What to Wear to a Summer Funeral: Helpful Tips For Clothing & Footwear Posted by zudu in Advice & Guidance 5 min read Funeral etiquette can be difficult to navigate if you have never attended a funeral before, or are less familiar with the type of funeral you are due to attend. With the warmer months ahead (and even with the sunnier days we’ve had in Dundee recently!) we wanted to share some additional tips and extend the advice we included in our general funeral attire guide to include some options for summer funerals and what to wear in hotter weather. We’ve previously shared a number of other funeral etiquette tips such as what to bring to a funeral, as well as how to write an obituary when someone passes away and how to write tributes and eulogies that may be read out during the funeral or service. These resources may be helpful in addition to this guide, though please note that, as always, all tips shared in these articles are for guidance only and if you have specific queries relating to the funeral or service you will be attending, it’s best to check the obituary for a dress code or ask the funeral directors organising the funeral for further advice to avoid causing offence. Funerals are a time to show our respect and support for the grieving family and traditionally this extends to clothing to avoid drawing attention to ourselves. Summer funerals pose unique challenges when it comes to dressing appropriately as balancing traditional, more conservative and covered-up funeral attire with the need to stay cool and comfortable in the heat can require additional planning. Below, we’ve included our tips for navigating these considerations for your own comfort and the comfort of everyone else and offering practical tips on what to wear to a summer funeral. Colour Options For A Summer Funeral While most people will opt to wear black at a funeral, other traditional options include navy, dark grey, and deep browns and purples. These colours can still be respectful to the occasion while giving additional options for the summer months. It’s also best to opt for muted colours and fabrics that are more matte to avoid reflections when the sun is out. It’s also best to avoid bright colours, flashy/loud patterns, and glittery or metallic fabrics as these can be seen as disrespectful or inappropriate for the sombre nature of the event. Clothing Ideas For A Summer Funeral Selecting appropriate attire for a summer funeral is an important part of showing respect for the occasion, and beyond wearing solemn colours, the fit and style of the clothing should reflect the formality of the event. Here are some options you may wish to consider: Ladies Clothing Styles: Long trousers or skirts (knee-length or longer) paired with a formal top, blazer, and coat. Simple dresses (knee-length or longer) with short or long sleeves, paired with a blazer or smart cardigan. Fabric and Styling: Looser-fitting clothing for comfort during prolonged sitting or standing. Modest cuts, avoiding low necklines, short hemlines, or overly tight designs. Consider tights for added warmth. Accessories: Sunglasses for protection from the winter sun. Compact umbrellas for convenience. Footwear: Dark-coloured or black closed shoes. Polished shoes for a neat appearance. Lower or chunky heels for comfort and support. Men For formal occasions, men and boys can choose single-colour or minimal-print designs, with black, dark brown, navy, or charcoal grey being suitable options. Here are some key points: Attire: Men and Teenage Boys: Dark trouser suit with a white or dark collared shirt, paired with a single-colour tie and optional pocket square. Pre-Teen Boys: Dark polo shirt or button-down shirt, ensuring comfort and minimal restriction. A warm jacket in a neutral or dark colour is recommended. Scottish Funerals: Kilts or Trews: Suitable for all ages, but check with the funeral director if unsure. Footwear: Formal Shoes: Leather or faux leather shoes like brogues or smart boots. Avoid trainers or sporty shoes, though plain dark-coloured trainers may be acceptable for younger boys. Footwear Etiquette For Summer Funerals Comfort is important when it comes to footwear, especially as many funeral services include walking and standing for long periods of time. In summer, especially, the added heat of the sunny weather can make us more tired and can also make our feet swell up – making footwear an important consideration when deciding what to wear to a funeral. Traditionally, more closed styles of shoes are preferred – meaning no sandal-like designs, peep-toe, open heels, or shoes that can easily slip off (particularly children’s footwear). Footwear should provide support, and if heels are worn, we recommend a low, chunky heel to make it easier to walk on uneven ground as well as to reduce the noise created by the heels. In some cases, thin heels can also cause damage floors in older buildings or even outdoor landscaping, so some venues may have rules against this, which is important to note ahead of time. Classic choices for women include pumps and court shoes which cover the sides of the feet while still providing some breathability on top. For men, dress shoes such as Oxford or brogue-style shoes are a traditional choice. For children, depending on their age, shoes with a strap may be a good option to reduce the chance of the shoe coming off, e.g. Mary-Jane style shoes for girls, or shoes with laces or straps for boys. It’s best to consider leather or faux-leather shoes for a more formal look and avoid trainers, canvas/fabric shoes, or sporty/casual styles where possible (and where not restricted by accessibility needs). Speak to our team at your nearest James Ashton & Son branch in Dundee and St Andrews: 1, 1a Cardean Street, Dundee, Angus, DD4 6PS 188 High Street, Lochee, Dundee, Angus, DD2 3DN 132 – 136 Hilltown, Dundee, Angus, DD3 7BJ 56 Largo Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8RP (Macgregors) Planning a funeral can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Your dedicated James Ashton & Son Funeral Director will be there to help you along every step of the way! They will work with you to create a funeral and lasting tribute that is personal and meaningful, and they will be there to offer support to you and your family during this difficult time. 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