A celebration of life has more permissible color and style options than a traditional funeral. It's okay, encouraged even, to wear something other than dark colors. Light and bright colors like pink, green, red, or yellow are appropriate.
Appropriate dress for a celebration of life service typically includes: Slacks, khakis, and collared shirts for men. Dresses, skirts, blouses, and slacks for women. Casual shoes such as loafers, dress sneakers, or dress sandals.
Funeral attire is typically more formal and consists of dress shoes, slacks or dress pants, and a black dress or dress of another color. Celebration of life are more celebratory, and you can definitely still wear black, but more colors, no suit and tie, and comfort are more recommended.
Dark colours, such as black or brown should be avoided. Instead, choose light colours, such as pink, blue, red, green, yellow, etc. Some families may also request that guests wear the deceased's favourite colours as a tribute. Vibrant colours help bring brightness and conviviality to the festivities.
While you don't want to wear black to a celebration of life, there are a few other colors you should avoid as well. Colors like white, cream and beige can come across as too somber for a happy occasion. Instead, try to brighten up your outfit with some color. Red, orange, yellow, and green are all great colors to wear.
Most celebration of life ceremonies tends to avoid the color black. Instead, opt for lively colors, such as blues, pinks, greens, or yellows. Thanks to being more casual, you can wear jeans (as long they're not distressed jeans), day dresses, and flowing tops.
Celebration of Life and Funeral Gift Etiquette
In general, small gifts such as flowers, cards, or even food plates are the best options and the most common gifts to bring to a funeral or celebration of life.
Black is still the safest color for funeral attire, but you don't have to wear solid black. A black suit with a white shirt is acceptable or a dress that's mostly black but has a subtle color in the pattern is also fine to wear.
Don't wear any color other than black or white. This includes handbags, shoes, and jewelry. You should stick to the classic diamond and pearl jewelry that are perfect for a black and white event.
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.
Grey, navy and brown are all formal, non-black colours. Muted floral patterns can also be a good choice for women, such as a floral dress or blouse.
Females should wear dark-colored dresses, skirts, suits, or pantsuits. Choose conservative silhouettes that aren't too tight or clingy and have moderate details. Avoid sleeveless, midriff-baring, or open-neckline shirts and blouses. If you choose a skirt or dress, opt for knee-length or longer.
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.
Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is best for a funeral. You can bring a wrap, jacket or blazer to wear during the service if you need an extra layer. It is usually best to dress in dark colours like black, grey, navy or taupe for a funeral.
One of the most important aspects of the celebration of life ideas is the decorations that you choose to use at the celebration. Common decorations include mason jars, butterfly memory cards, memorial tree, flowers, pictures, a garden, and other ideas that you think would best fit the theme of your service.
Sweater And Dress Pants
Just like a suit, not everyone owns a dress shirt and tie, but this shouldn't stop you from attending a funeral. A nice sweater and dress pants can be funeral appropriate, weather permitting. Keep both pieces of clothing dark, and any pattern on your sweater should be very low key.
One formula I've found helpful to add color while still looking chic and put-together is the 3-color rule. Aim for 3 colors in an outfit, and yes, your neutrals count. Above, I've used 3 colors: tan/camel for the pants and shoes, red sweater, and light peach blazer. (My personal preference is 2 neutrals + 1 color.
All colors are fair game except white, off-white, or anything else that's even close to white. Apart from that, the only color you might want to avoid is the color the bridesmaids are wearing, as you might end up looking like a wannabe 'maid if you accidentally wear the same color. Other than that, you're good to go.
Don't wear too much color: when you're taking black and white photos, it's best to dress in monochromatic colors. Wear dark hues like navy blue, charcoal gray, or black. Or try lighter colors like light gray or cream. These shades will look great on camera and create a clean backdrop for your photos.
A funeral is also not the place to turn up a mini LBD or sheer top, so hemlines should remain around or below the knee, and spaghetti straps are often a no-go. Instead, opt for a sleeveless, shoulder-length or long-sleeved dress, or pair a turtle neck with a pair of black flared trousers.
The contrast level can be a bit higher if the design is very elegant and tailored and, in this, case, the floral design feels appropriate to a funeral.
For a funeral, keep your dress shirt simple. A clean, white dress shirt is the best choice. A subdued color like gray or black can also work. Again, avoid bright colors.
The main purpose of a celebration of life ceremony is to allow people to say goodbye and remember the person who has died. The ceremony may include speeches, songs, prayers, and memories shared by loved ones about the person being honored.
Gifts aren't required in celebrations of life. However, if you're close to the family and don't want to arrive empty-handed, you can absolutely bring a gift. Here are some ideas to inspire you: A personal letter to show the family they're in your thoughts.
Bringing a sympathy card to the event is considered appropriate celebration of life etiquette in most cases, but you can also choose to go with a more personal or unique gift if preferred. You can make a charitable donation to a cause the deceased was fond of or affiliated with.