Is it disrespectful to wear red to a scattering of ashes?

Question

My sister said I shouldn't wear red my boyfriend's grandpa's ceremony. They have already had the funeral. What should I do?

Answer 1

Dark colors represent mourning.  So you should try and stick to black, grey, dark blue, brown, etc.   I mean even if you wear red I doubt anyone would say anything or even think anything, but it is just not the right thing to do.  It is suppose to be a quiet event, wearing bright colors kind of takes away from that.  I mean if it is dark red you would probably be alright. But I would try to stay away from it if possible.  

Answer 2

It depends on the nature of the ceremony.  My husband and I went to a scattering of ashes last year, and people wore their regular clothes, which in this case was blue jeans, shorts, or whatever, and all sorts of colors.  Then again, the person whose ashes we were scattering had been an activist for, among other things, g*y rights and especially for peace.  She was a truly wonderful, quirky, "out there" sort of lady... and so are her friends, come to think of it.  Anyhow, consider the people involved in the ceremony you'll be going to.  While it's true that a color in and of itself is not offensive (unless it's just a yukky color, but that's not the point here),  and it's also true that offense should not be taken where none is meant, sometimes it's just better to sort of go with the flow so as not to hurt feelings.

I'm sorry for your boyfriend's loss.  Blessings to him and to the family and friends.  

Answer 3

Nonsense,  wear red!  red pants, a day glow green shirt with pink dots, a fluffy yellow hat with a peacock feather. O Yeah, baby!

Answer 4

these days  you can join the numerous  folks who show up at these types of things wearing jeans and Hawaiian shirts speedos or whatever they feel like and prove to the world your ignorant or you can abide by society's accepted dress code and wear subdued  Colors  out of respect to this man... IF Its that big a deal,  either don't attend or  pack your red dress in the car and change in the back seat before you leave the parking lot  Red dresses have a traditional  reputation of being worn by less then virtuous ladies.. and wearing one to this kind of ceremony would be in bad taste  

Answer 5

In some cultures it is appropriate to wear black, in others white.  It depends on the religion of the deceased and the ceremony.  I would discourage you from wearing red though, as it is a celebratory color and usually associated with being the center of attention.

Answer 6

This depends on a lot of things.  Usually dark colors are appropriate for solemn occasions.  However, I wore red to my sister's funeral because it was her favorite color and her dress.  We always told each other never to wear black to our funerals so I respected her wishes.

Answer 7

Your sister is correct.  Wearing red to a funeral, even the scattering of ashes, is disrespectful

You could wear navy, brown, gray -- any dark color, but avoid black if you can.