What do you wear to a funeral if you don't have a suit?

Button-Down Shirt, Necktie And Dress Pants
Dress like you would if you were wearing a jacket. Dark dress pants, a dress shirt and dark colored tie. Since you're not wearing a jacket, you don't have to stick to a white dress shirt. Still keep the pattern solid, but gray and black shirts are okay, too.


Is it OK to not wear a suit to a funeral?

You don't need to wear a suit to a funeral. This is a common misconception, but you can actually wear a variety of formal clothing as a man. Wearing dark dress pants or slacks is very appropriate. Pair your dress pants with a dress shirt, preferably a button-down.

What should a man wear to a casual funeral?

Stick to classic, simple clothing in dark colors. Black clothing is always a safe bet, but dark gray or navy blue can also be appropriate. Another important thing to keep in mind is comfort. A funeral can be a long day, so you want to make sure you are wearing clothes that won't make you too hot or uncomfortable.


Is it OK to dress casual for a funeral?

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.

Is it disrespectful to wear jeans to a funeral?

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.


Funeral Etiquette Guide - How To Behave, Dress Code + DO's & DON'Ts



What not to say at a funeral?

Here are seven things to avoid saying at a funeral or to someone grieving the loss of a loved one.
  • “They're an angel now.”
  • “I know how you feel.”
  • “They look so good.”
  • “Don't cry” or “Go ahead and cry.”
  • “At least it wasn't worse.”
  • “God is sovereign.”
  • “Let me know if I can help.”
  • What can you say instead?


What should you avoid at a funeral?

Things You Should NOT Do at a Funeral
  • Laugh out of turn. ...
  • Wear something revealing or loud. ...
  • Disrespect cues. ...
  • Make unnecessary noise. ...
  • Speak out of turn. ...
  • Applaud out of turn. ...
  • Yawn excessively. ...
  • Move around too much.


Is it disrespectful to not wear black at a funeral?

You Don't Have To Wear Black

However, colors like dark grey, dark blue, darker green, white, and beige can be appropriate. If you don't own any black clothing, you may always opt for a subtle hue that is appropriate for formal settings. In addition, stay away from anything with distracting patterns or prints.


Is it rude to wear black to a funeral?

Funeral Attire Colors

Black is still a safe choice for funerals. However, you're not limited to black. Other dark and muted colors also work well. Gray and navy are two popular options that fit the occasion.

What is smart casual for a funeral?

Smart, age-appropriate clothes are the preferred option for a funeral. This includes: Dark coloured trousers, plain top and jumper. Dark coloured skirt, plain top and cardigan.

Can a man wear a black shirt to a funeral?

For a funeral, keep your dress shirt simple. A clean, white dress shirt is the best choice. A subdued color like gray or black can also work. Again, avoid bright colors.


Can I wear jeans and a shirt to a funeral?

Can you wear jeans to a funeral? 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.

What do you wear to a funeral in 2022?

All things considered, black or any other dark-coloured dress is always appropriate. Make sure to consider the location and weather of the funeral service and consult with the family member of the deceased if you need some specific advice.

Is it OK to wear navy at a funeral?

Dress Conservatively

Your clothing does not have to be all black. It's common for funeral attendees to wear navy blue, dark grey, violet, and many other colors. Men's funeral attire should stick to wearing a suit with an ironed white dress shirt and dark tie to match.


Is it OK to wear a sport coat to a funeral?

Suits always are appropriate for the day of the funeral or memorial service. If you do not own a suit a sport coat is fine or you can wear a shirt and tie, and dress pants. If this is not possible, wear a shirt or sweater with a nice pair of pants.

Are khakis OK for a funeral?

Chinos and khaki pants are sometimes considered even business casual, so wearing them for a funeral is appropriate. Pair them with either a buttoned shirt or a polo t-shirt. Shirts are a must-have for the majority of the occasions in a man's life, and attending a funeral is one of them.

What color is not allowed in funeral?

It's generally acceptable to wear non-black clothing, such as dark blue or gray. Stick with subdued colors and fabric textures so that you don't pull attention away from the person who is being honored. Avoid red, bright pink, orange, yellow, or other bright colors.


What shoes do you wear to a funeral?

Opt for a conservative, closed-toed pair of heels or flats. The same rule applies for both men's and women's sandals. If your funeral will be taking place in a warm climate, you might be tempted to throw on a pair of fancier sandals or open-toed shoes.

What does wearing blue to a funeral mean?

Funeral etiquette says that wearing dark colors to a funeral, including the color navy, is considered a sign of respect for the deceased. Whereas, and in the case of children, some families may request that the guests wear bright colors to celebrations of life—or memorial ceremonies.

What does no black at a funeral mean?

However, there are some funerals where black is specifically prohibited – at the request of the deceased or their loved ones. Alternatively, you might not have black attire to hand in time to pay your respects and so you're in need of alternative ideas.


Can you wear navy blue to funeral?

If you can't wear black, some staple colors to wear at a funeral are dark and muted tones such as navy blue, charcoal, deep greys, maroons, deep purple, etc.

What does wearing white to a funeral mean?

White is a color of mourning across the globe

Clean, white shirts are usually worn with suits, and funeral flowers are usually white too. In Medieval times, white was worn together with black when honoring lost lives. Buddhists wear white to funerals as a symbol of mourning, and respect to the deceased person.

What is the most disrespectful thing to do at a funeral?

"Talking or being on your phone during the service is one of the most disrespectful things you could do at a funeral," says Myka Meier, Beaumont Etiquette founder and etiquette expert. It's important to be as present as possible. "Silence your phone, shut off your phone, or even just leave it behind.


What's the hardest part of a funeral?

Attending a visitation can be the hardest part for people to attend, because it involves talking to the deceased's family. A good recommendation is to say something simple such as “I am sorry about your loss”, especially if there are many other guests waiting to share their condolences.

Is it rude to cry at a funeral?

It's Okay to Cry: How to Embrace Crying and Your Feelings. Finally, remind yourself that crying at a funeral is a natural part of the grieving process. You're allowed to show your emotions, even if it feels awkward at first. In fact, some cultures include crying as part of the wake etiquette.