A Country funeral... what do I wear?

Bullocks · 12-05-2015 12:45AM

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Well, you know that kind of thing is what I am looking forward to. You know, the country way of saying things and all that.

I have not been to a country funeral before, so it will be an experience, with the 24 hour wake and all..

Although grief is the same the world over. And I will not be disrespectful.

I wouldn't worry about being disrespectful, in my experience of wakes the mood is generally light enough (unless it's a young person or someone leaving a young family in which case I wouldn't hang around for a 24 hr wake )

idunno78 · 12-05-2015 12:53AM

Wear a warm jacket! Cold at graveyard and especially if ya walk from church!! Im sure ya won't be at the wake the whole night! Be just like a regular funeral!!! Is north west bit sligo area? Someone said clare - that's south west? No?

12-05-2015 12:56AM

Don't forget your Passport. Not sure if you need a Visa.

q2ice · 12-05-2015 12:59AM

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Cannot agree, sorry.

It is either "down the country", or Dublin.

Yikes, I will await the cowpats now!

That would be correct if Dublin were the most northerly point in the country. Which it is not by any stretch of the imagination.

You are going up the country (unless you plan to go to the north west of the country by the southerly route - south over the poles)

Spanish Eyes · 12-05-2015 01:05AM

q2ice wrote: »

That would be correct if Dublin were the most northerly point in the country. Which it is not by any stretch of the imagination.

You are going up the country (unless you plan to go to the north west of the country by the southerly route - south over the poles)

Well excuse me now!

My next door neighbour is from Cavan. And she always says "we are going down the country to see the Mam and Dad!

Unless she is lying about where she is from

"Down the country" is a euphemism for anywhere outside the Pale I think!

Unless someone is specific about the county, ie, say Cork then it's "down to Cork"

Jayzz I'm even confusing myself now!

autumnrain · 12-05-2015 01:06AM

If you're going to the graveyard have a long warm cost and wear flat boots or something. Colours irrelevant. You might have to walk a bit after the hearse to get there and I've destroyed nice shoes clambering across muddy graveyards.
It's nice you're thinking about what's best - but honestly, people will remember that you showed up not what you wear (unless it is a madly revealing gÃ႒Âºna!).

Spanish Eyes · 12-05-2015 01:07AM

q2ice wrote: »

That would be correct if Dublin were the most northerly point in the country. Which it is not by any stretch of the imagination.

You are going up the country (unless you plan to go to the north west of the country by the southerly route - south over the poles)

LOL.

You are of course correct.

But in fairness, I have NEVER heard anyone saying they were going "up the country" for the weekend.

"Down the country" is so kind of normal speak, no matter where in the country that is!

Spanish Eyes · 12-05-2015 01:08AM

autumnrain wrote: »

If you're going to the graveyard have a long warm cost and wear flat boots or something. Colours irrelevant. You might have to walk a bit after the hearse to get there and I've destroyed nice shoes clambering across muddy graveyards.
It's nice you're thinking about what's best - but honestly, people will remember that you showed up not what you wear (unless it is a madly revealing gÃ႒Âºna!).

Thank you.

That is the advice I am looking for!

Paramite Pie · 12-05-2015 01:57AM

Cold War Kid wrote: »

Can't imagine there being any difference between a city funeral and a country funeral in terms of what the prevailing attire is? Would have thought you'd always wear just black.

That's where you'd be wrong. Only the chief mourners will wear large amounts of black. And some may even wear dark clothes for the entire year like my cousins did when their aunt (other side of the family) died. Even at weddings they dressed in mourning attire. The country can be very different.

If you wear black without breaking it up with another colour you're basically saying this person is an immediate family member and a deep personal loss. No real offense caused because the grievers probably wouldn't notice but everyone will be shaking your hand and saying "sorry for your loss"... awkward if you don't know the deceased.

I once went to a funeral in the UK wearing a dark but not quite black suit.. was very embarrassing because I stood out in a sea of black suits/ties. If you wore a dark suit in Mayo you'd break it up with a lighter tie which is what I did:o. The OP is right to ask.

Mehaffey1 · 12-05-2015 02:06AM

Silage wrap and wellies.

12-05-2015 05:00AM

I don't know what part of dublin you're from OP but where I'm from a funeral is not a fcuking fashion parade.

Jesus Christ.

12-05-2015 07:17AM

Ha ha!

Great thread, always good to see a wind up sneak in and people taking it seriously.

Daisy 55 · 12-05-2015 07:23AM

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Sorry, but no one EVER says "up the country". Strange that, now that you mention it!

I knew it, there is a secret code!

What is the code in the NW so?

We do!

Fr_Dougal · 12-05-2015 07:35AM

Canis Lupus wrote: »

Imagine the funeral was in Dublin and then wear what you think would be appropriate for that.

Yeah, but leave the heroin at home.

cruais · 12-05-2015 07:39AM

Be prepared to dance at the cross roads.... they're big into that.

