What to wear to friend's funeral? - no black allowed.

[SoozleQ]

A friend of mine died at the weekend. He was only early 30s but had been fighting cancer for many years. Funeral instructions are that "wearing black is not to be encouraged".

What do I wear?

The only smart clothes that I have that aren't black are all outfits worn to weddings. I don't really have anything smart that isn't black or weddingy. If wearing black is discouraged, are all other colours acceptable or is there still a certain etiquette - e.g. are red or bright patterns are too much?

I'm really struggling with this :(

So sorry about your friend xx
I wore pink to my mum's funeral if that helps? Wear something you feel good in x

Sorry about your friend.

Maybe a muted pink or pastel colour?

I went to my Grumpy Grandpa's funeral (he wasn't really ) in bright red on his specific instructions.

Really sorry to hear about your friend.

Purple used to be a colour of mourning.

Very sorry about your loss. I would take "no black" to mean he didn't want everyone in maudlin drab so go for what looks good regardless of the colour. I'm sure he would have wanted that.

I'm sorry to hear about your friend.

Did he ever express any admiration for a particular outfit of yours? If so, wear that.

You could wear a black skirt or trousers with a bright top and a scarf or something?

Soozleq I am sorry to hear about your friend and hope you are doing as well as can be expected at this horrible time.

A friend of mine died last year (30s with 2 little boys and dh) and her request was for no black. Unfortunately I have been to far too many funerals but this one will stay with me as the church was filled with the most amazing bright and joyful colours as everyone came in lovely dresses, bright shirts etc. It did not take away the sorrow of the day but it made a fabulous tribute to her. I wore a dress I had worn at a wedding and although it felt odd not to be in black, it really was great to see everyone respecting her wishes.

I hope you find something you feel comfortable in and that the funeral goes well.