Can I Wear Color to A Funeral (2024)

As funeral directors, we often get asked questions about upcoming funeral services and how to prepare for them. One of the most common one’s we hear is, “can I wear this to a funeral?” In years past, there were never any questions about funeral attire. Women wore dark dresses and men wore dark suits. But in today’s evolving world, as more and more people plan memorial services and celebrations of life, funeral attire is evolving. Formal, business casual, casual. The options are truly endless. And understandably, confusing.

With that being said, it is generally understood that regardless of the style of dress, dark colors are always the preferred choice no matter how casual or formal.

Can I Wear Bright Clothes to A Funeral?

For some people, the thought of wearing dark clothes seems out of place or just plain wrong. This is especially true if your loved one was bubbly or uplifting. In this case, wearing dark and somber colored clothing does not reflect the personality of the deceased. Rather than dressing in black, the deceased would probably have preferred bright and colorful clothes to honor them.

If you have an upcoming funeral, you might find yourself in this predicament. Although there is no perfect answer to this, we can offer the following advice.

When in doubt, always play it safe and dress conservatively.

If the family feels that colorful clothing would be a great way to pay tribute, they will be the ones to let you know. If this is the case, they will express this desire to the funeral director or include it on their loved one’s obituary.

However, they may want to have a more traditional funeral service and might feel it is disrespectful if guests are in bright clothing. If you are unsure, we recommend speaking with the funeral director. In the time leading up to the service, the family should not be bothered with questions about clothing choices.

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Ways to Incorporate Color into Your Outfit

If the family wishes to have guests in traditional dress clothes, there are still ways to incorporate a splash of color into your outfit. Remember though, if the family has expressed that guests should wear dark clothing, be mindful of that.

For men, a simple way to add a splash of color is with your choice of tie. Try to be mindful of how bright your clothing is and select a tie that accents your suit with some color. Ties should be nice patterns or a simple solid color. If you want to complete the look, pair the tie with a matching pocket square.

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For women, adding color can be done through patterns and floral designs. Much like with men’s funeral attire, color should be used to subtly accent your outfit. Try to make sure that your outfit does not have overly bright colors or wild patterns that draw attention.

Remember, you are there to mourn the loss and support the family, you outfit should not make you the center of attention.

When Is Color Appropriate?

Funeral services do not always have to have a conservative dress code. If you will be attending a celebration of life or memorial service for instance, a black suit or dress may not be necessary. Typically, these types of services take place weeks or months after a death. In this case, attire is generally more casual as the service is a lighter atmosphere as guests gather to celebrate a life well lived.

In some cases, the death of a child might call for a brighter wardrobe. It’s common for schools to hold a ceremony for students to attend. Rather than be intimidated or scared by the thought of death, students are encouraged to wear bright colored clothes that they will feel comfortable in.

Remember, every person is different and no two services are the same. Something we often hear families say is “She was always so bubbly and full of life. She wouldn’t want people to be crying and mourning. She’d want them to be celebrating her life.” When this happens, sometimes the family elects to have a colorful service with balloons and bright flowers. The choice is always up to the family when deciding how they will honor a loved one.

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Here to Assist You

If you have any questions about funeral attire or etiquette, please do not hesitate to ask. We would be happy to speak with you and offer guidance to help you prepare for the service. We can also connect you with grief support resources to help you through this period of mourning.

Can I Wear Color to A Funeral (2024)

FAQs

Can I Wear Color to A Funeral? ›

Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.

What colors are okay to wear to a funeral? ›

There's a time and a place for flashy clothing and jewelry, but a funeral is certainly not it. At the majority of funerals in the West, unless their religion dictates otherwise, black or dark colors are usually your safest options.

What is not okay to wear to a funeral? ›

First and foremost, dress appropriately. This means no jeans, shorts, or tank tops. Instead, opt for dark, conservative clothing. Women should avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy, and men should make sure their clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.

