Attending a funeral service can be difficult. What you’re going to wear is probably the last thing on your mind. Here’s a quick guide to funeral attire so you can rest assured you’re dressed appropriately for the event.

Should I wear black?

In the Western world, black has been the traditional color of mourning. When you think about dressing for a funeral or memorial service, black is the first color that usually comes to mind. Unless otherwise specified by the deceased’s family, it’s generally appropriate to wear black to a funeral.

Celebrate the person who has passed

If you don’t have a lot of black in your closet, don’t fret. Many of today’s funeral services are less traditional when it comes to attire. The most important thing is to honor and celebrate the life of the person who has passed. For some, this may mean wearing the loved one’s favorite bright color or print. For others, it may mean a T-shirt with the deceased’s picture. Consider what the person whose life you are memorializing might have worn to help guide your choices.

Don’t overthink it

It’s easy to get wrapped up in thoughts about what you should and shouldn’t wear, so be careful not to spend too much time agonizing over your outfit. Generally, dressing up instead of down is appropriate, but the reality is your presence is what is going to mean the most. Unless it’s completely outlandish, people probably won’t notice your outfit, so wear whatever feels most comfortable to you.

Partner with a funeral home you can trust

Attending or planning a funeral is never easy. If you’re in the Racine, Kenosha or Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area and looking for a full-service funeral home to guide you through this difficult time, Strouf Funeral Home and Cremation Services is here to help. We invite you to contact us to learn more about the services we offer.