More than ever, cremation services in Walla Walla, WA, are being accompanied by a celebration of life. A festive, upbeat event where attendants celebrate the deceased’s life instead of mourning them. The appropriate attire for this kind of ceremony is not always clear for those attending one.
The lack of clarity is further compounded by the fact that, unlike traditional funerals, celebrations of life vary. There’s no singular type, and the right outfit usually comes down to the specific ceremony.
Hence, the most effective way to determine what to wear to a celebration of life is to ask the hosts if it hasn’t been communicated in the official invite.
That said, in the absence of a specified dress code, here are some guidelines to help you choose your wardrobe.
Colors and Style
A celebration of life has more permissible color and style options than a traditional funeral. It’s okay, encouraged even, to wear something other than dark colors. Light and bright colors like pink, green, red, or yellow are appropriate.
The style is also more casual than formal. While you can still wear a suit or heels if you wish, middle-of-the-road to casual styles are preferred. Appropriate options include jeans, leggings, blouse, skirt, khaki pants, polo shirt, etc.
However, your outfit should still be conservative unless the invite states otherwise. Avoid wearing swimsuits, tank tops, miniskirts, low-cut shirts, or any suggestive clothing that may attract negative attention.
Location and Time
The location and time of the event are great clues for picking the right outfit for a celebration of life. Since celebrations of life can be held anywhere, the proper attire is influenced by where the ceremony is happening.
A formal dinner in an upscale restaurant requires different clothing than a potluck in a backyard, even if the activities are similar. The same applies if it’s a hike where sneakers are more relevant than dress shoes.
The time of the year and season matter. Light and breathable clothes are better in warmer seasons, while layered clothing suits colder seasons.
Type of Event and Activities
Finally, consider the type of celebration of life and the planned activities, especially if you plan on taking part.
While the location offers a big clue, it’s not enough. A celebration of life in a park isn’t necessarily an informal affair. It could be a formal party that requires formal clothing in lighter colors.
Understanding how the location, type of event, and the scheduled activities pair with one another allows you to pick the right outfit for the specific celebration of life.
For instance, flowy tops and khaki pants may seem enough for a celebration of life on a beach. But if the ceremony’s activities include swimming, you may need to pack swimwear too.
Sometimes, the planned activity may require a complete change of clothes. That’s why it’s essential to ask the hosts what they have planned to dress accordingly.
And if you’re a host, picking out the dress code is one of many important considerations when planning a celebration of life.
Our cremation services in Walla Walla, WA, include helping families arrange celebrations of life. We are available 24/7 and ready to help. Call us now to work with our professional staff or visit our location for any preplanning needs.
