What is considered proper attire to attend funerals these days? One is coming soon and I have nothing to wear!

Question

I'm a guy in Indiana!

This is my Dad's funeral. I don't have suit or big bucks to spend. He ask to be buried in his PJ's and robe. What is most casual I could do?

Answer 1

Don't spend a dime. Your dad is going out comfortable. I'm sure that if you also showed up comfortable for the funeral you could not pay him any greater show of tribute, respect, compassion or love. Just do what you have to do for yourself to get through this tough time. Bless you.

Answer 2

Darlin, I agree that the "rules" have become relaxed quite a bit in the last few years. BUT, I think that you have to look at a couple of points: how close are you to the family? is this the type of family that would appreciate "appropriate" attire? or would they not care in the least, also, do you have some form of function that you have to do? I.E. usher, etc. If so, you definitely want to be in a nice suit. If you do not own a suit, please don't go buy one just for this one time! The family would neither expect or want you to do that. The white shirt, NO JEANS, slacks and if you can at all, a tie. Also, one little thing I always taught my son--with a white dress shirt, you ALWAYS wear an undershirt!! Yes, it makes a difference! And if you aren't in the habit of it yet--get into the habit of ALWAYS having a fresh clean hankerchief in the back pocket. (You'd be surprised at how this can and does impress a female!!!) Good luck!!!!

Answer 3

It depends on the person, your relationship with them and their family, and where you live. I've attended funerals where EVERYONE was in formal, dark attire, and I attended calling hours last week for a friend who would not have worn a suit and would have laughed at people who dressed up. Other than uniformed members of the local fire department, about half the men wore dress pants/ khakis and half wore jeans. i think all the men wore collared shirts, but no suits. This was in rural Western NY, so if you live in a similar area, dress pants and a polo dress shirt would be appropriate.

Answer 4

I've seen people wear everything from shorts and flip flops to suits. I always take in account the person whose funeral it is and what they would want. If it was a business relationship, then a nice pair of slacks and dress shirt, & tie. If its more casual leave out the tie. Make sure and wear a belt and nice shoes, nothing tackier then dress pants and tennis shoes :)

Answer 5

Wear whatever you think your Dad would have liked. I have been to some funerals where a farmer friend has passed and most of the men have worn overalls, and I have been to funerals where everyone wears fancy suits and silk ties, but it all comes down to what you think he would have liked. God Bless and Good Luck!

Answer 6

a dark suit, preferably black or navy. No loud, obnoxious ties. Just be tasteful. A solid color tie would be best. You could do stripes but I think a solid color is probably safest. And obviously dress shoes. Conservative, dark, & tasteful. 3 key words to remember. You could do a white shirt as long as the jacket & pants are dark. Since it's Indiana & probably hot, you'll likely be taking off the jacket during the church services but just don't wear a short sleeve dress shirt. That's so tacky!!

Answer 7

If you don't have a suit, wear dark slacks and a solid color shirt in a darker grey, black, darker blue, something like that. Wear a sweater or vest over to match the slacks.
If you can't afford to buy clothes, wear the nicest, toned-down outfit you have. Better to be there than not due to clothing.

Answer 8

I went to a funeral recently wearing a bright pink dress and trainers cos a funeral is supposed to be a celebration of sum1's life not sad occasion

Answer 9

Conservative clothing, doesn't not have to be all dark. Funerals are not that formal any longer.

Unless you are a pall bearer - then you will get instructions.

Showing up at a funeral shows respect for the deceased's family.

The deceased does not care what you wear

Answer 10

Dark colors are usually best but it depends on the wishes of the deceased and/or the family. Before he died, my FIL told everyone that they were not allowed to wear black. He was buried in his golf shirt and casual pants (took off his "last tie" when he retired) and we all wore bright, sunny clothes to celebrate his life.