Attending a funeral service for a loved one is a somber event, so it’s important to consider the outfit you’ll wear. While there isn’t a strict dress code for attending this type of service, there are traditions that you can use to help you make a tasteful decision. This guide uses those traditions to create more specific suggestions.

Do:

Research the family’s culture.

If you’re attending a funeral for an in-law or another non-blood relative, you should take the time to learn about their customs. In western societies, it’s fairly standard to wear black or other dark colors to a funeral. However, this isn’t true everywhere. Asian cultures wear white, while some African cultures traditionally wear red and black. Try to go along with the cultural norms of the family. If you’re in doubt, it’s best to ask a family member about their traditions.

Take the location into account.

You should consider the venue for the funeral service in choosing your outfit. While it’s common for a church service, some funerals are held outdoors. If the service is held outdoors, it can help to research the weather forecast for that day. If it’s warmer, you may want to wear short sleeves or lighter fabrics. Additionally, a beachfront service will be more casual than a cemetery service, so take the type of venue into account.

Don’t: 

Wear revealing clothes.

There are certain types of clothes that should always be avoided when attending any memorial service. While short sleeves are acceptable, wearing shorts, short skirts, and low-cut blouses should be avoided. Additionally, try not to wear clothes with a tight fit or those that accentuate your physique. The general rule of thumb is to avoid wearing anything that will draw attention to yourself.

Add too much color.

Except in cases where cultural norms dictate otherwise, bright or vibrant colors should be avoided. This is another way that your clothing choices can bring unwanted attention to yourself. When you’re the only person at a funeral service dressed in bright colors, you’ll stand out against the rest of the mourners. You should dress more conservatively when attending a church service than you would in attending an outdoor funeral. This means wearing a dark-colored suit or dress for a church service.

When a loved one passes away, planning the funeral service is extremely difficult. Fortunately, the compassionate and knowledgeable staff at Bolton & Lunsford Funeral Homes in Cincinnati, OH, can help you make the arrangements. In addition to hosting the services, they also carry caskets, greeting cards, memorial folders, and cremation urns. You can learn more about their funeral planning services by visiting their website. If you have specific questions, you can call them at (513) 661-4059.