Traditionally, the way you dress for a memorial service or cremation ceremony should properly portray respect and honor to those who have passed on. It’s important that your clothing doesn’t distract from this sentiment as it can be difficult enough experiencing such an event without worrying about what they think of how we’re wearing our attire! Black is often used as one of many dark colors representing death and mourning.

However, as Westernized culture continues to evolve with each passing decade, memorial services are slowly starting to veer away from being overly formal and are becoming more celebratory in a manner that celebrates a person’s life. Plus, as cremation is becoming an increasingly popular option over traditional burial, families are starting to plan memorial services more creatively than in the past.

Wearing formal black attire is still widely viewed as the most respectful and formal dress for a memorial service. But what you end up wearing to any given funeral may vary depending on how family members wish to honor their loved ones passing in different ways.

Some families wish to honor their loved ones by wearing the deceased’s favorite color, while some request that attendees wear festive attire such as Hawaiian shirts and muumuus. In any case, if you’re quite unsure of what to wear to a memorial service, you can always ask a close friend or family member of the deceased or stick to wearing formal black attire.

What to Wear for a Memorial Service

If you’re not sure what to wear to a memorial service, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many people find themselves in the same predicament, especially if they haven’t attended one before. The most important thing to remember is that memorial services are somber occasions, so it’s best to dress in dark, muted colors. Black is always a safe bet, but you can also wear navy blue, dark grey, or even brown.

When attending a memorial service, it is important to dress in a way that is both respectful and comfortable. When you’re dressing for an event like a formal memorial service or cremation ceremony, keep these general tips in mind.

Women’s memorial service attire:

• Choose dark, neutral colors such as black, brown, navy, or gray
• Wear a dress, skirt and blouse, or business-casual pants and blouse
• Choose clothing that covers the knees and shoulders
• If wearing jewelry, choose simple and traditional pieces
• Avoid wearing see-through, sheer materials or floral prints
• Avoid wearing high-heels or shoes that sparkle

Men’s memorial service attire:

• Choose dark, neutral colors such as black, brown, navy, or gray
• Wear a suit or pressed slacks with a collared shirt and tie
• Wear a pressed white or light blue shirt

When you need to plan for the cremation of your loved one, Heartland Cremations can help you. We will guide and assist with every step of the way in order to make sure everything goes as planned from start to finish! Family-owned and operated, Heartland Cremation serves the Kansas City area, including the communities of Overland Park, Leawood, Prairie Village, Lenexa, and Olathe. You can contact us at (816) 313-1677 to discuss your cremation needs today.

Funeral and Cremation FAQs

How to Put Ashes in an Urn?

The process of putting ashes into an urn usually involves pouring them into the top opening of the urn. However, if the deceased’s ashes are in a container such as a wooden box or plastic bag, that container will need to be opened and the ashes emptied out before being poured into the urn. Be sure to have a gentle touch when handling ashes, as they are fragile and can easily crumble. It might also help to have someone else there to assist you in this process.

How Much is Cremation Without a Service?

Cremation without a service typically costs between $700 and $1,100. This price includes the cremation process, the use of the funeral home for viewing (if desired), and transportation of the body from the place of death to the funeral home. It does not include any type of memorial or funeral service.

How to Have a Cheap Funeral?

Funerals can be expensive, but there are ways to have a cheap funeral. One way is to have a simple cremation. This is where the body is cremated shortly after death and there is no viewing or service. The ashes can then be buried, scattered, or kept in an urn. Another way to reduce funeral costs is to have the service at a non-traditional location, such as a family member’s home or a park pavilion. You can also ask friends or family members to donate their time and talents by officiating the service, playing music, or providing food and drinks. There are many ways to have an inexpensive funeral, so talk to your local funeral director about what options are available in your area.