Why you shouldn't wear red to a funeral. Wearing red to a funeral can be a sign of disrespect. It will give others a completely wrong impression if you wear a bright and bold colour to a funeral, as this goes against the dark, muted colours associated with sadness and mourning.
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.
Red: courage, love, respect. Red, Dark: grief, love, sorrow. White: humility, innocence, purity, reverence, spirituality, youthfulness (often used at the funerals of children) Yellow: devotion, friendship, loyalty.
Guests at a Chinese funeral wear somber colors like black. Bright and colorful clothing, especially red, must be avoided as these colors are associated with happiness. White is acceptable and, if the deceased was 80 or above, white with pink or red is acceptable as the event is cause for celebration.
What colors are appropriate to wear to a funeral? While different cultures have their own mourning colors, you should typically wear black or neutral colors. Avoid wearing bright colors or prints which can be disrespectful and distracting. Black, white, grey, and navy are the best choices.
Dark or muted dresses are traditional and don't take attention away from the service. Shoulders should be covered in most cases. Skirts and dresses should reach the knee. Suits are also considered respectful and appropriate.
Brown shades, lighter grays, and other earthy colors are acceptable for most funeral services. Be sure to avoid bright colors including yellow, red, pink, orange, and white.
Red – South Africa
In South Africa, red has been chosen as a colour of mourning to represent the apartheid era and the bloodshed during these years.
If you wear makeup, you'll want to keep things minimal for a funeral. Stick to light, natural colors and a nude lipstick. Avoid anything featuring bright colors, glitter, or unnatural hues.
The loved one will be dressed in his or her best clothing or a traditional white burial robe. Only loved ones who lived to be 80 or older can be dressed in red or other colorful clothing.
Catholic Funeral Mass Etiquette and Dress Code
Black is traditional but any dark color is usually considered appropriate.
What is appropriate clothing for a funeral? Traditionally, funeral etiquette suggests men and women wear black clothing that's conservative and respectful. Black or dark colours are most common, but some cultures expect mourners to wear a less traditional funeral colour.
Understand What Colors Not to Wear to a Funeral
Although the traditional color for funeral clothing in many countries is black, you don't have to limit yourself to this color. Many dark colors like navy, gray, Burgundy, or brown are acceptable too. You can also wear a white shirt or blouse.
Avoid dressing in casual clothing, such as athletic wear, tank tops, or shorts. Skip the flip-flops, tennis shoes, sneakers, or boat shoes. Remove the neon necktie, purse, or accessory. Shy away from wearing jeans, even black ones, because they are considered too casual for a funeral.
The Color Red Symbolizes Passion and Desire
But red does not always signal danger and aggression. Perhaps not surprisingly, red also symbolizes passion, love, and desire. These associations could explain why people wearing red are consistently rated as more attractive by the opposite sex.
It depends on the church. Some churches consider red a color that is too vibrant, while others welcome personal expression.
It is acceptable to wear sunglasses to a funeral but keep in mind: The sunglasses should be a classic style with no embellishments. The plainer the better. Sunglasses are completely appropriate for outdoor funerals.
Dark red would be fine. Not a bright "garish" red.
Etiquette usually asks for simple dress and dark colors in quiet designs. Fashion addicts, as well as fragrance addicts alike, may feel robbed of their right to express themselves, but a funeral is about the deceased, not you, or your impeccable sense of style or taste in fragrance. So don't – for the sake of occasion.
Roses: representing grace, love, and appreciation, pink roses are an excellent choice to honor your loved one. Carnations: one of the most popular funeral flowers because they symbolize grief and sympathy, no matter what color they are.
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 you wear to an Islamic funeral is also very important. White is the color of humility and is often worn by the closest family members. Darker colors like grey, brown or black are also common. However, you should avoid bright colors or flashy jewelry.
At a funeral, the classic deep red rose evokes love and grief. The yellow rose is often given by friends to show their bond. The rarer dark pink roses are used to express thankfulness to the deceased. Tip: Roses can be mixed in with other flowers or used in a casket spray, standing spray, or wreath.
Dressing appropriately for funerals around the world
In the West, showing respect at a funeral typically requires conservative attire in black or dark colors. However, white is the color of mourning in China, and for Sikh, Hindu, and some Muslim services.
If you can't wear black, some staple colors to wear at a funeral are dark and muted tones such as navy blue, charcoal, deep greys, maroons, deep purple, etc.