What Should I Wear To A Wake? 7 Things to Know

Wakes are usually held at the funeral home where the deceased has been laid out, as well as informal locations like restaurants and community centers. The wake is often attended by family members and friends who come to pay their respects.

So, what should I wear to a wake? You don’t want to look too formal or too casual. If you’re unsure of what to wear, consider wearing something black, dark blue or navy. Avoid bright colors such as red, orange or yellow.

But you might be unsure of what to wear when you are going to a wake. What should you wear so as not to offend people? Well, after reading this article you should have a better idea of what you should wear so as not to look out of place.

The Right Color

When attending a wake, it is important that you dress appropriately. You don’t want your clothes to stand out in any way. Therefore, you need to make sure that you choose clothing that blends well with everything else around you.

Black suits most funerals because it goes with almost anything. It also works for weddings and graduations. However, if you are attending a wedding, you can go in a white suit instead. If you are attending a graduation ceremony, you will probably want to wear a light-colored suit.

For example, you could wear a gray suit. This color will work very well with the school colors. However, at an informal wake, you can wear casual clothing. If you are attending a funeral, then you should avoid wearing bright colors. These colors tend to stand out more than other colors do. Instead, opt for darker colors like black, navy or brown.

However, it also depends on the wishes of the family and the deceased. Some families will encourage bright colors to celebrate the life of their loved one. 

What Should You Wear?

There are many different types of funerals. Some are simple while others are elaborate affairs. Regardless of how big or small the event is, there are certain things that you should always keep in mind.

First, you should know what type of funeral you are attending. Is it a traditional one? Or is it an open casket affair? Knowing these details will help you decide what you should wear.

Next, you should try and match your outfit to the occasion. If the funeral is a large gathering, you may want to wear something a little nicer than usual. On the other hand, if the funeral is a smaller affair, you may want to stick to your normal style.

Finally, you should remember to bring along some comfortable shoes. Your feet will likely get tired during the long service. So, make sure that they are covered up. Also, you should wear socks to prevent blisters from forming on your feet.

These tips should help you figure out what to wear to a funeral. Remember that funerals can be stressful events. So, you shouldn’t worry about looking good. Just focus on being yourself.

Special Funerals

Sometimes, death comes unexpectedly. In those cases, you may want to plan a special funeral. For example, if someone dies suddenly, you may want to hold a memorial service.

A memorial service allows family members and friends to pay their respects to the deceased. They can say goodbye and offer condolences. You can also hold a candlelight vigil. During a candlelight vigil, mourners gather together to share memories and stories. The service lasts until dawn.

You can also hold a private viewing. Private viewings are held at the home of the deceased. Family members and close friends come to pay their last respects. A funeral is usually held within 48 hours after the death occurs. However, this timeline varies depending on the circumstances surrounding the person’s death.

Funeral Clothing

The first option is to attend a church service. Church services are often held on Sundays. Therefore, you should wear appropriate clothing for Sunday. Another option is to wear formal clothes. Formal clothes include suits, dresses and tuxedos. You can choose between solid colors or patterns.

When it comes to funeral attire, you don’t have to follow any rules. However, you should dress appropriately for the situation. For instance, if you are going to a church service, you should wear business casual clothes.

If you are planning on holding a private viewing, you should wear dark colors such as black or navy blue. This helps you blend into the background. If you are not sure which clothes to wear to a funeral, you should consult with your loved ones. They can give you advice on what to wear.

Funeral Etiquette

There are several important aspects of etiquette when attending a funeral. First, you should never enter the room before everyone else has arrived. Second, you should wait outside until all the guests have entered the room.

Third, you should avoid making eye contact with the deceased. Finally, you should sit in an area where you won’t disturb others. Other things to keep in mind when attending a funeral include:

• Always greet people politely.

• Keep quiet while others are speaking.

• Don’t interrupt anyone who is talking.

• Offer condolences to the bereaved.

• Give the deceased your full attention.

• Avoid touching the coffin.

• If you are invited to stay overnight, you should do so.

• When leaving the funeral, you should remain silent.

In addition to these guidelines, there are other ways to show respect to the deceased. For example, you can place a flower arrangement next to the casket. You can also light a candle. After the funeral, you can write down your thoughts and feelings about the event. You can then put them in a journal.

What Not To Wear To A Funeral

It is important that you know how to dress appropriately for funerals. However, there are some instances where you shouldn’t wear certain types of clothing. For example, you should avoid wearing bright-colored clothing, or white, to a funeral. Bright colors make you stand out from the crowd.

The only exception to this is if the family of the deceased have asked for a relaxed dress code. You should also avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing to a funeral. Tight-fitting clothing makes you look uncomfortable and can be inappropriate.

Tips On How To Dress Appropriately At A Funeral

Here are some tips on how to dress appropriately at a funeral:

• Choose a color that goes well with the occasion.

• Make sure that you match your shoes to your outfit.

• Be aware of the weather conditions.

• Wear comfortable shoes.

• Bring a small gift if you want to.

• Stay calm during the ceremony.

Funerals are emotional events. It is therefore important that you prepare yourself emotionally beforehand. By doing this, you will be able to handle the situation better.

What Is A Wake?

A wake is a type of memorial service held after someone dies. The term “wake” originated in Ireland. Wakes were originally held by families to celebrate their dead relatives. Today, wakes are often held by friends and acquaintances of the deceased.

When attending a wake, it is important to follow certain rules. These include:

• Never enter the room without permission.

• Wait outside the room until everyone has entered.

• Sit quietly in a corner.

FAQs

If you’ve still got some questions about what to wear at a wake, here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Do you have to wear all black?

No, you’re not required to wear all black to a wake. You should still be sticking to a similar color tone by wearing clothes that are darker. We’re talking about blues, greys, neutral, and earth tones. Unless otherwise specified, don’t wear bright colors to a wake. 

What type of style should I be attempting for a wake?

Either you’re going to dress in formal attire or go for a more business-casual look. Each is acceptable, assuming it looks respectable and doesn’t have any bold elements. Understand this isn’t an event you want to be standing out. It’s a wake, not a fashion show. 

What if I don’t have a suit?

If you don’t have a suit, don’t worry, you’ve still got options. You’re going to want to get dark dress pants, a nice dress shirt that’s not overboard with patterns, a nice colored tie- preferably dark, and a blazer. Remember to keep the colors to a minimum. You want the darker colors to fit the somber environment you’re about to enter. 

Should I wear a tie to a wake?

While it’s not a requirement, it should be included in your outfit. Wakes are formal events that require you to dress appropriately for what is a somber occasion. So, your outfit is more formal and, therefore, should include a tie. Once again, there’s no rule stating this is the requirement, but most of the formal attire options will be completed with a tie. 

Can I wear jeans to a wake?

No. Jeans are too casual to be considered an item of clothing you’re able to wear at a wake. In any circumstance where you’re going to be in the presence of a grieving family for an event celebrating their departed loved ones’ life, jeans aren’t the appropriate choice.

Of course, there are circumstances where it’s impossible to avoid it, like if you’re coming directly from work to pay respects. Attempt to avoid this scenario, but don’t be deterred from saying goodbye just because a pair of jeans aren’t the most appropriate choice of clothing. 

Final Thoughts on What Should I Wear To A Wake

A wake is a sensitive time for any family and anyone close to the deceased. It’s not a moment for a fashion statement, so following the guidelines we’ve laid out for you is detrimental to ensuring you have a celebration of life without any drama.