What Tie Is Appropriate For A Funeral: Color & Style Etiquette

Preparing to attend a funeral can be filled with a range of emotions and worries. Whether for a loved one, a distant relative, or a co-worker, you’ll be gathering with others to share a common loss. Wondering about funeral style etiquette and what color tie for funeral wear is only one of the many things you’ll have on your mind.

And knowing that a tie is a focal point of any outfit, you’ll want to choose your tie carefully. A funeral is not the time to wear an eye-catching or statement tie.

However, there are always exceptions to the rule, based on the deceased’s wishes or depending on how the family wants to say goodbye. This guide will help you understand funeral tie color etiquette and help you select the appropriate color and style of tie with confidence.

Understanding Funeral Etiquette

Adhering to funeral etiquette shows respect and support for the bereaved family. End-of-life events can range from a formal funeral home visitation, church or temple service, to a more casual outdoor memorial service, or even a wake or levayah in someone’s home.

Understanding the dress code for various end-of-life events will help you choose a tie appropriate to the occasion. The more casual types of funerals or memorials may have a less formal dress code. You can always check with the family to be sure.

No matter the level of funeral tradition or formality, the clothing you’ll wear should reflect color tones that are solemn and respectful. In general, black is always acceptable but you can also wear a suit in navy blue, dark grey, or dark brown. Avoid a tie color that’s a bright splashy color.

Appropriate Tie Colors for Funerals

When exploring what color tie to wear to a funeral, you’ll find that black is the most traditional and widely accepted color. Never should the tie you choose call attention to yourself. The focus will always be on the deceased. Read on to learn about other tie colors you can wear that are appropriate for a funeral.

Black Ties

A black tie traditionally symbolizes respect, solemnity, and mourning. A tone-on-tone black tie can be a good choice, as it will have some interest without making a fashion statement. You can choose a black tie in fabrics such as wool or silk or in textures, such as woven or knit.

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Dark Grey and Charcoal Ties

A dark grey or a charcoal tie is a suitable alternative to black. Handsome charcoal tones to rich dark grey hues are a good color choice if you want a slight variation from black.

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Navy Blue Ties

Also a respectful choice, a blue tie in darker tones is a classic color appropriate for a funeral. The understated, conservative nature of navy blue makes it a universally accepted color for a somber occasion.

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Dark Purple Ties

Purple conveys luxury, wealth and royalty, but dark purple symbolizes dignity and respect. Dark purple is a distinguished choice if you want a subtle alternative to black. Choose the darker eggplant tones of purple and try to avoid lavender and wisteria for a funeral. If you’ll be attending a fall or winter funeral, the richness and depth of a dark purple wool tie is an excellent choice.

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Tie Styles and Patterns for Funerals

Solid Ties

A solid color tie is the most traditional and appropriate choice for a funeral. Solid-colored ties are simple and understated in their elegance. If you’re unsure about your tie choice for a funeral, you can’t go wrong if you default to a dark solid color.

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Subtle Patterns

If you go with a patterned tie for a funeral, make sure the pattern is very subtle. You don’t want to wear a pattern design or color that calls attention to you. Muted stripes, small dots, or a tonal color such as our Refinado Floral Silk Navy Tie can be an appropriate choice.

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Can You Wear a Bow Tie to a Funeral?

If a bow tie is your standard go-to neckwear, you may be wondering if it’s appropriate for a funeral. In general, a bow tie is not a good choice for a somber event. Bow ties are associated with festive, happy occasions like weddings and parties. In particular, a black bow tie is associated with very formal black-tie events and will look out of place at a funeral.

For a funeral, you want your tie to express respect and regard. However, for a wake, or celebration of life, a bow tie could possibly be appropriate, especially if a bow tie is your standard neckwear. Just be sure to select a bow tie in a darker tone or minimal pattern.

How to Choose the Right Tie for a Funeral

The type of funeral and relationship you have with the deceased will help determine the color and style of tie you choose. Traditional funerals and memorial services call for a solid color or minimally patterned tie in black, dark grey, navy blue, or dark brown. Confirm with whomever is overseeing the celebration of life if you sense there may be an exception to the traditional funeral dress code.

Wakes and celebrations of life are usually less somber events. They can even be upbeat and happy occasions, centered around positive memories of the deceased. For less somber events, you can branch out a bit and wear a solid or patterned tie with a bit more color. A maroon, burgundy, wine, or forest green tie could be appropriate.

Still, choose a color that shows respect and appropriate solemnity. Avoid bright colors or patterns that make a statement or attract attention. Our suggestions in the above sections will ensure you select the right tie for a funeral.

Get Your Ties at The Tie Bar

Selecting the appropriate tie will show your respect. As you prepare to attend a funeral, we hope this guide has provided what you want to know about funeral style and color etiquette.

You can’t go wrong with a solid or subtle patterned tie in a dark color. Still, it will be helpful to keep in mind that because every funeral is different, you should adhere to the dress code wishes of those overseeing the funeral.

From refined solid black and navy blue ties to understated dark patterns, you’re sure to find exactly the right tie that will show your respect and support. Explore The Tie Bar’s full tie collection now.

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