallen Veterans and it is an individual choice to do so.
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.
CAF members shall wear the poppy on all uniforms from the last Friday in October until Remembrance Day (November 11th) and are encouraged to wear it when attending any event whose main purpose is to commemorate Canadians who died in battle.”
However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds. In terms of accessories, a white shirt is the most common item of clothing to wear under a suit, while jewelry should be kept to a minimum and not too flashy.
Funeral flower etiquette dictates that you always address funeral flowers to the funeral parlor, with an instruction informing the funeral home personnel that the flowers are for the funeral of the name of the decedent. You can also take funeral flowers to the grave – especially if you're a family member.
The most traditional funeral flowers center around the lily. The lily can be a powerful symbol of the spirit of a loved one that offers hope and encouragement to a grieving family. White is a good color to send for a faith-based or religious service. Carnations are a very popular choice for sympathy flowers.
What is the 3:5-8 rule in floristry? The 3:5-8 rule in floristry is a guideline that helps create balanced and visually appealing floral arrangements. It suggests using three types of focal flowers, five stems of greenery, and eight stems of filler flowers.
In Australia, it's customary to wear subdued, respectful clothing. Dark colours are often preferred, though it's essential to consider the wishes of the deceased's family.
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.
While black is the go-to color for funeral attire, it's OK to wear darker tones like navy, forest green or charcoal. Geometric or small floral prints are acceptable for funeral attire as long as they aren't overpowering. Want to know more about summer funeral attire? Read our latest article!
The Poppy should be worn with respect on the left side, over the heart. The Legion's lapel Poppy is a sacred symbol of Remembrance and should not be affixed with any pin that obstructs the Poppy.
For many Protestants and Unionists, the poppy is a symbol of respect for the war dead and also a potent symbol of their Britishness. By contrast, for many Catholics and Republicans it stands for empire, oppression and the British occupation.
The poppy is most famously associated with conflict. It is viewed as the 'flower of evil' in the East, while in the West it has become the flower that commemorates fallen soldiers, through the ancient Greek association with sleep and death.
However, one thing that is never okay to do is to bring drugs or drinks to a funeral or to show up intoxicated. This is the number one sign of complete disrespect and rudeness. Imagine if it was your funeral. You wouldn't want someone opening a beer or having a hidden flask of drinks.
If the family has requested a more relaxed dress code, consider gentle pastels like light blue, lavender, or blush pink. These colours are ideal for colourful funerals that celebrate life rather than mourning.
Though today's etiquette no longer demands that funeral attendees wear all black, opting for dark muted colors is always a smart choice. Unless specifically asked for by the host, bright colors, flashy prints and trendy accessories won't be well received.
Typical traditional funeral outfits:
Women's Attire
For women, you can go in either a business suit or a simple dress. If you're going to go with the latter, it's important to choose a dress that goes below the knees and covers the shoulders. If you don't really have a suitable dress or a suit, you may go with some dress pants and a blazer or jumper.
While you don't have to wear black to a funeral, you should stick to neutral, conservative colours in order to be respectful. Colours like grey and navy blue strike a balance between being versatile enough to suit cultural and personal preferences, while also reflecting the solemnity of the occasion.
Lilies. Symbolize the restored innocence of the soul of the deceased. They are one of the most common funeral flowers.
Wearing shoes is a must. This means that you should not go for sandals or very casual options. Even sneakers are not something you want to consider. Stick to more formal options, like close-toed shoes.
For this dress code, consider wearing “business casual” attire with a collared shirt, blouse, dress pants/chinos, or knee-length/long skirt. The traditional black is still acceptable, but a relaxed funeral dress code offers more freedom to wear a range of muted colors.
12 flowers: Symbolizes a whole year, so it can mean “loving you every month.” Such bouquets are appropriate for the anniversary of your first meeting, your wedding or first date. 16 flowers: “I wish you happiness.” Usually given to a friend or relative. 19 flowers: “Be together all your life,” customary for a wedding.
Not Trimming the Stems of Your Flowers Properly
The first mistake you'll want to avoid is taking care of the stems of your flowers. You'll want to trim the stems properly. Cutting flower stems in the right way is vital to their growth and lifespan.
The 3 5 8 rule in floristry refers to the concept of using three types of flowers, five stems of greenery, and eight stems of filler flowers in a floral arrangement. This rule provides a balanced structure to the arrangement by ensuring a harmonious combination of different floral elements.