Today I’m talking about what to wear to a funeral home visitation and memorial service. Although this is not a fun topic whatsoever, it is a very important one. Anyone attending such an event should take extra precaution to make sure they are dressed properly. Failure to do so can come off disrespectful, even if that was not the intention.
Visitation attire does not have to be as formal as the funeral service itself. Many people are coming from work to the funeral home, so business to business-casual attire is common. You’ll definitely want to look professional and appropriate which is why I’d stick to a simple outfit of darker colors.
The funeral itself will definitely be more on the dressier side. Dresses, skirts, and dress pants are appropriate while going the extra mile to look put-together. Again, darker colors are encouraged unless noted otherwise.
Some noteworthy points that apply to both events:
- Go the extra mile to dress modestly. Shoulders should be covered, necklines should be high, etc. People of all ages attend so it is respectful to keep that in mind when picking out an outfit. I’ve attended many funerals where someone dresses inappropriately and it comes off as discourteous.
- Your outfit should be simple and not flashy. Statement necklaces, loud prints, brighter colors should not be apart of your attire since they can too seem bad mannered and out of place.
- Casual clothes have no place at a funeral visitation or memorial service. Sometimes men can get away with dark denim at a funeral home visitation if the rest of their outfit is dressy, but I advise against it all together.
- Make sure your clothes fit you well. It seems like common sense, but often people have one outfit they designate for a funeral service and when they put it on that day it’s either too tight or too big. Avoid looking sloppy and make sure you have one or two outfits that can be worn to a funeral that will keep you looking polished.
This is an outfit I have worn to a funeral before. It’s professional, uses dark colors, and very minimalist.
There is a great importance of dressing appropriate for this type of event, but I would also like to add that if there is no possible way of changing and you find yourself in the wrong attire, please still attend the visitation. Supporting a friend or family member who has lost a loved one is much more important than what you wear. It’s far from ideal, but it’s better than not going at all.
