Wearing red at a funeral is traditionally frowned upon in Western cultures. However, there are times when it is appropriate. Often, a family will ask guests to wear a specific color to honor the deceased. So then you follow their direction. In other circumstances, darker red or burgundy paired with dark colors can also work.
Is Red Disrespectful To Wear At A Funeral?
While we tend to think of darker colors as more appropriate for the majority of funerals, wearing red is not necessarily disrespectful. Be aware of the deceased’s religious and cultural preferences and use that as your guide. A slight hint of deep red or burgundy can add a touch of color and lift your spirits during a difficult time.
Many cultures don’t have a specific rule against wearing red to a funeral. But in the Chinese culture, wearing bright red to a funeral shows poor taste. Red is associated with happiness, and brides sometimes wear red on their wedding day. So wearing it to a funeral might be perceived as disrespectful.
Bright or bold red clothing would be frowned upon at most funeral services in the United States. However, somber dark clothing still comes in first for color choice during periods of mourning. So even if fellow guests didn’t find bright red dress disrespectful, they may find it an odd selection.
Can You Wear Red To A Funeral?
So are there times when wearing red to a funeral is appropriate? I think there probably are. However, your main goal as a funeral attendee is to fade into the background. Therefore, all clothing choices should be subdued enough to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
The focus should rightfully center around the deceased. So even in dark clothing, be aware of keeping a low profile. You don’t want to stand out or show an air of festivity during a sad event.
How To Successfully Wear Red To A Funeral
There are ways to successfully wear deep shades of red or burgundy to a funeral. A splash of red within a primarily dark outfit can portray a dignified approach to the services.
Women’s Red Clothing Options For A Funeral
You may already have something like this simple burgundy dress in your closet. Pair it with a dark jacket, opaque tights, and sensible black dress shoes for a stylish yet appropriate look.
This dark red business-style dress is entirely appropriate to wear to most funerals. The coloring is dark enough that it looks subtle rather than bold. As a result, you won’t stand out or draw attention away from its proper focus.
Or try this Starburst Sheath dress in an aubergine color. Because it is sleeveless, you need to pair it with a long-sleeved cardigan. As you can see, deep red colors can be suitable for a funeral, whereas bright reds are better left for other events.
Again, wear this dress and sweater combo with dark tights and dress shoes. When it comes to shoes, be sensible rather than showy. Do not wear open-toes or sandals. High-heeled dancing shoes have no business at a funeral. Instead, wear dress shoes that you feel comfortable wearing to the office or church service.
A burgundy jacket or scarf could also be appropriate for a dark outfit. For example, a burgundy jacket over a dark gray, white, or black shirt would look nice. Then, pair it with black pants and boots for a warm but elegant cold-weather look.
A burgundy scarf on cold winter days makes a lovely accent piece. Plus, it keeps you warm when heading to the cemetery. So, you can see a few ways to wear dark red to a funeral without offending anyone.
Read: Can You Wear White to a Funeral? 5+ Appropriate Outfit Ideas
How Can Men Wear Red To A Funeral?
Men can wear small amounts of dark red to a funeral, as in a burgundy tie or pocket square with a dark or black suit. A suit jacket is appropriate for most funerals unless the family prefers a more casual atmosphere.
The funeral dress code for men is similar to that for women. Learn the family’s wishes for appropriate attire and then dress accordingly. You can never go wrong with darker colors. Adding a small splash of dark red or another color to a tie or pocket square is appropriate.
How To Choose Red Clothes For A Funeral
Selecting clothes from your closet is a great starting point. However, you don’t necessarily need to buy new clothes to wear to a funeral. For example, do you already own separate pieces that you could mix into an outfit? Or do you have a burgundy blouse that you could pair with black slacks and a cardigan?
I wouldn’t suggest purchasing red clothes for a funeral. But if you already own dark red, burgundy, or aubergine pieces that you can pair with dark pieces, then it’s perfectly all right.
Choosing clothes for a funeral can feel overwhelming, so ask a friend who is also planning to attend what they’re wearing. It’s an excellent way to know you’re meeting the dress code.
Makeup And Nail Color Choices For A Funeral
It’s best to wear natural tones of makeup and nail polish to a funeral. But, again, the object is to blend into the crowd. Let the deceased be the focal point of attention. And so you don’t want to stand out with bright makeup or flashy nails.
Can You Wear Red Lipstick To A Funeral?
If red lipstick is your signature color and you never leave the house without it, wear it. Who am I to tell you otherwise? But for the most part, you shouldn’t wear bright red lipstick to a funeral.
- Natural shades are best for lipstick and eye shadow.
- Don’t wear sparkly lipstick in any color. Instead, opt for matte neutrals that compliment your outfit.
- Toned-down makeup and eye color are best for a funeral. Minimal makeup, like you would wear to a church service, is more appropriate. Save brighter makeup for going out with friends.
Is Red Nail Polish Okay For Funerals?
Again, muted natural colors are best for nail polish. But, of course, I’m not suggesting that you make a nail appointment to switch colors. So if you’ve recently had your nails done with a bright red color, don’t worry about it.
On the other hand, however, neutral colors show a more profound sense of formality. So if you are painting your nails specifically for a funeral, I would choose a pale, neutral color. Skip the sparkles and glitter. Instead, go for a classic natural shade.
What Does Wearing Red To A Funeral Mean?
In Western cultures, red is usually associated with happiness and love. So think of how red on Valentine’s Day makes you feel. It’s all about the warm fuzzies.
In their article regarding the meanings of colors, Scott Dutfield and Natalie Wolchover describe the color red in this way:
“Red has a range of symbolic meanings through many different cultures, including life, health, vigor, war, courage, anger, love, and religious fervor. The common thread is that all these require passion.”
So wearing bright red to a funeral would send the wrong message of passion, happiness, or love. You would stand out as not being in tune with what’s happening around you. For these reasons, I don’t think bright reds are good for funeral clothing.
South Africans, however, have taken to wearing red at funerals since the Apartheid era. This is because red represents the spilled blood during that time.
In addition, people in Ghana also wear red to funerals. Since red is the color of blood, it represents life. So mourners wear red to send the deceased to the next phase of life after death.
Conclusion: Can You Wear Red To A Funeral
If you’re wondering if you can wear red to a funeral, do some homework. Find out from the deceased’s family members what dress code is expected at the funeral. You can show up in the proper clothing once you understand the formality level of the planned service.
- Wear dark reds, like burgundy, garnet, or aubergine, to a funeral. Skip the bright reds, as well as any bright color.
- Pair deep reds with dark colors for a seamless and respectful look. Choose black or dark gray if you want to dress head-to-toe in a solid color. Otherwise, it’s okay to use burgundy as a portion of your outfit.
- Know how to wear red to a funeral in a manner that shows respect for the deceased. Wearing bright red is not acceptable, but pairing darker red tones with black is generally appropriate.
Darker tones are still the preferred colors of choice for funeral clothing. But many people choose brighter, less formal attire for celebrations of life. That’s why it’s so important to understand the family’s desires.
What you wear to a funeral makes an impact. So if you’re ever unsure, opt for conservative, darker clothes.
