What to Wear for a Funeral, Wake, or Memorial Service: A Complete Style Guide
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
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Attending a funeral, wake, or memorial service is a deeply respectful occasion. Your attire should reflect sensitivity, dignity, and awareness of both cultural expectations and weather conditions. This comprehensive guide outlines what to wear, for whom, and when—with key style advice and tips to ensure you’re dressed appropriately for each event.
Why It Matters
These services are not casual gatherings. Attire that is overly bright, casual, or attention-drawing can appear disrespectful. The goal is understated elegance—allowing you to focus on supporting loved ones and participating in meaningful moments.
Key principles:
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Respect – dress modestly and formally.
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Simplicity – choose subtle, neutral colours and clean lines.
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Comfort – ensure you can stand, kneel, or move with ease, depending on the service.
Attire by Gender and Event
Women
Funeral & Formal Memorial Service
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Colours: Traditional black is safest; navy, charcoal, dark plum, or deep forest green are acceptable.
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Silhouettes: Knee-length or midi sheath dresses, skirts, or smart trousers. Avoid tight or revealing cuts.
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Tops: Blouses with sleeves or tops paired with blazers or shawls. No low necklines or sheer materials.
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Outerwear: Shawls, tailored blazers, or modest long coats.
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Shoes: Closed-toe flats or low heels (under ~5cm). Prioritize comfort—funerals may involve standing or walking.
Wake & Less Formal Memorials
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A dark blouse paired with smart trousers or a midi skirt.
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Cardigans instead of blazers, if the setting is more relaxed.
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Clean, dark loafers or flats can work if they match the dress code.
Seasonal Considerations
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Summer: Choose breathable fabrics like fine cotton or lightweight wool blends.
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Winter: Layer with a wool coat, tights, warm shawl, and closed shoes.
Men
Funeral & Formal Memorial Service
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Suit: A black, navy, or dark grey suit—single-breasted is most versatile.
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Shirt: Crisp white or light‑coloured dress shirt, neatly pressed.
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Tie: Solid black or dark tie—subtle patterns can work but keep them minimal.
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Shoes: Polished black leather—Oxfords or derby shoes preferred.
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Accessories: Keep it simple—classic watch, no flashy cufflinks or pocket squares.
Wake & Less Formal Memorials
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You may remove the jacket while keeping the shirt and tie intact, or wear a dark roll-neck sweater.
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Brown or dark leather shoes acceptable if they match the outfit’s tone.
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Consider a dark jumper with trousers for a more contemporary, respectful look.
Seasonal Considerations
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Summer: Lightweight suit fabrics are OK, provided the colour remains dark.
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Winter: Add a tailored overcoat and leather gloves to stay warm during outdoor/on-route parts.
Universal Style Guidelines
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Avoid bright or flashy colours and bold patterns.
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Skip casual items like jeans, trainers, hoodies, or graphic T-shirts.
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Minimize jewellery and accessories—choose one or two simple pieces if desired.
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Images & Hairstyles: Keep hairstyles tidy; women with long hair might want to tie it back. Hats can work largely in traditional or religious settings but avoid statement hats.
Cultural & Religious Contexts
Funeral customs vary:
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White attire may be preferred in some cultures.
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Headcoverings (hats, scarves) may be discrete traditions; when in doubt, ask the family or event organizer.
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Accessibility: Services involving kneeling or floor seating demand flexible, modest attire.
Weather Considerations
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Rain: Sturdy, not flashy, umbrellas and easy-to-clean coats.
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Heat: Breathable fabrics and hydration-friendly attire.
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Cold: Layer undercoats; wool scarves; wear dark, sensible shoes that grip.
How Tellar.co.uk Helps With Fit & Confidence
Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s free sizing tool, designed to help you find your best fit across 1,500+ brands—tested against your individual body measurements.
Why That Matters
When you need to choose attire for solemn occasions, fit and comfort matter. Ill‑fitting clothes can distract or limit your movement during long services. Tellar ensures you’ll look and feel right, first time.
How It Works
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Enter chest, waist, and hip measurements.
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Tellar compares them against brand‑specific size charts.
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Receive instant size recommendations—tailored by brand.
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No Sign‑Ups needed; results are yours to save for shopping later.
Whether selecting a smart dress, tailored suit, overcoat, or accessories, Tellar ensures you choose the correct size every time—no returns or guesswork.
Further Tellar Resources
Explore deep-dive articles, styling tips, and formalwear guides:
Each post is designed to complement this guide and help you shop with confidence.
Stay Connected With Tellar
Join our community for ongoing styling deep dives, fit science, and the latest wardrobe trends:
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Instagram: @Tellarsizing
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X (formerly Twitter): @TellarSizing
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Final Thoughts
Dressing for funerals, wakes, or memorial services is about quiet respect, understated style, and mindful comfort. By following these principles—and using Tellar.co.uk to confirm your fit—you can ensure you're dressed appropriately, confidently, and with grace.