As the common saying goes, life has its ups and downs. Sometimes, you are filled with joy, having the time of your life, and celebrating with your loved ones. However, there will be times when you will be feeling low, grieving for the loss of a loved one.
In the circumstance that you lose a loved one, and the ceremony comes soon after the funeral, you might find yourself asking, “Can I attend a wedding after a funeral?”
The answer is personal—you can attend a wedding after a funeral if you want to, but it will also be perfectly fine to skip the wedding. You might need more time to grieve, you might have cultural superstitions, or you might have other personal reasons.
Can I Attend a Wedding After a Funeral? Etiquette
Assess How You Are Feeling First
Before considering anything else, reflect on your emotions first. A funeral can be an overwhelmingly negative experience, especially if it is your loved one’s.
It is okay not to be okay yet. It is okay not to feel prepared to attend a wedding.
Oppositely, it is also okay to be emotionally and mentally prepared to attend a wedding after a funeral.
Look at Any Cultural Superstitions and Religious Beliefs
Some cultures have widespread superstitions about what is okay to do after a funeral. As such, when asking yourself, “Can I attend a wedding after a funeral?” examine your cultural norms and beliefs too.
For example, it is a Chinese wedding taboo for someone in mourning to attend any celebrations—including weddings—within 100 days of someone’s death. That will be considered disrespectful, especially to the dead.
Your religion may also play a role in this decision. Buddhists and Taoists are also discouraged from attending a wedding within 100 days of a relative’s death.
Make Some Adjustments to Your Attire
If you decide to attend, you may want to adjust your attire to strike a balance between your emotions. Wearing bright colors might be too jarring for you, but wearing all-black may not be appropriate given the event.
Instead, you may want to go for muted colors and minimal patterns. In general, wear something that will not overwhelm you.
Communicate Clearly With the Bridal Party
Inform the bridal party or their families about your situation; they will surely understand your circumstance, no matter your personal answer to the question, “Can I attend a wedding after a funeral?”
If you do choose not to attend a wedding after a funeral, make sure to tell them as early as possible. Doing so shows respect for the couple, as it will make it easier for them to make the adjustments with their vendors.
Final Thoughts
Happiness and sadness, joy and sorrow, laughter and tears—these are all parts of life. Living and dying are natural aspects of the human experience.
If you lose a loved one, give yourself enough time to grieve and focus on your well-being. On the one hand, attending a wedding so soon after a funeral might not be something you are mentally prepared for, so it is valid not to go.
On the other hand, the celebratory and social aspects of a wedding might be something you need to lift your spirits. In that case, respond to the RSVP with a “yes” and get your outfit for the special day together.
Either way, surround yourself with the people you love and seek professional support if you feel like you need it. Your mental health matters.