Is it okay to not wear black at a funeral? ›

No, it is not necessary to always wear black to a funeral. While black has been traditionally associated with funerals in many cultures, it's no longer the only acceptable option. While dark, subdued colours are typically a safe choice, opting for charcoal, dark navy, or other dark hues can also be appropriate.

Is it okay to wear dark green to a funeral? ›

Keep it Neutral: Traditional funeral wear does not automatically mean black everything, there is some versatility when it comes to classic funeral attire. Darker neutrals like plum, forest green, navy blue, and a range of greys are also appropriate. Muted print can also be acceptable.

What do colors mean at a funeral? ›

Pink is considered a respectful color choice, used to express gentleness and sympathy. Red flowers symbolize love, as well as beauty and strength. Purple represents dignity and respect, as well as a regal presence. Blue flowers express a deep sense of mourning and condolensense.

What does a splash of color at a funeral mean? ›

Colourful funerals encourage guests to opt against wearing black and instead, choose vibrant colours to reflect and celebrate the life of the deceased.

What should you avoid when attending a funeral? ›

Keep conversations quiet and avoid disruptive behavior, such as checking your phone or talking loudly. Follow Religious Customs: If the funeral follows specific religious customs or traditions, be respectful and participate as appropriate, even if they differ from your beliefs.

Do funerals have dress codes? ›

A funeral is a time to show your respect as you honor the life of the deceased, and your clothing should reflect that. For men, dark suits or slacks and a dress shirt is preferred. For women, a dress, business suit, or dress pants and nice sweater. Stick to colors like black, navy, grey, or red-violet.

How to dress for a female funeral? ›

What does a woman wear to a funeral? A woman typically wears a knee-length or longer dress in muted colors like black, navy, or gray. Conservative blouses paired with skirts or tailored trousers are also appropriate.

Can you wear a floral dress to a funeral? ›

A business suit or a simple dress that covers the shoulders and knees should suffice. If you want to wear something different, many women will wear dress pants with a nice sweater or blazer. Try to stick to more subtle colors like black, gray, dark blue, or purple and avoid overly floral patterns or vibrant colours.

What shoes to wear to a funeral? ›

What type of shoes should you wear to a funeral? Black, very dark brown (navy), or burgundy dress shoes work best for funerals. These colours will also match the majority of your wardrobe - making them more versatile. If possible I would always opt for dark brown instead of black, as it is less formal.

What colors are not allowed at a funeral? ›

Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.

What's not appropriate to wear to a funeral? ›

While it's true that you don't have to wear black, you should dress in a way that shows respect. That means avoiding bright colors, flashy prints, and glittery fabrics. A good rule of thumb is to dress as if you are attending a serious business meeting.

Can you wear a pop of color to a funeral? ›

Try to make sure that your outfit does not have overly bright colors or wild patterns that draw attention. Remember, you are there to mourn the loss and support the family, you outfit should not make you the center of attention.

What does wearing white to a funeral mean? ›

The family of someone who dies wears white mourning, in the hope that their loved ones are reborn again. The idea of white mourning, otherwise known as deuil blanc in French, was formed during the 16th century when white was worn by bereaved children and unmarried women.

What should a woman wear to a funeral? ›

What do women wear to a funeral? A skirt or dress – these should be knee-length and not flashy or revealing, normally with tights. A pair of smart trousers – jeans and other casual trousers are not appropriate for a funeral. A pair of smart full-length or ankle grazer trousers in a dark colour can be a good option.

What colour to wear to a non black funeral? ›

In terms of alternatives, a deep navy blue or dark grey is equally appropriate. If all else fails, lighter grey and brown are also acceptable. If it's a suit you're wearing, make sure the tie is also an appropriate colour, with black the preferred choice. Again, dark blue and grey are also fine if that's all you have.

What colors shouldn't you wear to a wedding? ›

Leave all white, ivory, and champagne-hued shades alone, unless the invitation specifically designates an all-white dress code. "White and ivory are such a stark, prominent color that when you are the only one, as the bride, wearing it, all eyes are on you," says Avrumson.

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