What to wear to a funeral service in the Philippines?

Posted on: Jan 21, 2019 Publish By: funerallink

Unlike in the western countries where they wear they’re required to wear suits and usually black dress for the women, funeral service in the Philippines does not require wearing barong or black pants. Although you might want to avoid loud colors like red and orange, it is safe to wear black or white.

It is quite typical these days to hold the wake or have the viewing service in a funeral chapel for three to seven days for friends and relatives to pay their respect to the deceased and give comfort to the family. They often drop-by after work so they sometimes in their official uniforms or whatever they are wearing to work on that day. Nobody really cares but there’s always this one person who might think that you are disrespectful.

Image by Moyermk/Flickr

Here are FIVE helpful tips on what to wear to a funeral service in the Philippines:

1 – Plan ahead.

Wearing your uniform to the wake or funeral service is somewhat acceptable these days especially when you are living in the city because going home to change clothes isn’t really a practical option. However, if you have time and brought changing clothes with you, it would be preferable.

If your workplace does not require you to wear a uniform, plan what to wear on that day. If you are thinking to wear the same clothes to the funeral, it’s better to wear something with light colors and not so elaborate.

2 – Wear something light or stick to black and white.

Although some people say that death isn’t the end, it’s the new beginning of new life – still, it is not the day we rejoice and party. Wearing loud colors such as red and orange is not recommended. The young people might not care – the old ones do.

If uncertain what to wear, it is better to stick to black or white.

3 – Simple is beautiful.

Save your elaborate glittery outfit for another occasion. Funeral service in the Philippines might seem like going to a party where you will meet and socialize with your relatives and friends. It is a gathering only that you aren’t there to drink and dance. Wear something simple. It is not the right time to have yourself noticed and be in the middle of the crowd. It is the time to show some respect to the deceased and support to the bereaved family.

4 – Jeans are okay but not shorts.

This might be shocking if you are used to wearing formal clothes like white long sleeve shirt with a necktie and black pants to a funeral. In the Philippines, wearing jeans are okay. Traditionally, people wear barong and black pants for men while women wear a white dress and a veil to cover their head. You might still see this in the province but it’s becoming rare.

5 – Coordinate with the family.

Filipino Chinese and the Ilocanos wear white shirts with a black mourning pin on their chest. This practice has been adopted by many Filipinos these days where direct family members are required to wear white shirts. Friends and relatives can wear black or white.

Going to a funeral service is not something that we take lightly. By simply showing up at the wake or viewing service is more than enough for a friend who lost a family member. Dressing up accordingly is showing your respect not only to the family but also to the deceased.

You might want to read more about ‘How to Cope with Grief’ here.

Image credit to Pixabay and Moyermk/Flickr