Is black the only acceptable color for a funeral?

Question

I have a funeral to attend this week for a close friend's child. Would it be completely inappropriate for me to wear a pair of black dress pants (they have a tiny red pin stripe in them) with a nice red sweater? Are black/navy blue/dark brown the only acceptable choices? I don't want to be disrespectful to the family.

Edit: How do you feel about a nice white shirt with the same pants, then? I really am on a tight budget, can't go out and buy a whole new outfit as much as I love this family.

The outfit I'm speaking of is EXTREMELY conservative. I'm a conservative dresser anyhow. I'm very close to the mother of the child. The sweater is far from a "clubbing outfit". I'm considering adding a black button down shirt under it, the problem with just black is that the pants a charcoal color and it's hard to get an exact match in color to them. The sweater isn't a bright red either, more of a burgundy.

Answer 1

Wear something comfrotable, I dont think she is going to even notice what you are wearing, unless you appear naked. She will most probably just be greatful that you took the time to show up and give her some support. Very sorry to hear about the loss of your friends child. God bless****

Answer 2

Sorry for your lost. I think black is the standard color. Are you a close family member. If not, you could get away with it. I believe black or dark blue. Don't wear a red sweater. Dark colors only. I don't know if people will paying that much attention to you. Can you talk to the family members and see what they think? If not, I suggest wearing dark colors.


According to the book 21st Century Etiquette:

"Conservative attire is always best. Wearing all black is so past century, but bright colors are garish. Funerals are not the best venue to make any fashion statements. . ."
I can only speak for the United States, but these days it is fine to wear colors other than black as long as the attire is tasteful and conservative. I had the misfortune of attending my Grandmother's funeral this past Wednesday and I did indeed wear bright pink. Let me clarify that, I wore a conservative black pencil skirt and a twinset with pink trim, my cape was pink and my gloves were black (it was at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC, USA and outdoors and freezing). Nobody thought it was "garish" or "tacky" because pink was her favorite color which was a well known fact. I made sure my makeup was conservative and my usually long locks were in a tasteful updo. I actually received compliments later on for tastefully wearing bright pink (just a hint of) to a funeral. . . how funny.

In some cultures it may be a sign of disrespect, so be aware of that and dress according to local customs/beliefs. Use good judgment. This was a special case and the bright color was worn to honor the deceased. If you can't stand wearing black, choose another sombre color such as gray or at the very least stick with conservative attire. It is in no way disrespectful to not wear black in most cases. It is disrespectful to show up in an outfit one would usually wear "clubbing".

Answer 3

No, black is not the only acceptable color for a funeral. It really depends on the family's customs and (where applicable) the wishes of the deceased.

Something that has been a tradition in my family for several generations is to wear black, but break it up either with white or a color. I wore a black dress with a cream-colored floral print to my dad's funeral three years ago. (The dress was modest in neck- and hemline and conservative in style.)

Answer 4

Proper Dress For A Funeral

Answer 5

A man from a place I lived several years ago died. He always wore overalls. His 4 brothers came to the visitation wearing overalls. He was buried in overalls. It is just up to the individual to decide. If you know the family well, then you will know how they
would want people to dress. I don't think it is necessary to wear black. It is a thing that seems to be going out more & more. I was at a funeral about 3 months ago and the daughter of the deceased wore jeans with a black top.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is black the only acceptable color for a funeral?
I have a funeral to attend this week for a close friend's child. Would it be completely inappropriate for me to wear a pair of black dress pants (they have a tiny red pin stripe in them) with a nice red sweater? Are black/navy blue/dark brown the only acceptable choices? I don't want to be...

Answer 7

Attending a funeral in bright yellow with pink polka dots would be ill-advised. However, black dress pants with a tiny red pin stripe with a white blouse is perfectly acceptable. The red sweater, even though you say it is more burgandy, is still red. Red is not entirely appropriate but not unheard of. You are there for support, so if you feel comfortable in the sweater, go for it.

Note of advice for future reference: try to have a funeral outfit on hand for all seasons. It seems that I go to more and more funerals the older I get ... I'm 38. My black pants with the dark brown sweater for the winter and the black skirt with the black print blouse for the summer seem to be getting more and more use lately. Sad but true.

Answer 8

Here is a link to Funeral Etiquette:
http://www.rochesterfuneralhomes.com/Resource_Guides/Funeral_Etiquette.html

If you scroll down to Dress Code you And other's will realize that wearing other colors is ok to wear.

DRESS:
Subdued colors are most appropriate for funerals. It is becoming more acceptable to wear brighter colors today, to celebrate the life of the deceased, but the truth is, etiquette requires modesty and somberness. Out of respect for the family, try to keep your dress simple but not too casual. Many orthodox cultures still adhere to the traditional black attire, and if you opt for that choice, you will never go wrong.

Answer 9

Red sweater isn't the best choice IF you have something else. My aunt wore a dark red sweater to my father's funeral. I never forgot that, and thought she could have done something else, even though I really loved her and continued to. Wish her choice of clothing hadn't been an issue that day. That was 40 years ago.

Good taste doesn't change. White blouse even with black pants. Red for Americans is too iffy I think.

Answer 10

Black is only the traditional color of mourning. I also don't think it's appropriate to have to buy something just because of a funeral... no disrespect intended.

Answer 11

Yes as long as its not a bright, attention drawing color it should be fine, especially since it's conservative. I'm pretty sure they're going to more focused on the funeral than be too concerned with what you're wearing.