Getting ready for a memorial service takes a bit of thought. The ceremonies are less formal than a funeral but still fall far from being casual. So, what should you wear to the service to celebrate a loved one who has passed?

Well, we put together a quick and easy guide to help steer you in the right direction. If you follow these recommendations, you won’t need to worry about being over or underdressed, and you can focus all your attention on mourning the life of a friend or family member.

What is a Memorial Service?

Before we get to the dress code, you may be wondering what’s the difference between a memorial and a funeral service. A memorial service takes place after the funeral, and it’s a time for everyone to come together and honor their loved one in whatever way they’d like. It could entail people reciting prayers, telling stories, or playing music. The key aspect of a memorial service is that the body of the deceased will not be present at the ceremony, unlike at the funeral.

What to Wear

At a memorial service, you’ll want to dress to show respect to the person who has passed away and his or her family. If the invitation doesn’t include a dress code, it’s okay to ask if you feel comfortable doing so. However, there are a few easy expectations you can meet to ensure that you show up in the appropriate attire.

Colors

Traditionally, ceremonies surrounding a funeral call for black clothing. But don’t feel like you need to only wear black. Dark or subdued colors are perfectly acceptable. Just avoid showing up in vibrant clothing–unless the invitation asks you to do so (colorful clothing is most common in celebration of life services).

Women

Women should wear semi-formal clothing like dresses, pants, skirts, or suits. It’s a good idea to go for a conservative or moderate look at a memorial service. Appropriate shoes would include mid heels, flats, or nice boots. There’s no need to worry about being overdressed for the occasion, as you can expect a few attendees to choose formal attire.

Men

Men will want to stick to wearing suits or slacks with a button-up shirt. A suit jacket isn’t necessary if you don’t want to wear one, but it’s recommended you choose a long sleeve shirt–shirts should be tucked in. Footwear should include polished dress shoes or nice boots. Business casual, following the dark-colored dress code, is a great attire for a memorial service.

What Not to Wear

A memorial service is not the time to wear flashy clothing and wild patterns. If you think your outfit is too casual, it probably is. Here is a short list of things not to wear to the service:

• Jeans
• Shorts
• Short sleeve shirts
• T-shirts/sweatshirts
• Sandals
• Revealing clothes
• Baseball caps

Final Thoughts

Your attire is a way to show respect to whoever passed and the family members. Funerals and memorial services happen during emotional times, and the last thing you want to do is ruffle anyone’s feathers by showing up in casual attire. When in doubt, dress up a little more than you were planning and enjoy service.