Do you HAVE to wear black to a funeral?

Question

I have to go to a funeral soon, and i'm not sure which color to wear. My neighbor, a sweet 7 year old boy died. Would all black look harsh? Or would it look like I don't care?

Answer 1

I think so.

How did the poor boy die?

Answer 2

No, you don't have to.  I went to my husband's grandma's funeral and I was one of the only people there wearing black.

Just dress conservatively and appropriately.

Answer 3

That is so terrible -- my heart breaks for his family.

If you are trying to dress appropriately to show the family that you care and are also grieving, any color you wear would be fine.  Some people wear black, navy, grey or brown.  Just try not wear anything too light or bright that could be considered offensive.  An outfit that would be suitable to wear to church would be very appropriate.

Answer 4

It does not really matter, but I prefer white for funerals.  I'm sorry to hear about your neighbor

Answer 5

Of course, unless you're going to pick up on the guys.

Answer 6

I don't think anyone will notice what you have on. Your neighbors will just notice that you are there and showing them your support. What a good neighbor you are!  

Answer 7

Of course you don't have to wear black. Black is the traditional Christian funeral color, but I would recomend you don't wear anything too bright like yellow or pink.

Answer 8

Like others have suggested, you don't necessarily have to wear black but a darker or muted color would be more appropriate (like gray or navy blue).  Just make sure it's conservative, nothing showing too much leg, low cleavage, and shoulders covered would be preferred.  There will be older conservative people there and they will view this as disrespectful.  This happened at my grandfather's funeral where some of the women were dressing like they were hoping to meet/hook-up with someone and it's just in bad taste and it didn't go unnoticed.

Answer 9

Goodness 7 years old. Poor kid. I would keep to darker colours but not all black. Say wear black skirt or trousers with a different coloured top. That way you are showing respect without looking all black and depressive. Best wishes and hope the day goes as well as any funeral can go. xx

Answer 10

The family wears black.  

I've always understood that black is reserved as a privilege for them only and not others.

And my thoughts go out to you, that sort of thing is very hard to deal with.

His family is not going to care what you wear.  Trust me.  If you asked me what people were wearing at my Mom's funeral?

I would have to answer:  Who cares?  I'm just thankful for the hugs because I needed it.......

Answer 11

As long as it is a muted color you should be OK.

Answer 12

How sad. I don't think wearing black is an absolute given at funerals, but it is custom for immediate family. For a young child, I think people will be less inclined to wear black, since he died so youthful. Wear something extremely conservative, no flashy colors, well-tailored to show respect. No accessories that will draw attention to you, like earrings that jingle. A beige or cream suit would look nice. Or black slacks and a muted-color blouse with a dark blazer. Think simple and respectful.

Answer 13

unless your going to a black funeral, then you wear white

Answer 14

Firstly sorry about your neighbour's son.  Sincere condolences.

Black is normally worn by very close family.  Black and white too is worn by near close family.

It would not look harsh nor if you wore another color would it look like you do not care.

You would consider your neighbour as friends right?  Well, any dark colour would do like blue.  

Answer 15

I don't believe you have to wear all black, but darker colors would be good.