I have always taken funerals as special and emotional events for the bereaved and society. They are unique to the people attending because they present an opportunity to pay their last respect. I have participated in and organized several catholic funerals, and the dressing code is of utmost importance. Many people ask me about the best and most acceptable outfits they can wear to a catholic funeral. Therefore, in this complete article, I decided to answer your question, “What do you wear to a catholic funeral?”.
Men can wear a suit, a dress pant, and a dress shirt, while women can wear a dress or a skirt and a blouse. The Art of dying well organization says formal attire is best for a catholic funeral. The Collins dictionary describes formal attire as a smart outfit that one can wear at work, for business, or for formal events. It implies that you can wear any smart cloth appropriate for formal work or business. You should also consider the biblical guidance on dressing in 1 Timothy 2:9, which prescribes modest, respectful, and non-flashy cloth.
In this article, I will discuss the best ideas for outfits when attending a catholic funeral. Additionally, I will discuss the dress code for a Catholic funeral for men, women, and kids. Read on to understand the best colors and accessories and much more.
What is the dress code for a Catholic Funeral?
Men’s dress code
The traditional funeral outfit for men at Catholic funerals is a suit. Suits are decent and respectful. Also, men can wear dress pants, a dress shirt, and a jacket. A suit is a conservative and formal attire widely acceptable in the catholic faith as an appropriate outfit for funerals. Because not everyone is expected to come in a suit, dress pants and a dress shirt are also acceptable. Generally, any formal clothing one can wear to the office or business is acceptable at a catholic funeral.
It is crucial to consider the color and pattern of the cloth you wear to the funeral. Dark clothes with no glitter are preferable because they do not attract much attention. Brightly colored clothes are not appropriate. For instance, wearing brightly colored pink, red, yellow, or orange dress pants, dress shirts, or jacket is inappropriate for men because it attracts a lot of unnecessary attention.
Women’s dress code
The dress code for women at a Catholic funeral should be a decent formal dress, a long skirt suit, or a skirt and blouse combination. The colors should be dark, preferably black, grey, or navy blue. Women dressing should emphasize on modesty and respect. The Funeral Guide notes that women should avoid clothes that are flashy and that are brightly colored. Such attracts unwanted attention and does not rhyme with the somber funeral mood. Additionally, according to the Catholic faith, women should avoid revealing clothes because they are not respectful and are indecent.
5 Catholic Funeral Outfit Ideas for Teens
Black dress pants, a white button-up shirt, and black dress shoes
This dress code is appropriate for teens because it is simple, traditional, and respectful. The dress pants and button-up shirt are formal and thus appropriate for a catholic funeral. The black and white colors are excellent for a funeral because they reflect a grieving and peaceful mood.
A knee-length black or dark-colored dress with a simple cardigan
A knee-length dress is appropriate because it is modest and decent. The dress should not be tight or translucent. This outfit is proper, and the colors reflect a solemn occasion.
Dark-colored slacks or a skirt with a conservative blouse and black shoes
The main idea for this outfit is to be comfortable, decent, and in line with the occasion. Slacks or a skirt are comfortable for sitting in church and walking around. Such are not revealing and hence respectful, and the colors match the grave mood.
A dark-colored suit with a conservative tie and dress shoes
Teens look responsible when they put on suits; hence, it is an ideal outfit for a funeral. A tie speaks volumes about the weight a teen has given to the occasion and is most appropriate, especially if the funeral is for a relative. Dark colors and shoes reflect a mourning state.
A long-sleeved, knee-length dress in a dark or subdued color with black shoes
This is a perfect outfit for a teenage girl who prefers to wear a dress to a funeral because it is formal and decent. The long sleeves ensure that one is fully covered and expresses excellent decency. The dark color is appropriate for funerals, and the black shoes complement the formal look.
What can kids wear to a catholic funeral?
Kids should wear formal clothes to a catholic funeral. Boys may wear dress pants, a button-up shirt, and a tie, while girls may wear a dress or skirt below the knee and a modest blouse. Although children love brightly colored clothes, they should wear dull colors that rhyme with the mood of the occasion. Additionally, their shoes should be formal and comfortable, preferably black. They should avoid carrying any toys, including such things as teddy bears.
What color should you wear to a Catholic funeral?
The best colors to wear to a catholic funeral include black, grey, white, navy blue, dark brown, purple, and green. Although there is no limitation to which colors you can wear, the colors should reflect the grieving mood on this occasion. A navy blue, grey and black suit with a white shirt is excellent for men. If men are not wearing suits, black, grey, and navy-blue dress pants and a white shirt are also appropriate. Such colors are also appropriate for women, but their blouses vary from white, purple, beige, or green.
Avoid wearing clothes with too many colors; for instance, a black suit with white stripes may not be appropriate because the two colors are highly contrasting and are too conspicuous.
What accessories can you wear to a catholic funeral?
Men can wear a decent wristwatch and comfortable black formal shoes, while women can wear a simple necklace, a small stud earring, and a straightforward bracelet. They can also wear a modest hat or headscarf. Additionally, they can carry a small bag or purse.
Men should avoid wearing huts, especially in the church, and should avoid unbuttoning their shirts at the chest area. Conversely, women should avoid wearing too much jewelry and noisy high, heeled shoes.
Can you wear bright colors to a catholic funeral?
It is not appropriate to wear bright colors at a catholic funeral because such do not match the mournful mood of the funeral. It is crucial to avoid any form of distraction for people attending the funeral mass and the entire event through bright colors. You should avoid hot pink, neon green, bright orange, electric blue, vibrant red, or flashy yellow. Such colors make you look out of place because they do not portray mourning.
Should you cover your head when going to a catholic funeral?
Men should avoid covering their heads when attending a Catholic funeral, especially in the church, because it is considered disrespectful. Men can cover their heads because of the cold, especially if the funeral occurs in winter. However, women can wear a simple hat or a head scarf. On the other hand, children can choose to cover or not cover their heads.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
