What To Wear For A Celebration Of Life?
|
|
Time to read 5 min
If you haven't been to a Celebration of Life Ceremony before, you might be confused about what is appropriate to wear? Although these memorials are typically less formal than traditional funerals, there is still some etiquette you need to follow.
In this guide, we'll go through what should and shouldn't wear to a Celebration of Life. We'll also provide some outfit ideas for women, men, and also children.
Celebration of Life Outfits
Before deciding on what you're going to wear, there's a few general things you want to keep in mind. First and foremost, pay attention to any dress codes (Whether verbally or maybe in the invitation) from the family or host of the ceremony. Apart from that here are some other things to consider:
Time of day
The time of the ceremony often dictates the dress code. Morning or afternoon events tend to be more casual compared to evening ones, which may call for slightly more formal attire.
Location
Consider the venue when choosing your outfit. If the event is outdoors, for example a forest, you should consider comfortable and warm clothing. While an indoor ceremony at a sophisticated venue might call for more formal attire.
Activities Scheduled
Some Celebrations of Life have activities like a balloon release, tree planting, or even water activities. Dress for what's planned—you may need comfortable shoes or even a change of clothes.
Do You Wear Black To A Celebration Of Life?
This will really depend on the particular ceremony. Wearing is typically associated with a traditional funeral which is more sombre than a celebration of life.
While black remains a safe and respectful choice, many such ceremonies encourage wearing colors that the deceased loved, or even bright colors that signify life and joy.
Celebration of Life Outfit Ideas
As we mentioned before, these ceremonies tend by more casual so the idea is to have the right balance between respectful and casual. Below you will find some suggestions and examples for both women, men, and children.
What Women Should Wear
Clothes with color
Casual dress
Skirt and blouse
Button down top
Nice jeans or pants
Slacks and nice top
Heels, flats, boots, or nice sneakers
This young woman is wearing a striped sweater and dark pants which would be suitable for a celebration of life ceremony that is held outdoors or in the winter.
This photo shows a woman wearing green dress pants and a patterned blouse.
Although bright colors are usually not recommended, this outfit could be perfect for a celebration that takes place in nature, like a tree planting ceremony.
This outfit features a black cardigan and a gray pencil skirt which is ideal for a more formal celebration of life.
For a casual, outdoor affair consider a black blouse and blue jeans which would be considered a more laid-back outfit.
Some celebrations may be held in beachy locations. This woman is modeling a sundress and hat combination that can be great for those circumstances.
For a more casual outfit choice pair a black skirt with a leather jacket that can help keep you warm in cold weather.
For summer celebrations, a patterned dress can be perfect for the occasion. This green dress would also be suitable for a ceremony taking place in nature.
This older lady showcases a purple sweater and skirt that can be ideal for a spring celebration of life.
A brown blouse and a pair of black dress pants can be worn to either casual or formal celebrations of life.
A yellow ruffled dress might seem a little bold for a celebration of life but this can be perfect for intimate summer celebrations of life.
A dark blue midi dress can be worn during a variety of seasons and is ideal for a more formal celebration of life.
For casual celebrations that occur in the summer, pair a striped blue oxford with white jeans and a pop of accessory color.
What Men Should Wear
Casual button down shirt
Polo Shirt
Slacks or Chinos
Suit
Blazer
Suit shoes, boots, or nice sneakers
A smart casual outfit featuring a blue button down and darker blue dress pants. This combination can be worn to a more formal celebration of life.
This young man is wearing a floral patterned button down and dark jeans that's ideal for a casual outdoor celebration.
Another casual option is a dark button-down over a white tee and white pants. This is ideal in spring or summer months and can be perfect for an outdoor celebration.
Continuing with the summer theme, this outfit shows a blue and white striped button down with dark pants that can be worn for casual or more formal celebrations.
For more formal settings a white button down and tan dress pants look put together and respectful.
This young man shows off a black short sleeve button down shirt dark pants and dress shoes. This is ideal for a formal celebration of life that happens in the warmer months. This can even be worn for indoor or outdoor memorials.
If you are attending a formal celebration of life this combination shows a blazer worn over a blue button down shirt with dress pants.
What Children Should Wear?
You probably already know that children usually don't like to wear tight formal clothes. But you'll be happy to know that children have less strict clothing rules.
Just try to make a little bit of effort with some of their best clean clothes that are bright and uplifting. Here are some great examples below:
This baby can be seen in an adorable grey and pink overall outfit with a bow embellishment. This is great for any style of celebration of life.
A smart casual winter outfit for a small boy that includes a buttoned shirt, blue sweater, and cream trousers.
Young girl wearing a flower dress with a simple buttoned blue sweater.
A more colorful outfit for a small boy that's appropriate for a more upbeat celebration of life ceremony.
What You Shouldn't Wear
Overly casual clothes: Wearing overly casual attire may be seen as disrespectful or may look like you are not taking the occasion seriously. Flip flops, baseball caps, casual t-shirts, exercise clothes, and shorts should be avoided.
Nothing too distracting: This includes anything that can draw attention away from the ceremony. This includes shirts with large logos and bright colors, or shirts with inappropriate political or humorous messages. Flashy or excessive jewelry along with overly revealing clothing is also not recommended.
Disrespectful Symbols or Accessories: Items or symbols that don't recognize the religion or culture of the deceased's family.
Themed Celebration of Life Ceremonies
Disney Themed Celebration of Life
There are exceptions to the above rules of what you shouldn't wear. And this is the case when the family has decided to host a themed celebration of life. Theme costumes could include:
Sports themed costume
Hollywood themed costumes
Vintage or decade specific costumes
Beach themed attire
Nature inspired costumes
Music themed clothes