Catholic funeral

[Jatin]

Earlier today I found out that my ex-girlfriend’s (we are still good friends) grandfather passed away this morning. His funeral is this Saturday at 11 at our church. I don’t know how funerals (especially Catholic ones) go having being fortunate enough not to have needed to attend one; however, I do not know what is appropriate to wear (keep in mind that I am 17 years old). I asked my dad what he thought and he suggested a white button up with a tie and khakis. I thought black was the standard so if you all could help me out that would be great.

 

[Sarabande]

I cantor for funerals often. What I see as usual attire is dark clothing. It doesn’t necessarily have to be black, but people tend to wear darker hues. You’ll see lighter tops, perhaps, but the pants or skirt tend to be dark. Hope that helps.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

I have seen both. Family members tend to wear dark colors, but khakis would not be out of place.

A Catholic funeral is usually a Mass, very much like any other Mass except for a few things: a white cloth reminding us of Baptism placed over the casket at the beginning; some extra prayers said by the priest over the casket at the beginning and at the end of Mass; sometimes the use of incense, representing our prayers for the deceased person rising to God.

It is great that you will be attending. Burying the dead and praying for them is a work of mercy we are all called to do. God bless you!

 

[Jatin]

Well what I’m trying to decide is if I should wear a white button up and tie with black (or dark pants) or a white button up and tie with khakis. I’m thinking just the khakis would be fine but the last thing I want to do is be disrespectful to the family and deceased.

 

[EasterJoy]

Well what I’m trying to decide is if I should wear a white button up and tie with black (or dark pants) or a white button up and tie with khakis. I’m thinking just the khakis would be fine but the last thing I want to do is be disrespectful to the family and deceased.

Wear the best you have, excluding clothes that are “jazzy.” Given the choice between dark slacks and khakis, wear the dark slacks.

Having said that, I put my kids in white button-up shirts and slacks for a funeral we went to recently and I wore a dark-colored dress. We were by far the most conservatively dressed there, including the family. That was OK, though. Unless you’re specifically asked to dress otherwise, you won’t go wrong by being more conservative.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Go with the dark ones if you have them (but no need to go out and buy new!).

 

[Jatin]

Well that’s the thing, I would need to buy some dark slacks. That might not be a bad thing to do anyway considering you don’t only wear dark at funerals. I am a senior in high school now (first day was today…ugh) so buying some dark slacks might be a good idea anyway. Thanks for you help. If I can’t find reasonably priced dark pants I’ll just wear the khakis.

 

[stbruno]

Well that’s the thing, I would need to buy some dark slacks. That might not be a bad thing to do anyway considering you don’t only wear dark at funerals. I am a senior in high school now (first day was today…ugh) so buying some dark slacks might be a good idea anyway. Thanks for you help. If I can’t find reasonably priced dark pants I’ll just wear the khakis.

Just dress neatly…like Sunday best, khakis are fine and wear a tie.

 

[notsmart]

Earlier today I found out that my ex-girlfriend’s (we are still good friends) grandfather passed away this morning. His funeral is this Saturday at 11 at our church. I don’t know how funerals (especially Catholic ones) go having being fortunate enough not to have needed to attend one; however, I do not know what is appropriate to wear (keep in mind that I am 17 years old). I asked my dad what he thought and he suggested a white button up with a tie and khakis. I thought black was the standard so if you all could help me out that would be great.

I am really sorry to hear about your friend’s grandfather. I remember how hard it was for me to hear when mine died. I only wish I had had a friend like you that would have gone through the effort to think like you are, and care so much.

Your parents should be very proud.

 

[EasterJoy]

Go with the dark ones if you have them (but no need to go out and buy new!).

No, it isn’t necessary, not unless you need to buy new, anyway, and are in a position to do it. Whatever your best is, wear that.

 

[puzzleannie]

what I have seen is anything goes. that does not make it right. there is no rule of the Church but there is etiquette. A dark suit is not required, but button down shirt and neat pants (not jeans) and dress shoes is the minimum. Tie would be better, jacket even better. Ladies should remember that a black party dress that shows a lot of cleavage is not appropriate for a funeral. a modest dress of any color is a better choice. If you are a senior bear in mind you will be going on job and college intervews and dress pants and shirt with tie, or even a suit, is a great investment, and the proper shoes and sox and belt.