One of the ways funeral homes in Pennsauken Township, NJ, personalize celebrations of life for families is through the dress code. Without the formal restrictions of traditional funerals, celebrations of life outfits can be anything the family want.
However, this confuses attendees who may not know the appropriate way to dress for a festive ceremony about the dead. If you’re attending one, here are some useful guidelines to help you pick your outfit.
Consider the location and time
Because the venue for a celebration of life isn’t limited to formal venues like religious houses and funeral homes, the location informs what to wear. A celebration of life can happen anywhere from a beach or cruise ship to a restaurant or movie theatre.
As a result, when deciding what to wear, the most important questions aren’t about colors or style but where. The right outfit for a celebration of life at a beach is different from the one at a restaurant.
It’s also important to consider the time. Warm and cold seasons have different clothing requirements, and while they may overlap, especially when the event is indoors, the time and weather need to be paid attention to.
Determine the type of event and its activities
There’s no universal type of celebration of life. Each one is usually themed around the deceased person’s passions and personality. A celebration of life for someone who loved hiking may be vastly different from one for someone who enjoyed movies.
The former may include a mountain hike with a formal dinner, while the latter may involve movie screenings with dance and music.
To pick the proper outfit for a celebration of life, you should know what to expect. This information offers the most helpful clue on how to dress for the event, which is why organizers need to include it in the invitation.
However, if the invitation doesn’t answer these questions, ask the hosts or one of the organizers for suggestions.
This reinforces the overarching point that there’s no standard appropriate way to dress for a celebration of life. The correct dress code is specific to the details of each event.
General Rules on Color and Style
While each celebration of life has nuances that inform what you should wear, there are general rules that apply to the color and style you choose.
Avoid dark-colored clothing. A celebration of life is a festive, positive event focused on celebrating the deceased instead of mourning them. The dress color should reflect this. Black, grey, and dark blue colors are not as appropriate as light colors like pink, yellow, green, etc.
Dress conservatively. Unless scheduled activities make it unavoidable, such as ones involving swimwear, you should dress modestly. It means avoiding flashy clothing or styles that expose sensitive body parts.
Wear casual or semi-formal attire. Minimize your accessories, and unless the location calls for it, do not wear flip-flops, sandals, or graphic t-shirts.
Finally, respect the family’s wishes. Many families will expressly state how they want guests to appear, especially when it’s a themed celebration. Honor their request. It’s a simple way to pay tribute to the deceased.
Contact us if you need a funeral home in Pennsauken Township, NJ, to help you plan a celebration of life for a loved one. We offer affordable services in an environment designed to cater to your specific needs. Call us now to speak with our funeral director.