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Funeral services are difficult and sad events, as they serve as gatherings to say final goodbyes to a loved one who’s passed. Listening to mourners share stories and read passages should be the main focus of the event, but there is dressing etiquette for funerals that one should consider. Remembering a few do’s and don’ts will keep your attire appropriate and let you focus entirely on the service.

Do’s of Funeral Attire Etiquette:

Put On Sensible Shoes

Women should wear comfortable, closed-toe dress shoes with low heels. Men should also wear formal footwear to the event, making sure to remove scuffs and additional blemishes beforehand.

Think About Cultural Traditions

Harpers-Ferry-West-Virginia-funeral-servicesColors associated with mourning vary greatly in different parts of the world. Western cultures connect black with mourning, which is why people typically wear the color or similar dark shades during funeral services. This is not the case with some Asian cultures, for example, as white is worn to symbolize grief. Wearing red to the ceremonies is also considered a sign of disrespect. Inquire about cultural traditions included in the service when deciding what color to wear.  

Dress for the Weather

During traditional burial services, mourners often accompany the casket to the cemetery. You can be outside for a long time, so look at the weather forecast before leaving the house. Make sure to bring along a coat if temperatures are expected to drop. Wearing sunglasses will prevent eye strain when there’s no shade around. Carry an umbrella with you if the service is on a rainy day.   

Don’ts of Funeral Attire Etiquette:

Wearing Distracting Patterns

You should blend in with everyone else at the gathering. Wearing eye-catching colors and loud patterns will make you stand. Doing so could be considered disrespectful, so wear conservative clothing. 

Show Too Much Skin

Similar to wearing busy prints and flashy colors, donning tight or see-through clothing is also something to avoid. Women should also stay away from skirts with hemlines well above the knee, while men should wear only pants. Full suits for men and long dresses and pantsuits for women are appropriate outfits to wear. 

Pile on Accessories

Keep ostentatious accessories in the closet and jewelry box. Wearing a large hat could make it difficult for people behind you to see, while large earrings, necklaces, and bracelets could create noise while you move. Neckties and cufflinks with logos and whimsical designs shouldn’t be worn unless they were somehow significant to the deceased. 

 

If you need help making funeral arrangements in Jefferson County, WV, reach out to Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home. For 100 years, area residents have turned to the kind and courteous staff to create touching funeral services to honor the memory of their loved ones. To schedule a consultation, call (304) 724-6500. A representative is available to answer questions. Visit the Harpers Ferry-based funeral home online to learn more about their rich history in the community, and Facebook page to read client reviews. 

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