What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

Do you still wear black? We have to go to NY for my DH grandfather's funeral this week and we don't know what's appropriate to wear nowadays. Thanks!

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

Yes, I'd stick with the traditional black.

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

Sorry for your loss!
I usually wear black or try to stick to darker colorered clothes.

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

Thank you. It's been a while since I've been to any and my mom is telling me that you don't have to wear black anymore.

Unfortunately, none of us have anything black. So I have to run around tomorrow trying to find clothes for me, my DH and the boys. Well, my DH has a Dark gray suit he can wear I guess. He passed away today and the funeral/service is probably Wednesday or Thursday and we have to drive up to NY tomorrow night. I hate funerals. We were all so close to him. Especially my DH. We just spent a week with him at his house for the week of Labor Day and then drove up to NY to spend Thanksgiving with him. We was telling everyone how much he loved having us there! He was telling us everyday when we were there, when we were having another one and that we needed to have a girl!

Message edited 6/21/2010 9:22:38 PM.

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

I'm so sorry for your loss.

You are not obligated to wear black, but dark colors are most appropriate. Black, grey, navy, etc. Do not wear red or other bright colors.

Message edited 6/21/2010 9:24:36 PM.

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

I am so sorry for your loss..as the pp said stick to darker colors..black, grey, brown, navy

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

I am sorry for your loss and I agree with black.

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

Sorry for your loss.
In my family we don't wear all black. My grandmother didn't even for my grandfathers's funeral.
Just something subdued & not too casual.

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

navy blue or just dress clothes would be suitable for your boys. Like navy pants and a nice button down.

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

I am sorry for your loss.

I remember freaking out about what I was going to wear to a funeral for a friend who died on 9/11 and my mother brought me back to reality by reminding me, "Today is not about YOU." I still remember, I wore a blue blouse and black skirt to that one. I have unfortunately been to many funerals since then, including my mother's, and it's stupid but I always worry about what to wear (guess I feel like it's something I can control). Anything that wouldn't cause people to gawk and call you inappropriate (bright red; very short skirt; etc.) is fine. Mellow colors and conservative cuts. Black is definitely not mandatory.

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

dont feel you HAVE to buy black...as long as it is neat and something appropriate for a "church-like-atmosphere" I wore off off white shirt/cardigan and brown pants to the last wake I was at! I don't feel dresses are necessary any more either!

if your boys have a button down shirt and Khaki pants I think that is more than fine as well! That is what my younger cousins all wore to the last family wake we went to

Message edited 6/22/2010 12:10:46 AM.

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

I am sorry for your loss. You can wear dark colors like the pp have said

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

i'm so sorry for your loss.
you don't have to wear black, but dark somber colors are most appropriate.

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

Sorry for your loss, but I agree with the others, as long as its muted colors, you should be fine. You would be amazed at what people think is appropriate to wear now to funerals but I'm traditional about it. I think its more respectful to everyone if black or dark colors are worn

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

For wakes, you can wear dark or muted colors. For the actual burial we wear all black. unless it was a cremation and it is a memorial service, than I would wear all black.

This is what has been practiced in my family. And to be honest the family in mourning isnt really paying attention to what people are wearing.

Sorry for you losss

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

Posted by Sash

For wakes, you can wear dark or muted colors. For the actual burial we wear all black. unless it was a cremation and it is a memorial service, than I would wear all black.

This is what has been practiced in my family. And to be honest the family in mourning isnt really paying attention to what people are wearing.

Sorry for you losss

Re: What is appropriate to wear to a funeral nowadays?

Sorry for your loss.

I usually wear black or something dark colored. Truth be told though, I have seen people wear patterns, bright colors, white even so I guess it depends on the type of family.