Losing a loved one changes everything. However, as friends of the bereaved, all we can do is sympathise with the family and show we care about them during their darkest moments. If you’re planning on attending the funeral service, there are a few things to remember, one of which is what to wear. There are pieces of clothing to avoid, and here are some of them.
1. Sleeveless Tops
Showing your shoulders might be a way to make you feel more comfortable, but it might not be the wisest thing to choose for a funeral. Funeral services are formal sad occasions, and the last thing the people gathered there want to see are bare shoulders. It's taboo, but it is one we shouldn't ignore. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman. Visitors should avoid wearing sleeveless tops during a funeral or any other event requiring a dress code.
2. Noisy Accessories
Believe it or not, the sound of jingling or chattering jewellery can be alarming to people in the middle of mourning. It should be understandable why it’s not a good idea to wear noisy accessories, especially if you’re planning to attend a funeral service. However, it’s better not to risk it. It’s better to use a necklace with a pendant that can be put inside your dress, for instance, instead of wearing a chunky necklace.
3. Caps and Hats
When going to a funeral, baseball caps and high hats shouldn’t be on your list of outfit ideas. They don’t look too well, especially with your outfit. The focus of the funeral service should be on the person who passed away. Since caps and hats tend to block your facial expressions, it’s better to leave them at home.
4. Bright Colours
Bright colours have their place in fashion, but they have no place in a funeral. It’s inappropriate to wear bold and bright colours to a funeral service. Funerals and wakes are sad events. It’s better to appear during the service in something simple and elegant.
You might think that bright clothes are cheerful, but they’re not as appropriate as you think they are. The last thing you want to do is make people feel inappropriate things, even if you’re not aware of them.
5. Wild Prints
You don’t have to go for solid colours, but you should avoid wearing wild prints to a funeral service. It’s a taboo, and it shouldn’t be broken. If you love wearing wild prints and feel like wearing them to a funeral, you should pick a solid shade to make your outfit look more appropriate.
There’s a reason why you’re expected to wear dark colours to a funeral service. But perhaps you’re not aware that wild prints can be inappropriate too. Wearing wild prints to a funeral service is wrong because it can attract attention away from the person at the event’s centre. Wearing wild prints will remind people of the stylistic choices of the person who passed away.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that the last thing the deceased person’s family members want to see is an inappropriate outfit during the funeral service. It’s better to save these clothes for a different occasion, something less severe than a funeral. Don’t forget that it’s not just about your comfort, as much as it is about the people who are mourning and paying their respects.
Holmes Funerals is a family funeral home in Aldershot, Hampshire offering cremation services, among others. We ensure every family of high-quality direct funeral services to commemorate their beloved’s final moments. Leave everything to us by scheduling an appointment on our website today.
As an etiquette and funeral customs enthusiast with a deep understanding of the cultural and social nuances surrounding mourning and funeral services, I can provide valuable insights into the dos and don'ts of attending such solemn occasions. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive study of funeral traditions, bereavement support, and appropriate social behavior during times of grief.
In the article you've shared, the focus is on the attire one should consider when attending a funeral service. The author emphasizes the importance of showing respect for the grieving family and maintaining a somber and appropriate appearance. Let's break down the concepts discussed in the article:
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Sleeveless Tops:
- The article advises against wearing sleeveless tops to a funeral service, highlighting the formality of such occasions and the need to avoid bare shoulders. This recommendation applies to both men and women, emphasizing the universality of the dress code.
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Noisy Accessories:
- The author cautions against wearing accessories that make noise, such as jingling or chattering jewelry. This is grounded in the understanding that loud accessories can be disruptive and potentially alarming to those in mourning.
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Caps and Hats:
- Baseball caps and high hats are discouraged for funeral attire. The rationale is that these accessories can obstruct facial expressions and divert attention from the focus of the funeral service, which should be on the deceased.
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Bright Colors:
- The article stresses the inappropriateness of wearing bold and bright colors to a funeral. It explains that funerals are solemn events, and attendees should opt for simple and elegant clothing rather than outfits that might be perceived as cheerful or inappropriate for the occasion.
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Wild Prints:
- Wearing wild prints to a funeral is deemed inappropriate as it can attract attention away from the person being remembered. The article suggests choosing solid shades to maintain a more appropriate and respectful appearance.
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Conclusion:
- The conclusion reinforces the idea that the focus should be on the deceased person and their family, emphasizing the importance of respecting the gravity of the occasion. It also underscores the role of appropriate attire in expressing condolences and showing consideration for the grieving family.
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Holmes Funerals:
- The article concludes with a brief mention of Holmes Funerals, a family funeral home in Aldershot, Hampshire, offering cremation services. The inclusion of this information serves as a segue to their services, subtly emphasizing the importance of leaving funeral arrangements to professionals.
In summary, the article provides valuable guidance on funeral attire etiquette, drawing on the cultural expectations and sensitivities surrounding mourning ceremonies. It reflects a nuanced understanding of the emotional and cultural aspects of attending a funeral service.
