What to Wear to a Celebration of Life

Photo by Pexels

Celebrations of life are very different from a funeral and this is evident by not only the overall feeling of the event but also in what is appropriate to wear. This day is not about somber formalities (like a funeral) but more about celebrating the life of your loved one and therefore it carries a sense of joyfulness and a more casual feel.

You can read our Complete Guide On How To Plan A Celebration of Life to cover all of your bases on planning this event.

If we haven’t met yet, I’m Lindsey Nickel. Born and raised in the East Bay, I’m a wedding planner turned celebration of life planner based in Napa, California. I’ve planned 100+ events since 2010 and I specialize in celebrations of life (and Napa weddings). I help grieving families throughout the San Francisco Bay Area plan meaningful celebrations of life, without feeling even more stressed out. Suddenly, things you didn’t think you cared about become important. That’s where an event planner comes in to provide you with options, help you make decisions efficiently, and manage the event planning.

 A celebration of life dress code

Most of the time the “dress code” will be addressed in the invitation or clues can be taken from the areas listed below. A family member’s backyard does carry a different expectation than a country club so keep that in mind when thinking about your outfit. You, also, can’t go wrong by asking the host if they don’t make it clear in the invitation.

• Location of the event - A family member's backyard carries a different expectation than a country club or church. 

• Activities - Are you celebrating your loved ones' love of bowling with a game or two, planting a garden because it was their passion, or are you storytelling at a podium? These dictate different requirements in dressing.

• Favorite colors of the honoree - You are usually not required to wear all black to a celebration of life but it is a kind gesture to include the honoree’s favorite color when deciding on what you will wear.  It is a very sweet nod to them that they would appreciate I am sure.

• Weather - It goes without saying that seasons and daily weather will play a role in what you will wear. If you are planting a garden in their honor then please feel free to wear your rain jacket (even if it is bright yellow).

• Time of day of the event - A morning or afternoon event will be more casual than an evening one but celebrations of life are usually less formal overall so even evening events are more toned down than a funeral.

Photo by Singkham from Pexels

Celebration of Life Ideas for Kids

There is a lot of flexibility in the dress code for kids. Stick to outfits that would work for church, picture day, or any celebration that involves looking put together but without any stiff formal clothing. Don’t shy away from colorful outfits and if they want to wear their sparkliest shoes, by all means, let them.

By Godisable Jacob from Pexels

Celebration of Life Outfit Ideas for Women

Once you have thought through the 5 clues to deciphering what to wear, it is time to put together your outfit. Of course, if the invitation dictates a dress code, that takes precedence over any of the hints so make sure to revisit it if needed.

What You Can Wear

• Jeans or pants

• Printed skirts

• Colorful and flowy blouses

• Button-down tops

• Dresses (mid-length or longer)

• Sweaters

• Flats, heels, or sneakers

What You Should Avoid Wearing

• Jeans with rips or holes

• Graphic T-shirts

• Shirts with Inappropriate Verbiage or Images

• Exercise Clothing

• Mini Skirts

• Any clothes that are too revealing (including cleavage)

• Flip Flops

Photo by Julia M Cameron on Pexels

Celebration of Life Outfit Ideas for Men

This becomes much more comfortable for men because suits and ties are not that commonplace when it comes to celebrations of life. You can wear a suit jacket or a regular jacket if the weather requires it but it is not a must and any shirt with a collar works just fine.

What You Can Wear

• Slacks, Khakis, or Chinos

• Jeans

• Button-down shirts (with or without a tie)

• Collared or Polo shirts

• Sneakers, Boots, or Dress Shoes

What You Should Avoid Wearing

• Jeans with rips or holes

• Graphic T-shirts

• Shirts with Inappropriate Verbiage or Images

• Exercise Clothing

• Beachwear 

Of course, if the honoree is being celebrated for their love of a certain rock band or sports team then that would take precedence over the above suggestions and t-shirts with those emblems are totally acceptable. We have even seen people dressing up in costumes themed for the honoree’s favorite tv show, movie, or their favorite era. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to picking out an outfit for a celebration of life.

The best bit of advice is to contact the host if you have any questions regarding what the expectations are for attire so that you have the peace of mind of knowing you will be fitting in perfectly. This day is meant to celebrate the honoree with heartfelt stories from a life wonderfully lived so celebrate them with joy and laughter.

If you are looking for help in creating a celebration of life that is as unique to the honoree as they were in this life, then I would love to speak with you.