If you have never been to a funeral before you might be wondering what you should wear. Chris Cullen, the Friendly Funeral Guy has 3 simple guidelines to help you choose.

[Transcript]

G’day, I’m Chris Cullen, the Friendly Funeral Guy.

If you have never been to a funeral before you might be wondering what you should wear. Well I’m a casual kind of guy. I like wearing a polo top around at home but I wouldn’t wear it to a funeral because it wouldn’t be appropriate. So here are 3 guidelines to help you choose what you should wear to a funeral.

The first guideline is:

what does the family want? Sometimes the person who has passed away has been a supporter of a particular sporting team and so the family ask guests to come dressed in team colours or team jerseys. On other occasions because the person liked bright colours families have asked people to come in bright colours. I’ve been to both of these sorts of funerals and its a really lovely tribute.

The second guideline is:

be respectful in what you wear. Business attire or smart casual is sure to be ok. Even if you normally get around in work clothes and work boots and everyone knows you like that, if you go to the trouble of dressing up a bit, the family will appreciate that you made the effort.

The third guideline is:

don’t draw attention to yourself by what you wear. This is a lovely bright purple tie that I like but it’s saying “look at me” and that’s not what you want at a funeral. You want people to be thinking about the person that has passed away. So don’t wear a ballgown, or dress that you would go clubbing in. And guys don’t wear a tuxedo, don’t wear a bright tie, just wear an understated tie. Wear something smart but understated. Something that won’t draw attention to yourself.

So to recap:

what does the family want? Go to an effort to be respectful and don’t draw attention to yourself by what you wear. I hope this has been helpful for you for the next time that you’re going to a funeral. I’m Chris Cullen, the Friendly Funeral Guy for Ian J. Arthur & Sons.