Point of etiquette: do you wear a hat to a funeral?

[FashionEaster]

Have my uncle's funeral to attend later this week and want to know if it's still expected for woman to wear hats? Am thinking it isn't very common these days, but atmy grandfather's funeral many years ago, I asked my aunt (widow of uncle) if I should wear a hat, as my my grandfather was a devout man and was of the generation that heads should be covered in church. Was told no, it was not required and then found I was the only one in the family, bar a female visiting relative from abroad, that wasn't wearing one.

Am I going to look out of place wearing one? Not wearing one?

I have never worn a hat to a funeral (am mid-forties if that helps)

The are only a few Christian denominations where this woudl be expected now

No, definitely not, I'd say. have been to several funerals of older people recently and noone in a hat - in either Roman Catholic and C of E churches. As you say, the funeral you refer to was many years ago.

My grandfather was brought up Brethren, and although not quite so strict in his old age but his funeral was a highly religious service. Uncle was a member of a preaching gospel church, attending twice on Sundays.

Thanks for the advice, am leaning towards no hat, as it might look like playing at funerals and have no wish to cause offence.

Customs have changed in most brethren churches over the last 25 years . If its open or plymouth brethren, there will be other woemn not wearing hats. Might be different if its exclusive brethren,or a very strict assembly. in that case a headscarf would also be acceptable

In any case, it would not cause offence to wear one, although a large fancy wedding type hat might look odd.

I'm mid 40s too but sadly have been to more funerals than I care to recall over last 15 years or so. Only time I've seen anyone wearing hats is where there's been a big Carribean or African contingent.

I'd bring it in the car, check out everyone else and take it from there. If most people have one on, stick it on, if not leave in car.

Don't Bretheren women wear head scarves anyway?

I've only ever worn a hat to a winter funeral which I knew was a burial not a cremation, and as I happened to already have a suitable dark navy hat.

Thanks all for the advice and helping reach a decision (think it loomed larger than it needed to!). My uncle, also bought up Brethren, belonged to a church where anyone stands up to preach and they study a lot of scripture so am assuming those of his church will wear hats, certainly my aunt and cousin will, but there will be enough attending, including me, who won't be.