What To Wear To A Colourful Funeral

Funerals are steeped in tradition, and what people wear has always played an important role in expressing respect and mourning. In the UK, the traditional choice is black clothing, a symbol of solemnity and grief. However, more people are now choosing colourful or themed dress codes that celebrate the unique life of the person who has died. This shift tells us a lot about how we want to be remembered and what really matters to us at the end.

Why Black is Traditional

Black has been linked to mourning in the UK for centuries, especially since the Victorian era. Back then, mourning came with strict rules, including what to wear, how to behave, and for how long. Wearing black showed humility, sorrow, and unity among mourners.

Typical traditional funeral outfits:

Men: A black or dark suit, white shirt, black tie, and polished black shoes.
Women: A dark dress, skirt or suit with minimal jewellery and black or dark shoes.

The goal of traditional funeral wear is to keep things modest and respectful, focusing attention on the person who has died rather than the attendees.

A Move Towards Colour and Personalisation

More recently, UK funerals have begun to look very different. Many families now choose to make the occasion more personal and uplifting, sometimes asking guests to wear bright colours or clothing that reflects the personality of the person being remembered.

Reasons for this change include:

A celebration of life: Many people now want funerals to be uplifting and focused on joy rather than loss.
Personal expression: Funerals are being tailored to match the individuality of the person who died.
Cultural diversity: In some cultures, white, red or bright colours are used to honour the dead, not black.

Examples of alternative dress codes:

Wearing the deceased's favourite colour.
Hawaiian shirts for a beach lover.
Football shirts for a lifelong fan.
Fancy dress for someone with a playful personality.

These choices create a more personal and sometimes more comforting environment for those attending.

What to Wear to a 'No Black' Funeral

If you’ve been invited to a 'no black' funeral, it’s important to honour the request by embracing the tone the family has chosen. These funerals are often intended to be joyful and celebratory, reflecting the character and wishes of the person who has died. But knowing what to wear can still be tricky — especially if you're used to the traditional black suit.

Here are some helpful tips:

Stick to the brief: If the family has requested bright colours, choose something vibrant — florals, pastels, or jewel tones are usually welcome.
Avoid mourning colours: Even if you feel unsure, steer clear of black, deep greys, or anything too somber. Navy or earth tones may be acceptable if you're unsure about bright colours.
Dress smartly, but personally: A colourful blouse with tailored trousers, a patterned dress, or a smart shirt in a light or cheerful shade works well. Think "wedding guest, but more heartfelt than festive."
Respect the tone of the venue: If the funeral is at a religious site or formal setting, keep your outfit respectful in cut and style, even if it’s colourful.

A 'no black' dress code is usually meant to celebrate life rather than focus on loss. Showing up in cheerful, appropriate clothing can be a powerful act of support — and exactly what the person who died may have wanted.

What’s Popular Now?

Trends in the UK show that people are becoming more open to alternative funeral traditions. Searches for terms like "colourful funeral outfits UK", "what to wear to a celebration of life", and "funeral dress code ideas" have grown noticeably in recent years. Public figures also influence this shift. For example, attendees at Dame Vivienne Westwood's funeral wore bold and colourful outfits to reflect her unique style.

While black is still common, many families now invite guests to wear something that feels more personal, and some funeral venues even encourage it.

What Clothing Choices Say

To the Living:

Traditional black shows unity, grief and support.
Colourful clothes suggest warmth, joy, and a celebration of a life well-lived.

To the Person Who Has Died:

Wearing black is a respectful goodbye.
Wearing something meaningful reflects their style, spirit, or wishes.

Ultimately, both approaches are about love and remembrance. The key is to do what feels right for the person and their loved ones.

Making Your Own Wishes Known

With funeral styles changing, it’s more important than ever to leave clear instructions about what you want. That way, your friends and family won’t have to guess or worry if they’re doing the right thing.

Here’s how to make your funeral attire wishes clear:

Make a funeral plan: Write down what kind of send-off you want, including what people should wear.
Use tools like The Farewell Guide: You can securely store your wishes and even share them with loved ones.
Talk to your family: A simple conversation can make a big difference.
Include it in your will or documents: Make sure your preferences are easy to find and follow.

By planning ahead, you give your loved ones peace of mind and ensure your funeral reflects your life and personality.

Final Thoughts on What to Wear to a Colourful Funeral

Funeral attire is changing. While traditional black still plays an important role, many people are now embracing colours, themes, and personal touches. It’s not about right or wrong, but about what feels meaningful. Whether you prefer a classic, respectful black suit or a bold splash of colour, your choices matter.

At The Farewell Guide, we help you document those choices clearly. That way, your final farewell is exactly how you want it to be — and your loved ones won’t be left wondering. Plan your funeral attire and ceremony ahead of time, make your wishes known, and create a goodbye that truly reflects you.