Funerals have many long-standing traditions, and the dress code is one of them. While they can already be a stressful time, not knowing what to wear can add to the anxiety. It’s essential to follow the general guidelines and remain respectful. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow when deciding what to wear, so you won’t potentially upset the other attendees by seeming insensitive.

Do:

Follow the family’s requests.

Ultimately, the family of the deceased will decide what they want everyone to wear. They may go with a traditional dress code or choose something casual. In some cases, they may personalize the funeral by having everyone wear a certain article or color. Follow their guidelines, and reach out with any questions.

Go conservative.

If you’re in doubt, always go conservative. For men, a black suit and tie are preferred, and women can wear a black dress or blouse. Show as little skin as possible, and make sure your clothes are clean and cared for. In many cases, funeralwear is about blending in and not drawing any attention to yourself.

Don’t:

Wear flashy clothes and accessories.

Flamboyant hats or shoes, large gaudy bags, or over-the-top jewelry and accessories are all major no-nos. These draw too much attention to yourself. Funerals are about paying homage to the deceased. Commemorating them is the primary goal, so don’t distract everyone with your clothing.

Forget the weather.

Inclement weather and extreme temperatures still warrant conservative dresswear. Don’t wear a large coat or use an extravagant umbrella that will stand out. These are best left in the car. Instead, a dark sports coat and basic black umbrella will suffice.

Frederick Funeral Home knows the difficulty that comes with funeral planning and focuses on alleviating much of the burden. Since 1932, this family-owned funeral home has offered a variety of services, including cremation arrangements and pre-planning, to the Cincinnati, OH, area. Visit their website to learn more about their history, or call (513) 522-3700 to schedule a consultation.