What to wear to a funeral?

[nikki1978]

Going to the funeral of a close friend on Monday and can't think what to wear. I haven't been to a funeral in about 15 years.

Any ideas?

Unless her family instruct otherwise, I'd go for smartish clothes in dark or muted shades.

Sympathies on the loss of your friend.

Uncanny! We must be right then, cat64.

www.marksandspencer.com/Boat-Batwing-Sleeve-Jersey-Dress/dp/B003VX3AI2?_encoding=UTF8&categoryNodeID=42967030&node=72625031&mnSBrand=core&ref=sr_1_37&qid=1283529209&sr=1-37&rh=n%3A72625031%2Cp_10%3ABlack&page=4

This ok then? I don't seem to have any formal stuff anymore....

I think that's nice but you don't have to wear black.

I often don't wear black - the last funeral I went to I wore a navy striped suit over a navy tee shirt with my red sandals and bag. It was my cousin's wifes funeral - she would have appreciated a good bag and it was new and I love it. Funerals are dreadful - you need to wear clothes/accessories that make you feel very much you iyswim?

Sorry for your loss, nikki.

The dress is perfect.

I'm very sorry for your loss. Funerals are about showing respect, so I'd err on the side of caution. I'd wear black, unless explicitly instructed otherwise, and I would ensure it covered shoulders, knees and didn't have too much cleavage, especially if there was a church/chapel element. Shoes should be clean and polished, and I'd take a sober, rather than glam handbag, with plenty of hankies, and a make up repair kit for later. I'd make sure that any makeup was waterproof and I'd probably take a big pair of sunglasses if I came out with red eyes. Depending on the weather, I'd slip a brolly into my bag, and if you are in a churchyard, avoid spiky heels that can get stuck in grass. I'd dress in layers,if at all possible, as churches are often very cold, but the do afterwards are often very hot. This is definately not an occasion that is about dressing for you, the family's immediate memories of you should be of your presence and sympathy, not the outfit.

Sorry to hear about your friend; hope the day goes OK.

A very good friend of mine died from breast cancer in January, but we were under strict instructions to dress "pink & fluffy" at her funeral. It was the first (and possibly only) time I've ever worn a pink feather boa to such an occasion.....

In your case, something dark and smart will do the job; I'm sure your friend won't mind as long as you are there to wish them goodbye.

Scuttlebutter, that was fabulous.

Scuttlebutter what a great post. Nikki dress is perfect and will stop you worrying about whether you look right. So sorry for your loss.

Thank you,very happy to help, although sad at the reason. I come from a clerical family (so much discussion growing up about funeral practicalities), and am Welsh too, where funerals are still viewed differently (and much more traditionally) than in England. Hope it helps Nikki on Monday - we'll all be thinking about you.