What is the dress code for a wake?

A wake is a formal occasion, and your attire should reflect that. Any sort of business clothes such as a shirt and tie, a dress, nice pants and a top in dark colors would be suitable and appropriate. Avoid bright colors and clothing that is revealing or flamboyant.

What can you not wear to a wake?

Avoid wearing casual clothes like t-shirts and jeans. 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.

Do you wear all black to a wake?

When thinking about what to wear to a wake, women have to remember that this is a somber occasion, it is best to choose conservative colors and styles. You don't have to wear black, but it is acceptable if you decide to wear all black. Other colors include navy blue, gray, blush colors, and neutrals such as beige.

What do you wear to a wake if you don't have black?

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.

What do you wear to a funeral vs wake?

A wake might be slightly less formal than a funeral, but it still requires a polished, put-together look. A nice sweater and trousers are about as casual as you can go. Better to wear a jacket, neat shirt or blouse and trousers or skirt. Avoid big patterns, sequins, or anything that makes noise.

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

Is it OK to wear jeans to a wake?

Jeans are acceptable in all kinds of places where they never were before: religious services, airline flights, even our jobs. But when it comes to post-death rituals such as funerals and wakes, dressier outfits are still expected. In general, jeans should be avoided unless you have nothing else to wear.

Is it rude to go to a wake but not the funeral?

Should I attend both the wake and the funeral? It is respectful to attend both, but not compulsory. If you don't feel comfortable attending the wake, or you have a prior commitment you can't avoid, it's polite to let the grieving family know in advance – a phone call or message is usually appropriate.

How long do you stay at a wake?

According to the The Funeral Source, it is appropriate for guests to stay at the wake for as little as 15 to 20 minutes. However, you should use your own discretion upon deciding when to leave. If you're close with the family, you may want to stay longer. Offer to help and socialize with the other guests at the wake.

Why do they cover the legs in a casket?

It is a common practice to cover the legs as there is swelling in the feet and shoes don't fit. As part of funeral care, the body is dressed and preserved, with the prime focus on the face. Post embalming, bodies are often placed without shoes; hence covering the legs is the way to offer a dignified funeral.

How much do you give for a funeral wake?

How Much Should You Give? The traditional gift is the amount you would have spent on flowers for the service, generally between $50 and $100.

Do you give money at a wake?

It's common for people to give money at birthdays, weddings, but at funerals giving money isn't always a respectful gift. However, the protocols can sometimes be altered and people may still offer money if that's how they feel, or the grieving family needs the help.

Do you bring flowers to a wake?

You may bring flower arrangements that are suitable for the home if the wake is held at the home of the deceased. Wreaths or other graveside arrangements should be sent to the funeral home. More so than flowers, practical gifts are valued at wakes.

Who should attend a wake?

Wakes and viewings are usually open to all guests, though if the family has not invited you or specified that the event is family-only, you should respect their wishes and not attend. If the body will be present and on view, you may want to prepare yourself emotionally.

Can you dress casual to a wake?

And you don't want the people attending the wake to be more formally dressed than you. However, do not let your concern over clothes keep you from attending a wake. While this advice encourages formal dress, it is better to dress casually and attend a wake than not go at all.

Is it rude to wear white to a wake?

As a neutral color, white should not be considered inappropriate at most North American funerals. Though you should ask the family hosting the service when in doubt, plain, neutral colors are generally acceptable for memorials. Wearing white in conjunction with other dark tones is absolutely appropriate.

Can you wear jeans to a funeral wake?

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.

Is it OK to touch a body in a casket?

While some people find comfort in seeing their loved ones as they remember them, it may also be uncomfortable to others. If they have an open casket viewing, make sure you follow proper funeral etiquette: DON'T touch the body under any circumstances. Sometimes the casket has a glass to prevent this from happening.

Are eyes removed during embalming?

We don't remove them. You can use what is called an eye cap to put over the flattened eyeball to recreate the natural curvature of the eye. You can also inject tissue builder directly into the eyeball and fill it up. And sometimes, the embalming fluid will fill the eye to normal size.

Do morticians sew mouths shut?

Eyes and lips are not sewn or glued shut. During the embalming process, an "eye cap" is placed under each eyelid and over the eyeball. The eyes themselves may soften a little over time, but the eye cap helps to retain the shape of the eye. A Vaseline-like cream is placed on the lips to keep them together.

What typically happens at a wake?

What is a Wake? A wake, also known as a viewing, visitation or gathering, typically occurs before the funeral takes place. An urn or a casket is typically present, and the casket may be opened or closed. At this time, people pay their respects and offer condolences to loved ones of the departed.

What to do after attending a wake?

Pay respects first

After arriving and identifying your purpose to ensure that you are attending the correct wake, approach the memorial table to pay your respects. If you are offering an incense, light one incense stick and offer it into the censer.

Do you get invited to a wake?

Generally speaking, the public is invited to attend a wake, even if there's no personal connection. On the contrary, funerals tend to be more intimate with close friends and family in attendance.

Why do they cover mirrors when someone dies?

In parts of Germany and in Belgium, it was long customary to cover mirrors with a white cloth because it was thought that if a person saw his or her image in a mirror after a death in the household, that person would die shortly.

Why do they call it a wake?

Irish wakes are a celebration of life - one last party to honor the deceased. The name “wake” originated because unknown diseases had plagued the countryside causing some to appear dead. As the family began to mourn, they would awaken. For this reason, the body is waked in the deceased's home for at least one night.

What is the meal after a funeral called?

Separate from a memorial service, a funeral reception is a special event for family members and friends to honor the deceased without a formalized structure. The gathering after a funeral usually has food and drinks and serves as a venue to offer one's condolences to the family. This is also commonly known as a repast.