What is the clothing etiquette when attending a funeral? Do you still have to wear black in 2009?
A lot can depend upon the religious beliefs of the family of the deceased. If the family is the typical Anglo-Saxon protestant or Catholic, then a dark color is the right choice. Other cultures and religions view death differently. And some non-religious people choose to celebrate life instead of death, making bright cheerful colors more appropriate. Learn a bit about the family’s culture and religion and choose accordingly to be respectful. When my very non-religious mother died, she wanted to be buried in a purple sweat suit. Said she wanted to be comfortable if she had to wear it forever and chose purple because of the poem “When I am Old and Begin to Wear Purple.” At her funeral, everyone wore purple sweatsuits! She’d have gotten a kick out of it.
Unless the funeral notice states “wear bight colours” or similar, dark business type clothing is most appropriate. Shorts, flip flops, tank tops etc, no. I personally feel black is more appropriate for family and very close friends, but that’s my quirk :-). Neat slacks or skirt, plain top or shirt, possibly a jacket or neat cardigan/sweater, neat shoes. You’re not dressing for a party.
