Bottom line: jeans are not appropriate for a funeral. Unless the family requests them, you should avoid wearing denim to a funeral. However, if it's a casual, outdoor service, you can consider a dark (almost black denim) paired with a button-down shirt and blazer.
If you're attending a visitation or calling hours, it's best to wear something modest but not over-the-top; dress like you're going to church on an average Sunday. For women, dress pants and a nice top will do fine, or perhaps a versatile dress. For men, slacks and a button-down are appropriate.
Visitations, or calling hours, are generally more casual than funeral services. They often occur after the regular work day, so it's completely appropriate to attend a visitation in your usual business or business casual clothes.
While you don't need to wear black to a funeral viewing or visitation, many people choose to do so as a sign of respect. If you're unsure what to wear, sticking to darker colors is always a safe bet.
Lighter jeans are okay if you're attending a Memorial Service or Celebration of Life where the family has requested casual wear. But for a more formal funeral, stick to darker blue jeans. Wash and iron clothing when appropriate for the most put-together funeral style.
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.
What should I wear to a visitation vs a funeral? You should wear dark and muted colors to both a visitation and a funeral. However, at a funeral, you'll typically be expected to wear more formal clothing, such as a suit or a dress.
The most common answer is that jeans aren't considered appropriate funeral etiquette unless requested by the family. However, dark, unembellished jeans paired with a shirt, tie, and blazer for men or a blouse and a blazer for women can be appropriate for a casual service.
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.
Women's Dress Code for Funeral Visitation
Women may decide to wear a dress, dress slacks, plain skirt, blouse, sweater set, or a business skirt suit or pant suit. Color choices are the same as those for men: navy, gray, black, or brown. Avoid brilliant, flashy colors and wild, colorful patterns.
Here are a few examples of comments to avoid: “I know exactly how you feel.” “God never gives us more than we can handle. God must have needed another angel in heaven. This is God's plan.” “Just try to be strong.” Or anything starting with the words “at least,” such as, “At least you have your other children with you.
Hair should be simple. Those with shorter hair should go for a clean look. Those with longer hair can try out a modest updo or a half-up, half-down hairstyle. Like with all aspects of your outfit, your hair should be respectful and not distracting from the memorial event.
Viewings and visitations are usually formal events, so guests will usually be expected to wear formal and modest attire. For women, this can include things such as dresses, dress pants, blouses, etc. For men, this can consist of suits, collared shirts, ties, etc.
If you have an adult with you at the funeral home, it is ok to touch a dead body, and you will not get in trouble. You are naturally curious, and sometimes when you see and touch a dead body it helps you answer your questions. Remember to be gentle and have an adult help you.
As with a funeral service, if you are invited to a wake, viewing, or visitation you should feel free to go. If the event is limited to family only, you should respect the family's wishes and not attend.
You are not required to actually view the body at a funeral viewing. Many people are a bit uncomfortable with the idea of attending a viewing, but keep in mind that funeral viewing etiquette does not require you to actually look at or spend time with the deceased if you are not comfortable doing so.
Jeans, t-shirts, and baseball caps are not appropriate attire for a wake. It's also important to remember that hats should not be worn inside the funeral home during a wake or funeral. This is a sign of respect for the deceased and their family, as well as those in attendance.
Avoid clothing that is too revealing, flashy, or attention-grabbing. When in doubt, it's always appropriate to ask the family or the funeral home about the dress code for the service. Leggings are generally considered athletic wear and may not be formal enough for a funeral.
unless otherwise instructed by the family. Flowers, sympathy cards, custom keepsakes, and donations are all appropriate gifts to bring to a funeral. While a gift is certainly not required, it can be a thoughtful way to communicate your love for those grieving.
Light and bright colors like pink, green, red, or yellow are appropriate. The style is also more casual than formal. While you can still wear a suit or heels if you wish, middle-of-the-road to casual styles are preferred. Appropriate options include jeans, leggings, blouse, skirt, khaki pants, polo shirt, etc.
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.
A viewing is an unstructured gathering of friends and family where visitors can pay their respects to either the deceased after having been prepared by a mortician, or to a cremation urn or series of memorial photos. A viewing, compared to a funeral, is generally a more informal event.
Visitations tend to be less formal than funeral services, so you can afford to dress in slightly more casual clothing. Depending on how well you know the family, attendees will be expected to stay for only a short period of time.
Business casual is typically acceptable. Stay away from festive or fun attire. Sometimes families choose to encourage the celebration of their loved one's life at the wake. If that is the case, wearing festive clothing is totally acceptable.