What to wear at a funeral (guide for women)
Knowing what to wear to a funeral isn't always obvious. In this guide, we look at what women can wear to different kinds of funerals.
When someone dies, there's usually a lot to think about. This can make it difficult to make decisions. One such decision is what to wear to a funeral.
As a general rule, funeral dress for women in the UK (as for men) is smart, conservative and dark-coloured. This is a way of reflecting the seriousness of the occasion and showing respect for the person who died.
There are exceptions. Hindus, for instance, wear white to funerals, as do the family at Buddhist funerals.
In Western cultures, there's been a move towards
themed funerals and
celebrations of life. In these cases, the organisers might encourage you to dress more casually. They could even choose a dress code that reflects the interests and personality of the person who died.
Often, the dress code will be specified in the invitation. If it isn't, it's best to err on the side of caution and dress in dark, formal clothes.
What to wear to a non-religious funeral
Assuming there's no alternative dress code, you should wear dark formal clothes. Black is traditional, but grey and burgundy are usually considered appropriate, too.
Women at non-religious funerals will often choose between a dress, skirt, trousers, jacket and top. It's unusual to see women wearing low-cut tops, flashy jewellery or short skirts at a funeral. These choices may offend other mourners.
It's important to be comfortable as well as smart. In summer, this could involve wearing breathable materials like cotton and linen as well as sunglasses if there's an outdoor section of the funeral.
In winter, you might want to wear a jumper under a suit jacket or a T-shirt under your shirt or blouse. You could wear a dark, smart coat, a hat, a scarf and gloves. You could also take an umbrella.
What to wear at a Catholic funeral
As with many Christian funerals, Catholics tend to dress conservatively. For women, this usually means smart, black dresses, skirts and trouser suits. Women should avoid short skirts and low-cut tops as this may offend other mourners.
What to wear at a Muslim funeral
At most Muslim funerals, women should dress conservatively and wear a headscarf. A typical outfit might be a long skirt and a long-sleeved, high-necked shirt. Women should avoid short skirts, low-cut tops and very high heels.
If you've not been to a Muslim funeral before, be aware that you normally have to remove your shoes before the ceremony.
What to wear at a Jewish funeral
At traditional Jewish funerals, women mostly wear modest and dark-coloured clothes. Black is traditional, but other dark colours are appropriate.
A typical outfit might be a suit, a long dress or a long skirt and top. Women are sometimes required to wear a head covering.
Increasingly, Jewish funerals allow for more choice. It's still advisable to stay on the conservative code so as not to offend other mourners. Check with family members or the funeral director if in doubt.
What to wear at a Hindu funeral
At Hindu funerals, women wear light-coloured clothing. This could be a simple white dress, a shalwar kameez (long shirt and trousers) or a sari.
Women should cover their arms and knees and avoid bright colours and flashy jewellery. It's customary to remove your shoes before you enter the funeral venue.
H3: What to wear at a Buddhist funeral
At traditional Buddhist funerals, the family members wear white or cover themselves with a white cloth. Mourners wear simple black or dark-coloured clothing. All mourners avoid wearing red.
If you've not been to a Buddhist funeral before, it's worth knowing that expensive and flashy clothing and jewellery are often seen as an inappropriate display of wealth.
What to wear at a celebration of life
Increasingly, people are choosing to hold celebrations of life. These are more informal, celebratory occasions than traditional funeral services.
Because celebrations of life are a relatively recent development, there's not yet an agreed-upon dress code. Guidance may be included in the invitation. If in doubt, contact the organisers.
Frequently asked questions
What should a woman wear to a funeral?
The simple answer is that it depends. Most mourners in the UK, religious and non-religious, opt for dark colours and conservative outfits. There are, however, exceptions. In Hinduism, mourners wear white. People also sometimes encourage more casual outfits.
Can you wear a hat to a funeral?
Yes, you can wear a hat to a traditional British funeral. Unless otherwise specified, you should choose a dark, muted colour and avoid anything too flashy.
Do you wear heels to a funeral?
Heels are appropriate at traditional funerals in the UK. Unless the organisers encourage you to wear what you want, you should probably go for a closed-toe shoe with a low- to mid-heel. Be aware that heels might not be appropriate if part or all of the funeral takes place outside.
Can you wear leggings to a funeral?
Unless the funeral organisers specify casual or individual dress, it's probably not a good idea to wear leggings to a funeral. A dark dress, skirt or trousers will be more appropriate and are less likely to offend other mourners.
Can you wear knee-high boots to a funeral?
Yes, knee-high boots can be worn to a traditional British funeral. As with most clothing choices, however, it's advisable to choose a dark colour unless the funeral invitation specifies otherwise.
Should I wear makeup to a funeral?
It's usually OK to wear makeup to a funeral. As with clothes, it's customary to err on the conservative side unless specifically stated otherwise in the invitation. If you think you might cry, it can be a good idea to wear waterproof mascara.
Akshardham Funeral Directors is an independent funeral director based in London. We lend a listening ear at all stages of the funeral process. Let us help you organise the funeral you want – call anytime on 020 8355 7876.
