\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The event can be held at any time after the death has occurred, and be as simple . The tone or style of the celebration of life event. It's best practice to see if the person setting up the event has included any special instructions, event information, or guidance on any activities or themes occurring during the celebration of life. A celebration of life is generally held in a casual setting like a park or somewhere special to the deceased, rather than at a church or funeral home. A wake might be slightly less formal than a funeral, but it still requires a polished, put-together look. When attending a celebration of life, it is important to dress respectfully. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. No one wants to go through something like this, and it is best to have the least number of things to be concerned with. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service This link will open in a new window. When Anna and Michael met at the end of 2020 during the pandemic, dating was anything but casual. Your guests may find themselves in the position of knowing someone who died and trying to determine whether they are invited to the gathering. A celebration of life is more informal and there is an opportunity to customize the party for the deceased or your loved ones. It goes without saying that the location matters. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. Be aware of others who want to speak with the family, Dont make comments about your experiences with loss, Do not discount the healing power of a good hug. Depending on the type of event, this might not be too different from, Uniforms (especially for military or public service individuals). Thanks for reading our article! While celebrations of life are very open with the dress code, there are still some things to consider when choosing your outfit. Traditional funeral etiquette often is more formal and requires the guests to wear a certain type of clothing to be respectful to the family or host of the funeral. Most people understand that kids dont like to wear stiff, formal clothing, so its easier to find outfits that work for a celebration of life. If you need some help navigating the entire complicated process of loss, including planning or attending a service, check out our post-loss checklist. Instead of worrying about all the plans and day-of logistics, you will experience a terrific celebration honoring the tremendous life of your loved one. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. You could hold one instead of, or combined with, a more traditional funeral. Of course, do not choose a mini dress that is too short to avoid causing disrespect. In most cases, wearing jeans is perfectly acceptable. If you are worried about proper etiquette for what type or categories of attire to wear to a celebration of life service occasion, you usually cannot go wrong. If they are more subdued and reflective, then save your funny stories for more private moments. The main thing to remember is that celebrations of life are a time for family and friends to honor and pay tribute to the deceased or death of a person. However, make sure its a nice pair. You want to ensure the family feels your support, and that means dressing appropriately. A funeral tends to be more rooted in the tradition while a celebration of life is more casual and celebratory. Were here to help with this guide below. This is not an occasion to dress in bright colors or patterns. This link will open in a new window. Stick to low heels, flats, dress shoes, and nice boots for a more formal celebration of life. Instead of advising you on what to say, lets talk briefly about what not to do when offering condolences. Not to mention they are also set in a more casual environment. If its in a funeral home or other upscale venue, youll likely need to pay closer attention to the dress code. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. While its true most celebrations of life are less formal than a typical funeral, there are still a few things youll want to keep in mind. A celebration-of-life event is as unique as the honoree it reflects, and for this reason it's difficult to know what to expect when you are attending one. Their clothing resembles the adult options above. You may consider holding a celebration of life on the anniversary of your loved ones death. Continue reading to learn what our celebration of life specialists recommends. , most etiquette guides suggest that you have the florist deliver the arrangement to the funeral home or church before the event. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Easily send flowers to a funeral or family member. Its also about paying respects to the family. Don't Overthink It . If they are laughing over stories of the deceased and having a good time, then so should you. Women should keep accessories simple and avoid anything flashy or excessive. Find caskets, urns and more at a fraction of funeral home prices. Twitter. 3 Brilliant Ways To Save Hundreds On Luxury Products And no, these don't include buying secondhand or outlet - we're sharing 3 legitimate ways to get your favorite luxe products up to 25% cheaper. Black Formal Dress Black Formal Dress Depending on the type of event, this might not be too different from what to wear to a funeral. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Celebrations are not somber events! . This will help to show your respect for the deceased. A nice sweater and trousers are about as casual as you can go. Don't be afraid to ask questions . Loss is hard. No bare legs. ), make sure to stick to that. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. For women, wear a dress or slacks with heels to a formal event or jeans and a blouse with flats to a casual event. Winter green, dark blues, browns, and plaids are also typically acceptable for your outerwear. It is not necessary for a man to always wear a suit with shirt and tie to a celebration of life event, unless it is a more formal event or that it specifies that it is a black-tie gathering. A good rule of thumb is to dress as though you are headed to an important business meeting. Most families choose to have celebration-of-life services to share happy memories and stories of the deceased. Wear with a dress or tailored trousers for the funeral, before teaming with the best petite jeans at a later date.