Funerals, are they still black clothing affairs?

Im going to a funeral tommorow and am trying to figure out what to wear. One of my staffs mother so I kow she was a happy lady who loved bright colours but dont want to go there dressed as a clown? Can I mix black pants and colour top ?

Don't they always say something like as long as it's appropriate for a church (never having been to a formal church I'm not sure what this means, but maybe you have?)

it doesn't have to be black but I would stay to darker shades like dark blue and purple.

Um naked with a loin cloth you mean?

First of all I'm sorry you have to go to a funeral in the first place. At funerals you should wear black but if you want to wear colors make them a darker color. You could also wear white.

Thanks for the nice words. It always sad when someone passes but this lady is so much better of wherever she is now. Her organs shut down after being a heavy drinker /smoker for so many years. I didnt get to meet her as she is one of my staff's mum. She said that she would have loved to meet me so this is my only chance to come and be there for her daughter. All of my staff are my babys (even though only one of them are younger than me lol) and yeh im just going so I can be there for her and to say hi to her mum. She will be there in spirit to meet me.

I've never been one for tradition, but last funeral I went to, I wore a black skirt with white roses on it, a black top with pink pearls and a blue denim blazer. I don't think anyone definitely adheres to the 'wear black when in mourning' rule, but anything too bright might cause you to draw attention to yourself (a BIG no-no at a funeral).

If wearing colour, I'd be inclined to wear pastels or darks, or have it slightly broken up (like red flowers on a black skirt).

My sympathies to the staff member in question and her family and friends in their loss.

Bigmuma, I've been to many, and never seen a wash of black. More subdued colors except for one of a 19 yr old girl, where many people wore pale pink.

So I think it's just about being conservative and understated... save the loin cloth for the wake!!

PS, Its going to mean a great deal to her daughter, that you're there.

I'm sorry for their loss - yes but respectful on the outfit...Take care !!

I've always heard that you should only wear black if it's a person you were extremely close to and you're truly mourning their death. when I go to funerals I wear like black pants and a pastel colored top or even like brown pants or gray. I always add some calm colors though.

It was a lovelly funeral and she was happy I was there. Not many people but a nice and quiet private ceramony that I felt honoured to be there.