When attending a viewing or visitation before a funeral, it is important to dress respectfully. For men, a shirt with a collar and dress pants or khakis, dress shoes and a belt is the typical clothing choice.
Women should wear a blouse, skirt, dress or pants with appropriate footwear. In some cases, a suit jacket or blazer may be appropriate. It is also important to avoid any clothing that may be overly distracting or overly casual.
People usually prefer to wear darker colors, such as black, grey or navy, in order to maintain a serious and somber tone. Wearing a tie for men is not necessary, but if you choose to do so make sure to select a somber color.
What should you not wear to a funeral viewing?
Generally speaking, it is best to avoid overly casual clothing when attending a funeral viewing. In most cases, it is best to dress conservatively, such as wearing dark colors like black, navy blue, or gray.
Refrain from wearing clothing with bright colors, flashy patterns, bold graphics, and statement pieces, as these type of clothing choices may be distracting and make it difficult to show respect at the funeral viewing.
It is also advisable to avoid certain types of clothing, such as denim or jeans, short skirts, shorts, tank tops, sandals, cropped tops, t-shirts, and other casual clothing. Similarly, it is inappropriate to wear clothing that may hint at religion, such as a cross, Star of David, religious symbol, etc.
Finally, it is important to maintain appropriate levels of modesty and refrain from wearing revealing clothing that exposes large amounts of skin. Nothing should be sexually provocative or place extra emphasis on the individual’s body.
Consider wearing longer dress or skirts, pantsuits, collared shirts, button-down shirts, and light cardigans to complete your attire for the funeral viewing.
What to expect at a viewing?
A viewing is a period of time set aside to allow family and friends to pay their respects to the deceased. It generally takes place in the days or weeks before the funeral. It generally consists of a visitation or open house where people can come to pay their respects to the deceased and support the bereaved family.
You may be asked to sign a book, bring flowers or food, share a special memory, or simply say your goodbyes.
The viewing typically takes place in a funeral home, a place of worship, or in the family’s home, depending on the preferences of the family. Most often there will be visitation times when a member of the funeral home staff will greet you, but the family may also want a more informal open house format.
Family and friends may dress casually if the family desires, although some may still opt for more formal attire. Masks are typically requested out of respect for the bereaved family and the other guests.
The deceased often lies in a casket for the viewing. Flowers may have been arranged around the casket, and cards, pictures, or other mementos may be prominently displayed as well. Music may be played or a slideshow of pictures may be presented.
Depending on the family’s customs and desires for the event, other activities may be present at the viewing, such as a traditional memorial service or a beautiful display of grief art. Guests may be asked to do a “living tribute” and share words of remembrance or a special memory about the deceased.
At the conclusion of the view, the bereaved family members may take a moment of silence or receive a final blessing and prayer as they depart. Guests may be invited to join the family in the funeral if they choose.
Do you dress up more for viewing or funeral?
Whether or not you should dress up more for a viewing or funeral largely depends on the preferences of the deceased and their family as well as the culture in which you are in. In many cultures, it is customary to wear more formal attire to viewings and funerals, such as a dress, suit, or other more formal items of clothing.
However, in other cultures, it is more common to dress in a more casual or semi-casual manner. It’s important to consider the wishes of the family when deciding what to wear, as well as to ensure that your attire shows respect and reverence for the deceased and their family.
If you’re unsure of what to wear, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and dress more formally. No matter what you choose to wear, it’s important to be mindful of the situation, show respect, and be sensitive to the family’s feelings in the situation.
What is the difference between visitation and viewing at a funeral?
Visitation and viewing at a funeral are similar in that they both give friends, family, and other loved ones the opportunity to pay their respects to someone who has passed away. However, there are some distinct differences between the two.
Visitation typically takes place before the funeral service. It gives family and friends the chance to gather to pay their respects privately either at the funeral home, or at a religious facility. During visitation, people have an opportunity to talk and share memories, and to console one another.
A viewing is an opportunity for the family and close friends to view the deceased person before the funeral service. The purpose of viewings is to help the grieving process, as it helps people to come to terms with the reality of death.
