How to Pick Out a Dress for a Memorial Service

Unlike funerals, where black is the safest and expected attire, things are less straightforward with memorial services. If you are attending a memorial service or celebration of life ceremony organized by cremation services in Phoenix, AZ, here is how to pick out the proper attire.

There is no generally accepted attire for a memorial service or celebration of life ceremony. Sometimes, the occasion calls for a relaxed dress. Other times, it requires something formal.

That is why you should keep these things in mind when considering what to wear.

Timing

When is the memorial service taking place? A week or less after death? A month or year? Unlike funerals which typically take place within the week, memorial services are flexible in their timing.

If it is happening within a week, the service is likely to be more formal. In a month or year after the passing? The service or celebration of life ceremony is more likely to be relaxed.

Degree of formality

Now you know to figure out if it is a formal or informal affair. But on what level should your dress be on the spectrum? Well, a good rule is to avoid being the best-dressed or worst-dressed person. Always find something in the middle.

When deciding the level of formality for the dress to wear, strive for something sophisticated yet simple and subdued.

This could be a smart business casual attire for men, like a lightweight suit without a tie. It could be a pencil skirt with a button-down shirt for women.

Ultimately, it should be something you can wear to church or an important business meeting that matches the venue’s dress code.

Color and Patterns

Black might be the popular color of choice for memorials and funerals, but it is neither a requirement nor the only option.

For a memorial service or celebration of life ceremony, other dark tones are appropriate. That includes deep brown, dark charcoal gray, or navy blue.

Also, always go with solid colors. Avoid anything with prints, pinstripes, or patterns. That applies regardless of the formality of the event.

For a casual memorial service, men can go with dark pants with a tucked-in short-sleeved button-down shirt. Women can wear a maxi dress with a cardigan.

Accessories and Outerwear

Outerwear like coats and hats should also have muted or dark tones. That means they should coordinate with your outfit.

This applies to accessories too. From watches to shoes and umbrellas, avoid bright colors, however quirky they might look.

Overall, wear something that aligns with the deceased’s family’s wishes, as stated in the announcement. When there is no specific request, pay attention to context clues like venue and service information.

As long as you don’t draw attention with your attire, people are more likely to focus on mourning the loss or celebrating the life of the deceased. For more help, you can also reach out to funeral arrangements and cremation services in Phoenix, AZ, like us, Simply Cremation & Funeral Arrangements. Our staff members have enough experience to help you make the right choices.