What do I wear to a wake?

Question

I've never been to one... Black formal attire?

Answer 1

It can be black formal attire or other things. Men can wear a dark suit - grey - blue - brown or other. I think a tie would be be in order. Women can wear conservative dark colored attire. A veil may or may not be appropriate.

When you go in the body will be lying in state and often the casket is opened. You will be able to walk by the body. Their is usualy a stand for people to kneel at so that you can say a prayer for the soul of the deceased if you are someone that prays for the dead.

After visiting the side of the coffin go up to the immediate family and/or closest friends and pay your respects to them. Either shake their hands, kiss or hug them - you be the judge. Let them know what this person meant to you.

There will usually be chairs for people to sit at.

Sit as long as you feel you need too. Talk with other friends of the deceased. It is ok to get in conversations, just keep your voice low and if something is funny, don't laugh out loud. Keep it down, remember where you are.

When you leave, say another prayer by the deceased if you feel you must. Say good bye to the immediate family and closest friends. Exit gracefully.

I am sorry for your loss. Best wishes to you and for the soul of your loved one.

Answer 2

Proper dress depends on the culture. For example, in many asian countries, wearing white is a sign of death or bad luck, and so brides do not wear white to the wedding.

In North America, a traditional christian wake will usually have people wearing dark blue or black clothing. Men wear dark dress pants, clean white or grey shirt, and a tie (no flashy colors like Tommy Hilfiger recommended). Women wear dress slacks or skirt, and usually nothing too revealing. It is a wake, not a singles bar.

However, there are always exceptions. Some people use the wake as a festive occasion to remember and enjoy the memories that each person has of the person who passed away. I would still not recommend jeans and a monster truck T-shirt, though.

Answer 3

The ocation is a formal and sad one,according of the occidental culture your garments have to be a reflecion of your feelings,so a formal attire is recommended.
Dark Jacket,withe shirt an perhaps a tie of gray or black color is recommendable.Do not were tennis shoes

Answer 4

Black business attire...not formal.
Navy Blue or Grey are also appropriate colors for a wake.
Men should wear a suit.
Women can wear a dress, slacks and sweater, and heels.

Answer 5

Black formal attire will be fine. Unless it was a clown from the circus that died. Then I think you should dress more colorful!

Answer 6

It doesnt have to be formal but not jeans either. Black is usually good but colors are ok but if you dont no the person very well stick to black. If you know the person really well try wearing that persons favorite color if you know it. It is ok to wear colors like yellow but not to bright.

Answer 7

Black is always appropriate, however go easy on the formal part. Business wear is always correct at a funeral. If you think that you look hot in a particular outfit, wear something else not so hot.

Answer 8

Black dress, nothing showy. or a black or navy suit. Anything dressy but not formal like a prom dress. Something I would classify as church clothes, but in a dark color. Nothing bright♥

Answer 9

Yes formal black ok

Answer 10

It doesn't need to be formal...semi-formal or dress-casual is fine. I would stick to black or navy. Avoid bright colors.