TwoShedsJackson · 12-05-2015 07:44AM

Deleted User wrote: »

Don't forget your Passport. Not sure if you need a Visa.

Vaccinations too. Particularly against flukeworm and sarcoptic mange mites.

_Kaiser_ · 12-05-2015 07:50AM

Deleted User wrote: »

I don't know what part of dublin you're from OP but where I'm from a funeral is not a fcuking fashion parade.

Jesus Christ.

+1.. I thought this was a wind-up when I read it - and as for the notion that "anything goes" in Dublin

Just wear something dark/black and respectable OP

12-05-2015 08:34AM

TwoShedsJackson wrote: »

Vaccinations too. Particularly against flukeworm and sarcoptic mange mites.

TRAFFIC REPORT!

Large tailbacks on the N4 at Carrick on Shannon due to Ebola screening checkpoint operated by Gardai, Customs and Dole office. Expect major delays.

silverfeather · 12-05-2015 08:55AM

The country is only an hour from where ever you are in Ireland. Grief is universal anyway. Don't alienate yourself.

You'll be fine.

Condolences.

12-05-2015 09:02AM

Here in Tipperary, we go Up to Dublin, Down to Cork, Over to Limerick, In to Town and Out home.

Egginacup · 12-05-2015 10:11AM

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

OK, laugh away, and have a go at the question, but it is genuine.

I am a true Dub. I am going to a funeral down the country where there is a wake in the house the day and night before the funeral. Dublin Funerals anything goes, as long as it's not a micro mini and belly showing. A bit of respect, but colours don't matter IME.

I am a gurrrlll. So, does anyone know what is the clothing protocol in the country, is it different to the cities?

I have asked my OH, and he doesn't give a shoot apart from dark colours, but not all black... men

I was thinking of a dark red long top and black trousers for the wake.

Then a nice black dress with a white and black bolero (short jacket) type of thing for the funeral. Black tights and shoes.

I don't know anyone going other than OH, so can't get any advice elsewhere!

Thaaaaaanks!!

At the end of the day, as long as I am comfortable, and dressed respectably, I'm sure I'll be ok, but I don't want to offend anyone.

Is it a funeral of a member of the "mobile" community? If so then black velvet top-hat with attached black mesh-veil just coming down to your nose. Scarlet lipstick. Black satin choker. Crimson velvet top with port-hole chest opening, displaying cleavage. Glitter on cleavage is optional but recommended. Black layered lace and taffeta ruffle skirt, mid-thigh on one side, knee-length on the other. Black fishnets or sheer black stockings with embossed black crosses. Completing the ensemble, 7 inch stilleto, platform, patent-leather, strappy hooker shoes.

Gwynplaine · 12-05-2015 10:20AM

Don't forget your passport.

jimgoose · 12-05-2015 10:22AM

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Please, I did not denigrate anyone.

I just wanted to be respectful in accordance with Regional traditions!

You'll find that we are a peaceful tribe of vegan tree-dwellers who while away the day in whimsical contemplation and whacking a leather ball up and down with sticks. Our womenfolk are hairy but the pig-meat and porter is good. We mean you no harm, we're just still a bit sore about the Famine, ye Jackeen bastards ye. Be well, peace out! :cool:

recylingbin · 12-05-2015 11:06AM

AgileMyth wrote: »

The people up there will be so amazed to see a proper dub they won't even notice what you're wearing. You can regal them with tales of the big city all day and night. Tell them of the wonders of the luas and junkies.

No doubt they'll already have heard tell of coppers, since Sean Og went and done a year in UCD back in 2008, so you can talk about that if you're stuck. Or Croke Park. That's basically a cathedral for country people.

I'm jealous of the people of down the country in the North West. What a day for them. An actual proper Dub.

This may be the greatest post ever.

blue5000 · 12-05-2015 12:31PM

I'm surprised nobody mentioned the shades, black wraparound is best. If it's not sunny at the graveyard you can stick them on top of your head to help keep the hair tidy. If it's raining you will need a BLACK umbrella, if it's raining and windy, that's not good.

I'm a culchie and was at a funeral in N. Dublin once. OMG the obesity of the people was terrible, still have this mental image of a young one wearing a thong who was so fat she couldn't actually get down to kneel for the prayers:o

Nekarsulm · 12-05-2015 12:33PM

Have to get the Indo. and figure out which funeral you are going to.....

Paramite Pie · 12-05-2015 01:45PM

Nekarsulm wrote: »

Have to get the Indo. and figure out which funeral you are going to.....

^^Most Irish comment ever...:pac:

Darkglasses · 12-05-2015 01:51PM

They are noble savages OP, I have lived among them for some time. Just bring some beads with which to barter for their land.

To Elland Back · 12-05-2015 01:58PM

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

"Down the country" is a euphemism for anywhere outside the Pale I think!

Have you any idea where the Pale begins and ends?

diomed · 12-05-2015 02:03PM

Bring a (black) umbrella.

A Country funeral... what do I wear?

Comments