"Black dress optional" funeral dress code

[TheLeadbetterLife]

I'm going to a funeral in a couple of weeks and the notice says "black dress optional". I can't remember ever seeing this type of direction before - is it some sort of code or can I take it at face value?

I was planning to wear a black skirt, top and opaque black tights anyway, but as the church will probably be freezing I might have to wear my sheepskin coat and brown Chelsea boots (don't have a lot of cold weather clothing as I don't live in the UK). Maybe also a cream jumper over the black top.

It means you can wear what you want, including black. They've mentioned it because at some funerals they don't want people to wear black. But not here, wear whatever.

Yes I think they’re saying don’t feel you have to wear black if you don’t want to/don’t have anything. But you can if you prefer to.

Some people are more relaxed around funeral attire, while some remain quite traditional. "Black dress optional" suggests they are more relaxed about it. Wear what you're comfortable in really. Some people will be more comfortable sticking to tradition. Others might not have suitable black attire that fits or whatever and feel obligated to go out and buy something. This dress code negates to need for that.

I think what you're planning to wear sounds fine.

I have a funeral in a couple of weeks. I'm planning to wear a black dress, tights and boots. I don't have a warm black coat so will be wearing a camel coloured coat.

What you are planning to wear sounds fine.

Thanks all!