What to wear to a funeral?

Mourners in traditional and non-traditional funeral clothes.

Not sure what to wear to a funeral? Here’s our guide to choosing funeral clothes.

Wearing smart, black clothing is still the most common choice for funerals in the UK. But there are many different types of funeral, each with their own dress code. We’ll take a look at different funeral dress codes in more detail below.

Contents

 

What to wear to a funeral – top tips

Whatever type of funeral you’re going to, here are a few things to keep in mind:

In the words of Rabbi Ruth Adar:

“Remember: showing up is the main thing. If the only way you can get there is in your bunny slippers, show up in bunny slippers.”

What to wear to a non-religious funeral

Non-religious funerals can be anything from formal ceremonies to casual, colourful celebrations of life. So it’s a good idea to check the dress code with the person organising the funeral. But here are a few things to keep in mind:

 

What to wear to a Buddhist funeral

The dress code for Buddhist funerals is characterised by simplicity. Here are a few useful things to know:

 

What to wear to a Christian funeral

The dress code for most Christian funerals tends to be quite formal. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

 

What to wear to a colourful funeral

Colourful funerals are becoming more popular in the UK. If you’re invited to one, you might be asked to wear a specific colour, or simply to avoid wearing black.

 

What to wear to a Jewish funeral

The dress code for Jewish funerals is usually conservative and smart, though the etiquette can be slightly different depending on the specific Jewish tradition followed by the person who has died.

 

What to wear to a Hindu funeral

The dress code for Hindu funerals is more relaxed than for many other types of funeral. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

 

What to wear to a Muslim funeral

Covering up and dressing conservatively is an important part of the dress code for an Islamic funeral. Though clothing doesn’t usually need to be too formal.

 

What to wear to a Sikh funeral

The dress code for Sikh funerals is simple and smart. Here are a few things to know:

 

What should a pallbearer wear to a funeral?

Usually you’ll wear a suit in a black or dark colour. However, less traditional funeral clothing is becoming more popular. So it’s best to ask the family or funeral director what the pallbearer dress code is.

You’ll also want to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes in case you’re walking across uneven ground.

Learn more about pallbearers.

What should children wear to a funeral?

 

 

What not wear to a funeral

The etiquette varies for different types of ceremony, and also depends on the funeral dress code given by the family. But there are a few items it’s usually best to avoid when you choose your funeral clothes:

It’s always best to try to follow the dress code of the funeral as much as you can. If you have any questions, always ask the person who’s organising the funeral if something is okay to wear.

Looking for more info? Learn more in the funeral planning advice hub. Or find a funeral director to help you plan the service you want.