What is expected of us when attending a funeral service today is far different from the expectations of those living in the Victorian era. According to Alison Petch, a researcher Oxford University, "In those years, black clothing was worn for the funeral and for a year following the death...by close relatives, gradually being replaced by other dark colors."
As we moved into the twentieth century, the Roman and Victorian demands became less strict. "People attending a funeral wore semi-formal clothing, which for adult men would usually mean a suit and tie in dark colors".
Without a doubt, these strict special dress requirements have fallen by the wayside, at least to some degree. Although many websites proclaim that black is the right color to wear for a funeral today, wearing a color other than black isn't seen as disrespectful; but you want to avoid wearing brightly colored or wildly patterned fabrics (unless actually requested to do so by the family). And for women or girls, a modest appearance is preferred.
What is most important is the effort you have taken to be a support for the family in mourning. Dressing respectfully, sending a card, donation to a charity, requesting a Mass offering, sending a covered dish or baked goods to the family home, attending the viewing, visitation and or funeral services are all efforts that show respect and demonstrate to the family you care.
Certainly, if you've got additional questions about what to wear to a funeral,
call us.