There may be a period of quiet reflection, or people may take part in a prayer or other ceremony.
The main difference between visitation and viewing is that viewings typically take place during the actual funeral service, while visitations take place some time prior to the service.
Is it inappropriate to wear jeans to a funeral?
No, it is not necessarily inappropriate to wear jeans to a funeral. Generally speaking, funerals are typically seen as solemn events that evoke reflection and respect for the deceased. Therefore, people typically want to dress in an appropriate and respectful manner to show the appropriate amount of respect for the deceased.
That said, it is becoming more and more acceptable to wear jeans to a funeral — especially if the deceased person’s close family members or friends give their blessing ahead of time. In addition, some religions and cultures have different standards of what is deemed appropriate to wear to a funeral.
Therefore, it is always best to check with the family before wearing jeans to a funeral.
Ultimately, the choice of what to wear to a funeral is up to each individual. Everyone should feel comfortable and wear whatever they feel is respectful and appropriate based on their own personal values and those of the deceased and the family.
What happens at a funeral visitation?
A funeral visitation is the opportunity for friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances of the deceased to pay their respects. It usually takes place over a period of several days prior to the funeral ceremony itself.
Depending on the wishes of the deceased, the visitation can be held at a funeral home or a private home.
At a funeral visitation, attendees are generally expected to pay their respects by signing a condolence book and viewing the remains of the deceased. Often, photos or mementos of the deceased will be on display to create a lasting memory.
In some cases, a separate area may be devoted to the deceased’s life, with photos and items celebrating their accomplishments and hobbies.
At the funeral visitation, immediate family members of the deceased may be present to greet and thank visitors. Refreshments such as coffee and light snacks may be served in some cases, though this practice varies from one region to another.
The visitation is also an opportunity for visitors to leave condolence cards, donations for charities, and flowers as a sign of respect and sympathy for the bereaved family. In most cases, visitors may also participate in meaningful conversations and exchange stories about their time with the deceased.
Is there a dress code for a viewing?
No, there is usually not a dress code for a viewing; however, it is common to dress modestly and appropriately out of respect for the deceased and their family. Viewings are usually a somber occasion, so formal or business attire is usually appropriate.
It is important to remember to be respectful and considerate of the family’s wishes. Even if a dress code has not been officially set, it is important that attendees dress appropriately in order to honor the deceased and show respect for the family.
Are jeans OK to wear to a viewing?
Whether jeans are ok to wear to a viewing depends on the type of viewing, the context, and your personal taste. If you are attending a more casual viewing, such as a family gathering or a friend’s funeral, then jeans are usually acceptable.
Alternatively, if you are attending a more formal, professional event, such as a memorial service in a place of worship or a state funeral, then it is usually best to go with more traditional and conservative attire.
If you are unsure, it is always best to check with the host ahead of time to get an understanding of the dress code expectations. Of course, whatever you decide to wear should be comfortable and appropriate for the situation out of respect for the deceased and the other guests.
What colors are appropriate for a viewing?
When choosing colors for a viewing, the most important aspect is to choose colors that are respectful and somber. Dark hues such as black, navy, and dark shades of brown, maroon, and grey are typically the most appropriate.
You might also choose to accompany these darker hues with subtler hues that are within the same family. Colors such as dusty blues, mauves, and light beiges make for great accent colors that provide a softer feeling of respect.
If the person who passed away had a preferred color, it could be incorporated into small accents throughout the viewing as a way to honor their memory. Overall, the key is to choose colors that are respectful and somber, while still reflecting the personality of the person who has passed away.
Is it disrespectful to not go to a viewing?
It depends on the circumstances and the relationship you have with the deceased. In some cases, being respectful might mean not attending a viewing. This could be because of physical distance, safety concerns, or a variety of other reasons.
Additionally, respecting those who are grieving means understanding that everyone deals with grief differently and that not everyone is expected to attend a viewing – their own process of mourning could involve different activities.
It is always important to communicate your decision to not attend with those closest to the deceased, but ultimately, it is up to you as to what feels best for you in the moment.