When attending the funeral of an acquaintance? -help-?

Question

The 12 year old son of a family from our community passed away a few days ago. We used to attend the same church as well. His family was more of an acquaintance; it was enough to stop and say hi if we passed in the supermarket, and I went to camp with him a few years ago, but we hadn't communicated since.

1. Is it polite to go to his funeral? -we are planning to already, but I would like to know-

2. What should I wear?

Because my family didn't know his well at all, should I wear a black dress, or black pants and a dress shirt? And is it appropriate to wear black at all?

Thanks.

Answer 1

i guess just dress for a funeral, just becusse you didn't know the kid very well dosnt mean you cant your respect to him or condolence to his family.

Answer 2

I would go to pay my respects.

I suggest that you wear a color like grey because you're not exactly mourning, but you wouldn't want to wear pink or blue or something.

Answer 3

I think that it's still polite to go to the funeral, even though you didn't know his family that well, they would be grateful that you came to the funeral.I think that you should wear all black,it doesn't matter if it's a dress shirt or a dress,as long as it's black.

Answer 4

That poor family thats horrible.  Definitely go to the funeral the family needs all the support they can get.  Just because your only an acquaintance doesn't mean that you dress less formally.  I'd wear whatever looks the best.

Answer 5

You don't have to wear black. Clothing you would wear to church or to a job interview will be fine. I recently was at a funeral where a young woman wore  s**y black spaghetti-strap dress because it was "the only black dress she possessed." She was definitely out of place. Yes, it is entirely appropriate for you to go to the funeral. Even if you do not have an opportunity to talk to the family, they will appreciate your presence. Some years back, our neighborhood lost a nineteen-year-old in a car-train accident. The people coming to his funeral overflowe the church. Later, his mother told me that she had not known or recognized many of the people at her son's funeral, but she was comforted that he had a wider circle of friends/acquaintances than she had realized.

Answer 6

Dress as you would for any funeral.  Just because you don't know the person well doesn't mean the etiquette has changed.  

Answer 7

It is absolutely acceptable to go to the wake or funeral even though you weren't best of friends. At one time you shared the same church and camp however distantly. The family will be very appreciative, most likely at a later date, when their grief has eased a little.

As for clothing, just were something in a subdued color--grey, navy, black is o.k., brown, even a cranberry shirt would be o.k., just not something pink, electric blue, flourescent, pastel, or screaming "LOOK! I'M HERE!!!"  

Don't forget to mind your manners.