Funeral dress codes are changing. From bright colours to casual wear and themed outfits, here's how clothing is becoming a meaningful way to personalise a final goodbye.
Traditionally, funerals in the UK – including here in Conwy, Gwynedd, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Anglesey – meant one thing when it came to clothing: black, formal and respectful. That image still holds true in some families, but more and more I see funerals where the dress code is used as a way of honouring personality, hobbies and passions.
As a funeral celebrant in North Wales, I’ve stood in ceremonies where football shirts, favourite colours, even novelty outfits were chosen. Each one said something about the person who had died, and each one shaped the atmosphere of the day.
It doesn’t always have to be dramatic. Sometimes families simply say “wear what makes you comfortable.” In Bangor Crematorium, I led a service where people wore green and Pokemon themed outfits – and it felt entirely right. In another funeral in Denbighshire, guests wore leopard print and sequins because that’s how their friend always dressed.
Then there are the moments of colour. I’ve seen whole chapels filled with blue for an Everton supporter, orange for a much-loved daughter or floral prints for someone who adored her garden. In Colwyn Bay Crematorium, everyone turned up in Rugby Shirts and shorts and belted out Calon Lan at the tops of their lungs.
One of my favourite examples was a service in Bangor, where a family laid out their mum’s sunglasses collection and asked everyone to wear a pair during the ceremony. It was light-hearted, moving, and unmistakably her. In Denbighshire Crematorium, mourners showed up dressed for a wedding rather than a funeral, because the young lady that died loved dressing up.
I’m working with Alison, who has pre-planned her funeral, and whilst she’s not stipulated what people should wear, she has included in her wishes is that no-one should buy anything new to wear to her funeral: they must wear something they already have in their wardrobe, as this is in keeping with her values about sustainability and looking after the planet.
Funeral Directors and Bearers in formal attire will sometimes change the colour of their ties to match the colour scheme, which is a subtle, but thoughtful nod. Some, like Angladdau Enfys Funerals do, with the family’s blessing, opt for brightly coloured dresses instead of more formal attire. The picture at the top of this blog is Funeral Directors Manon and Louise from a funeral we worked together on in summer.
Clothing alone doesn’t make a funeral, but it can set the tone. It’s a way of telling a story, of reflecting the individuality of the person who has died, and of helping everyone feel part of the ceremony.
In Conwy, Gwynedd, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Anglesey, I see families using dress codes as one of many ways to make funerals feel more personal. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest moments, we can find small, creative ways to celebrate the people we love.
If you’re arranging a funeral in Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd or Flintshire and would like to set a dress code, the most important thing is to let people know early. Whether it’s in a notice, on social media or in a message, be clear about your wishes so guests don’t feel unsure on the day.
I always encourage families to frame it as an invitation, not an instruction. So rather than saying “no black,” you might write “please wear something colourful to remember Jane.” This gives guests the freedom to choose whether a bright scarf or tie feels right for them.
And if you’re attending a funeral and you’re not sure what’s expected? Don’t overthink it. In my experience, families notice your presence far more than the colour of your trousers.
Clothes won’t define the whole ceremony, but they can play a meaningful part in setting the tone. As a celebrant, I’ve seen how a thoughtful dress code can make a funeral feel celebratory, personal and truly one of a kind.
I’m a modern funeral celebrant based in North Wales, working with families across Conwy, Gwynedd, Anglesey, Flintshire and Denbighshire. If you've got more questions about working with me as your funeral celebrant, check out my Frequently Asked Questions. If you’d like help creating a ceremony that feels personal – from the dress code to the words we share – I’d be glad to talk. Get in touch here.
Modern and uplifting wedding celebrant and funeral celebrant based in North Wales and working across Eryri (Snowdonia), Conwy, Gwynedd, Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham, Anglesey, Llŷn Peninsula, Cheshire, Knutsford, Liverpool, Manchester and the North West.