When you’re invited to someone’s funeral, you want to show them the care and respect they deserve by dressing respectfully. But what if you don’t know any of the other guests? What if there are no guidelines on what to wear and the invitation-only asked that we “dress appropriately.” Does that mean I can wear white? This is a tricky question. There’s no one right answer. That’s because it depends on who is in attendance and what their traditions are as well as your personal beliefs. In this article, we’ll give you some insight into whether or not it’s okay to wear white to a funeral, along with examples of when people have done so.
Is it ok to wear white to a funeral?
There’s no single right answer to this question, as it depends on a variety of factors, including the funeral ceremony itself, the traditions of the people attending, and your own personal beliefs. In general, though, most people believe that white is a suitable color choice for funerals. Some funerals – particularly those held in more traditional or religious settings – may require that attendees dress in more formal attire.
Why Is It Incorrect To Wear White To A Funeral?
- White is the color of mourning. When you wear white to a funeral, you’re sending the message that you’re not ready to move on from the person’s death. This could be uncomfortable for some of the guests who may not have been close to the deceased.
- Wearing white sends a message of respect and honor to the deceased. When you dress in white, it shows that you’re taking their death seriously and that you’re grateful for their life.
- It’s considered disrespectful to wear white to a funeral if the person whose funeral you’re attending wasn’t cremated. This is because wearing white during a cremation ceremony signals that you want to be near the remains of the deceased instead of honoring them by wearing something else.
- If there are any religious or cultural guidelines about what colors are appropriate at funerals, wearing white will likely violate them. For example, many Muslims believe that blue is a symbol of peace and shouldn’t be worn at funerals because it can be associated with sadness.
What Are The Traditions For Dressing Well For A Funeral?
- Most people believe that funerals are a time to mourn the deceased and show respect. So, wearing black is usually the norm. However, there are some cultures where people dress in bright colors to celebrate the life of the deceased. If this is your culture, you may want to consider wearing white to show your support.
- Another tradition is that people often wear flowers in their hair or on their clothes. Again, it depends on your personal beliefs as to whether or not you should follow this tradition. If you do choose to follow it, make sure to bring a bouquet of flowers to the funeral.
- Some people also dress in traditional clothing from their country or region of residence. This could include traditional hats, dresses, or skirts. Again, it’s up to you whether or not you want to follow this tradition. However, if you do decide to do so, be sure to research what is appropriate for the funeral location and time period.
When People Have Worn White To A Funeral?
- In 2007, British fashion designer Alexander McQueen was buried in a white tuxedo. Many of McQueen’s fans dressed in white to pay their respects.
- In 2013, the body of musician Prince was flown to his hometown of Minneapolis in a white stretch limo, and mourners gathered at his memorial service in white tuxedos and gowns.
- In 2014, the bodies of pop singer Whitney Houston and her daughter Bobbi Kristina were both flown back to Houston for funeral services wearing white mourning clothes.
- In 2015, the body of actor and singer Robin Williams was flown back to California for a private funeral ceremony wearing a white tuxedo and bow tie.
- In 2016, the bodies of singer Prince and comedian George Carlin were both flown back to New York City for private funeral services wearing white suits and bow ties respectively.
When Is It Acceptable To Wear White To A Funeral?
- If the person who passed away was traditionally wearing white at their funeral, it’s okay for you to do the same.
- If the person who passed away was cremated, wearing white at their funeral is not necessary.
- If you’re attending a memorial service, it’s okay to wear anything that honors the person who has passed away. This includes colors and styles that would be appropriate for a regular celebration or party.
- If you’re attending a funeral for someone who is still alive but not present, it’s okay to wear whatever you’d like as long as it honors the person who has passed away. However, if the deceased had any religious or spiritual beliefs that require wearing a specific color or style of clothing, it would be best to respect those wishes by following those guidelines.
When Is It Not Okay To Wear White To A Funeral?
- If the funeral is for a person who is very religious and believes in wearing somber colors, then wearing white would not be appropriate.
- If the funeral is for a person who is very particular about their appearance and does not want people to wear bright colors, then wearing white would not be appropriate.
- If the funeral is for a person who is deceased, then wearing white would not be appropriate.
- If the funeral is for a person who is cremated, then wearing white would not be appropriate.
- If the funeral is for a person who has been buried, then wearing white would not be appropriate.
- If the funeral is for someone who has passed away in a hospital, then wearing white would not be appropriate.
- If the funeral is for someone who has passed away at home and there are no guests present, then wearing white would not be appropriate.
Conclusion
You want to show respect and honor when attending a funeral. Wearing white clothing to a funeral is not appropriate, especially if the guest of honor is deceased. Instead, you want to find a tasteful way to pay your respects. You can do this by dressing according to the weather, dressing according to your gender, and making sure your clothing isn’t too flashy or ostentatious. Remember, you don’t have to wear black to a funeral. You can wear gray, navy, or any other color as long as it’s tasteful. The key is to make sure it’s not too flashy or ostentatious. You also want to pay attention to the fabric of your clothing so it doesn’t get stained.