Is it ok to wear jeans and a button down shirt to a wake?

Question

It's actually a viewing...sorry.

Answer 1

In the upmost reverence to the person, I think not. If it is all you have, then its fine, but if at all possible, get something nicer to wear.

Answer 2

No. Dress respectably. You are on stage. How you represent your self at a wake or a funeral will be remembered years afterward. What I mean to say is - if you dress well and act politely - people will think well of you, but if you look like a bum and have bad posture - that is how people will remember how you dared to act at a wake of all places. You would be better off not going rather than offending the family. Wear a suit or at least a dark sport coat with well ironed clothes.

Even if you know other people will show up casually, you put forth the effort and make a good impression.

Walk with dignity and reverence for the deceased. Speak kindly of the deceased to all the relatives. Don't slouch.

Answer 3

If you have nothing else, wear the jeans and button down. Make sure your shirt is tucked in and you're wearing a belt. No sneakers (runners) or sandals allowed. Add a tie if you have one. BUT! If you have a tie, chances are you have a pair of slacks or khakis - wear those instead. It doesn't matter what colour (any slacks or khakis are better than jeans) but the darker the better.

Personally I think jeans would be fine, but most people don't.

Answer 4

It depends. My best friends sister passed away 3 yrs ago & the only time I could view her was straight from work (chemical lab). So I had to go in my "decent" work jeans & a "decent" shirt. As long as you are paying your last respects it shouldnt matter TOO MUCH what you wear. That sounds OK to me. Just dont walk in there with a pair of Speedos & some Nikes on!

Answer 5

I don't appreciate onefootnaked's response. How come it's okay if you are south of the Mason-Dixon line? Let me tell you, onefootnaked, you are the one who obviously wears no shoes, or one, NOT US. Don't judge us.

As far as your question, I live in MS and we don't wear jeans to a wake. Some who don't have the funds for better, or don't get out much and that is all they have, we recognize that and pretty much let it be okay. For those that know better, attend church and weddings and can afford a pair of khaki pants, this is the way to go.

Answer 6

If jeans are all you have, it's okay to wear them, just be sure to be clean and neat. You could consider adding a necktie to the jeans and b.d. shirt ensemble; this will add a formal touch that shows you made an extra effort.

Answer 7

No. Put on some khakis at least. And wear shoes, not sandals. It is a viewing/wake and a time to show respect to the dead AND their surviving family.

Answer 8

The important thing is that you cared enough to even go to the wake. The same with going to church. God doesn't care who wears designer clothing or jeans from a thrift store.

Answer 9

No, I worked in a funeral home for 8 years and it used to just drive me crazy to see people come in as a show of respect and wear flip flops, shorts, miniskirts, halter tops, jeans, etc. Please dress with the respect the person deserves.

Answer 10

Nope, unless the deceased was a jeans and flannel shirt-wearing, dirty slob and so is everyone else in attendance...You'd be smart to look sharp. (besides, you never know when you might meet someone special...don't you always want to look your absolute best?)

Answer 11

I wouldn't. If I were going to a viewing it would be to show my respect for the deceased. Dressing appropriate is part of that.