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Attending a funeral can be daunting, but it’s important that you get funeral etiquette right, especially when it comes to attire. 

So, what is the best outfit for a funeral?

What to Not Wear to a Funeral

Funeral outfits should be simple and classic, ideally all black. While you might spend a lot of time thinking about what to wear, we’ve broken down what you shouldn’t wear to a funeral as well. Here’s what to avoid:

  • Casual clothing
  • Jeans 
  • Shorts 
  • Inappropriate footwear (flip flops, sneakers)
  • Revealing clothing
  • Flashy, glittery, or sequined clothing

What to Wear to a Funeral

With the previous list in mind, this leaves you with the following clothing that are appropriate for funerals:

  • Conservative clothing
  • Smart or formal clothing
  • Blouses
  • Trousers
  • Suit and tie
  • Collared shirt with tie
  • Long skirts

Don’t forget that Māori funerals might also have different clothing customs, which is something to take into account if a Māori funeral is being held. However, many aspects of funeral clothing (i.e black and conservative) are universally accepted.

What Colour Should You Not Wear to a Funeral?

Black is of course the best colour to wear to a funeral, symbolising respect for the deceased. Nonetheless, you don’t always have to wear black – other colours that are appropriate for funerals include:

  • Browns
  • Dark grey
  • Deep blues

Avoid wearing lighter or bright colours like yellows and reds. In some cases, the funeral service might have a specific dress code according to the deceased’s wishes. Nonetheless, black or other dark colours are still typically recommended for funerals.

If in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask the deceased’s family if they have a particular dress code or colour scheme in mind for the deceased’s funeral.

If you require professional and affordable funeral services, Bay Cremation Care is here to help. We specialise in high-quality cremation services that provide the chance for you to say a final farewell in a heartfelt and meaningful way. From fixed-price funerals to funerals planned in advance, you can count on us to deliver compassionate services that are tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to learn more about our services, or if you have any further questions.