Can I go to a wake w/o wearing a suit or tie?

[Blackjack200]

Just found out that there is a wake scheduled for 5 PM today, and I'm already at work. I didn't know the deceased but I know some of the bereaved very well, so I'm going for them.

It would be a huge PITA for me to go back home and get a suit. Right now I'm wearing a white button down shirt and gray slacks. I look like someone that was wearing a suit but then took off his jacket and tie.

Can I just go like this? Or will I look like a huge d-bag?

 

[tokie]

If you want to enjoy free food, you need to suit up. If you aren't taking any food, then you will be fine.

 

[gophins72]

probably would be ok, especially if you are younger (early 20s). if you are THAT worried you can probably get something cheap at walmart on the way eh?

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Just found out that there is a wake scheduled for 5 PM today, and I'm already at work. I didn't know the deceased but I know some of the bereaved very well, so I'm going for them.

It would be a huge PITA for me to go back home and get a suit. Right now I'm wearing a white button down shirt and gray slacks. I look like someone that was wearing a suit but then took off his jacket and tie.

Can I just go like this? Or will I look like a huge d-bag?

Yes, you can go dressed like that without any problem.

 

[WaTaGuMp]

You don't need to wear a suit, I went to one in Nov.

 

[lxskllr]

I'd go as-is. If it was easy, stopping at store for a darker shirt, or maybe a sweater wouldn't be a bad idea, but I wouldn't worry about it. Your presence is more valuable than superfluous protocol.

 

[Blackjack200]

If you want to enjoy free food, you need to suit up. If you aren't taking any food, then you will be fine.

Good, I don't care about food.

Yes, you can go dressed like that without any problem.

You don't need to wear a suit, I went to one in Nov.

I'd go as-is. If it was easy, stopping at store for a darker shirt, or maybe a sweater wouldn't be a bad idea, but I wouldn't worry about it. Your presence is more valuable than superfluous protocol.

Awesome. That's what I'll do then.

 

[MotF Bane]

Your presence is more valuable than superfluous protocol.

This.

 

[Muse]

Just found out that there is a wake scheduled for 5 PM today, and I'm already at work. I didn't know the deceased but I know some of the bereaved very well, so I'm going for them.

It would be a huge PITA for me to go back home and get a suit. Right now I'm wearing a white button down shirt and gray slacks. I look like someone that was wearing a suit but then took off his jacket and tie.

Can I just go like this? Or will I look like a huge d-bag?

I say go as you are. Anyone who can't tell you are a sincere individual has a problem, their problem. Bring yourself, not your suit. Your body language will say it all,

 

[Imp]

As long as you aren't wearing a tie-dyed shirt and boxing shorts.

A business look is fine, but if you're in the office, just swipe (or ask nicely to borrow) someone's sports coat or jacket.

 

[mb]

Sounds more than fine. I went to one recently and there several people wearing jeans or shorts and t-shirts. I'm sure it was appreciated that they were there instead of missing it because they might have felt under-dressed.

 

[CycloWizard]

I'd go as-is. If it was easy, stopping at store for a darker shirt, or maybe a sweater wouldn't be a bad idea, but I wouldn't worry about it. Your presence is more valuable than superfluous protocol.

This. The bereaved don't care what you're wearing - they care that you're there.

 

[waffleironhead]

I'm sure the deceased wont care what you are wearing.

 

[Wyndru]

The last few wakes I have been to actually had people in jeans and t-shirts.

It seems the standards for wakes have changed a bit. A little disrespectful, but nobody seems to make a big deal about it anymore.

 

[gophins72]

I'm sure it was appreciated that they were there instead of missing it because they might have felt under-dressed.

if it comes down to this, definitely do not miss it, no matter what you're wearing.

 

[alkemyst]

In this situation your dress would be more than likely fine. Every wake is different, but in general these are not 'surprise' occassions.

At a black-tie wake showing up in cut offs and sandals is rude regardless of your intentions.

People have lost sight of manners out of convenience to themselves.

 

[Texashiker]

The people that know the deceased, how will they be dressed?

Personally, I would be mad if someone showed up at my funeral in a suit. But that is just me. I dont even own a suit. The closest I have is a jacket and tie.