3 Colors You Should Never Wear to a Funeral

Choosing what to wear to a funeral can feel surprisingly stressful.

You're not simply picking an outfit. You're trying to show respect, avoid drawing unnecessary attention, and make sure your clothing fits the seriousness of the occasion.

For many people, the safest choice seems obvious: wear black.

And while black remains a traditional funeral color in many cultures, modern funeral etiquette is more complicated than simply following a single dress code. Depending on the family, religion, culture, location, and wishes of the deceased, acceptable clothing can range from traditional dark formalwear to softer colors and even specific colors chosen to celebrate someone's life.

Still, there are certain colors that can easily appear too cheerful, attention-grabbing, or casual in a traditional funeral setting.

Here are three colors you should generally think twice about wearing to a funeral, along with situations where the rules may be different.

1. Bright Red

Red is one of the most noticeable colors in almost any setting.

That's exactly why it can be problematic at a traditional funeral.

A bright red dress, shirt, jacket, tie, or pair of shoes can immediately attract attention. Instead of blending respectfully into the gathering, the color may become one of the first things people notice.

That doesn't mean red is universally inappropriate.

In some cultures, red has important symbolic meanings. In certain Asian traditions, for example, red can have associations with happiness, prosperity, celebration, or other culturally specific occasions. Funeral customs can also vary significantly between communities.

That's why the important question isn't simply, “Is red forbidden?”

The better question is:

What does red communicate in the specific funeral you're attending?

If you're attending a conventional Western funeral where guests are expected to wear subdued clothing, a bright scarlet outfit may be a poor choice.

If the family has specifically requested red, however, following that request is more respectful than blindly following a generic etiquette rule.

When Red Might Be Appropriate

Sometimes families intentionally ask guests to wear a particular color.

A person who loved red might have requested that mourners wear it as a celebration of their personality.

A funeral or memorial service might a