DO YOU HAVE TO WEAR BLACK TO A FUNERAL?
FOR A LONG TIME, THE COLOR BLACK HAS STOOD FOR MOURNING, ESPECIALLY IN CLOTHING. IS THIS STILL HANDLED SO STRICTLY TODAY? THERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN IT COMES TO THE DRESS CODE FOR A FUNERAL.
The dress code has changed fundamentally in many areas of life over the past few decades. Whether at the lawyer, at a concert or at work: Jeans and T-shirts are no longer a taboo in many places. Funeral services and funerals, however, are an area where restraint remains appropriate in this regard. In our latitudes, black or another dark and inconspicuous color still dominates. Black is seen as a sign of sadness. A funeral is not an occasion to present yourself. A subtle appearance is therefore the appropriate clothing for the funeral.
Shortly before a funeral, mourners are usually faced with the question of what the right clothes are for such an occasion. Black is considered the classic mourning color, but it can be deviated from under certain circumstances.
WHY IS BLACK THE COLOR OF SORROW?
There used to be black clothes not for sadness but for prosperity. Untreated fabric - gray or beige - was cheaper, colored clothing was more expensive. The most expensive color was dark purple tipping black. As a result, the color tone had gained in importance in a social context: Not everyone could afford clothes in this color.
The fact that black then established itself as the color of mourning in Europe and America has to do with it: It is about honoring the deceased, i.e. solemnly dressing for the funeral.
How to dress for a funeral. The right clothes for a funeral.
MOURNING CLOTHES FOR CHILDREN
A funeral can be a depressing experience, especially for smaller children. In view of this, it is now common and accepted for children to wear well-groomed everyday clothes. Avoid bright colors or overly cheerful applications if possible. The same dress code applies to young people as to adults.
With children, it's okay if they don't wear black. However, they shouldn't wear bright colors. Colors like dark green or dark blue, i.e. muted, neutral colors, are ideal here.
Children's mourning clothing should also be appropriate for the occasion. And it's okay if they don't wear black because usually it's not expected to buy black clothes especially for the funeral for kid's. This means that bright colors and funny prints should be avoided even with children. In the worst case, children who are dressed too conspicuously disturb the farewell of the bereaved.
MOURNING CLOTHES FOR MEN
For men, the classic suit is the most popular item of clothing. Men are well advised to wear a suit - this can also be a business suit, as long as it is solid black or another dark color. A white shirt and a matching tie and a black or dark coat go well with it. Instead of a suit, you can also wear dark trousers with a shirt and a matching dark jacket. Opinions are divided on the question of whether or not to wear black jeans to a funeral; Again, if you are not sure, ask the family of the deceased.
MOURNING CLOTHES FOR WOMAN
Women traditionally have the choice between dress, skirt and blouse or trousers and blouse. Here, too, black is the traditional color of choice; prominent details should be avoided. Women are appropriately dressed in a black or dark dress or a dark skirt with a white blouse. But trousers are also a good choice. You can also wear a blazer, jacket or dark knitted vest. Clothing should cover shoulders and knees and should not be too tight. To do this, avoid short sleeves and a generous neckline. Also, avoid flashy makeup and wear flat heels.
COLORED MOURNING CLOTHES
Some mourning congregations dress in brightly colored clothes for a funeral. This is usually the case if the deceased has expressly requested this during his lifetime. By dealing with their own mortality, more and more people are thinking about what they would like for their own burial. These considerations can arise after attending a funeral or simply by wanting to make provisions.
For the bereaved, it is usually a relief to know for sure what the deceased wanted. For example, black clothing can be deliberately avoided at the funeral service. The wishes of the deceased or relatives should be met.
UNIFORMS AS MOURNING CLOTHES
If the deceased wore a uniform in his professional life or was a member of an association in which uniforms are worn, then colleagues or other association members often appear at the funeral in this uniform. This includes, for example, members of the armed forces or the police, but also rifle clubs and fire brigade associations. In this case, the uniform is worn as a sign of respect and appreciation for the commitment of the deceased.
JEWELRY AND ACCESSORIES
In keeping with the overall conservative appearance, jewelry and accessories at a funeral service should also be rather subtle. Therefore, choose simple chains, rings, bracelets or stud earrings instead of eye-catching jewelry. If in doubt, it is better not to wear jewelry at all. If you want to hide your emotions, you can put on black sunglasses to the funeral.
For men, a dark pocket square goes well with a suit. In rainy weather, you should make sure that you also have an umbrella in dark or at least muted colors.
APPROPRIATE MOURNING CLOTHING IN SUMMER
In addition to rainy weather, extreme heat can also be a challenge for mourners. For funerals in summer, however, the same dress code applies as for other seasons: wear long sleeves, trousers and skirts and closed necklines. With light, airy fabrics and breathable material, high temperatures can be endured better.
ALTERNATIVE MOURNING CLOTHING
Some people decide against a classic funeral service with black or dark mourning clothing during their lifetime. Instead, they want the mourners to appear at the grave in everyday clothes or in a colorful, deliberately cheerful wardrobe. You should absolutely respect this wish and dress accordingly.
Colorful outfits celebrate life instead of mourning death.
They are a reminder that the deceased was a life-affirming, positive person.
Unconventional, colorful mourning clothing can also make it easier for relatives to say goodbye.