Here at Waters & Sons Funeral Directors, we understand that deciding what to wear to a funeral can be a difficult choice. It is a general rule that those attending a funeral should wear smart attire that is respectful and conservative. This isn’t the case for every funeral service and depends on the plans of the individual. Within this blog post, we will answer some of the most asked questions regarding what to wear to a funeral service.

Do I need to wear black to a funeral?

Black has been worn by guests at funerals for years and is a sign of mourning and respect for those who have passed. For contemporary funerals, black isn’t the only colour that should be worn as dark shades of clothing are acceptable.

Your attire should not draw any attention towards you and you should respect that the service is about the family and the person who has passed.

Some modern funerals like to incorporate a specific colour into the service. At the request of some families, you may be asked to wear the favourite colour of the person that has passed. For example, all guests who attend a service may be asked to wear a single piece of bright clothing such as a yellow tie or pink shoes as a sign of remembrance.

Do you have to wear a suit to a funeral?

The traditional funeral dress for men at funerals is a suit. You should wear a plain long-sleeved, buttoned white shirt to the service.



Ensure that you keep your suit jacket on throughout the service as this is a sign of respect to the person who has passed. Your shoes should be dark in colour, clean and well polished to show that you have put some effort into your appearance.

Do I have to wear a tie to a funeral?

Wearing a tie to a funeral service is a common practice and if you can it should be black, however, a dark shade tie is acceptable to wear to modern funerals.

If you have been asked to complete a reading or tribute at the service or even be a pallbearer, you could ask the funeral director if there is a particular dress code that you need to adhere to.

Can I wear navy to a funeral or memorial service?

Navy and grey can be worn by guests to a funeral or memorial service. The family members and close friends to the person who has passed should wear black as well as the memorial service director.

What should men wear to a funeral?

This is a question that is frequently asked and here at Walters & Sons Funeral Directors, we have a list that you can consult for acceptable to wear to a funeral or memorial service.

• Dark or black suit
• Collared white long-sleeved shirt
• Plain black/dark tie
• Polished black/dark shoes
• What is acceptable for women to wear to a funeral?
• The traditional funeral attire for women at memorial services include the following clothing.
• Dark coloured clothing
• Plain blouse
• Blazer
• Dark cardigan
• Smart shoes or heels

All clothing should be respectable and if you decide to wear a skirt or a dress it should be of a respectable length to avoid your attire being deemed inappropriate or revealing. Footwear should be appropriate and you should consider the weather, setting and if you will be attending the service graveside.

What should a child wear to a funeral?

If a child is required to attend a funeral, the dress code is not as rigid as it is for adults. Children should wear attire that is respectful, plain (where possible) and clean.



Children should wear clothing that is appropriate for attendance to a place of worship but the importance of attire for children is primarily based on them looking clean, presentable and neat.

What shouldn’t I wear to a funeral?

Attending a memorial service or funeral is a way to show respect to the deceased and to the family members of those that have passed. With this in mind, we have collated a list of inappropriate attire that you shouldn’t wear at memorial service to show respect.

• Flip flops or trainers
• Revealing outfits
• Jeans
• Cap or hat
• Printed / Slogan T-Shirt
• Excessive amounts of jewellery
• Colourful ties (unless it has been requested by the family)

Here at Walters & Sons Funeral Directors, we are on hand to help take the stress and discomfort away from planning a memorial or funeral service. We can help you to plan a funeral and our family run service will be the friendly and informative source that will provide comfort during your difficult time of need.

Here at Waters & Sons Funeral Directors, our personal, dedicated family run funeral services, based in Southampton, is on hand to care for your family throughout the whole process, offering expert help and advice, 24 hours a day. Whether you’re planning a funeral, searching for a high-quality coffin, or needing funeral service advice, you can count on us.