What to wear to a "no black allowed" funeral

[Naetha]

It's my grandmother's funeral on Friday, and I'm in a quandary over what to wear!

She specifically stated no black (which is great imo!) but I'm struggling to find an outfit that is bright without looking like I'm off to the pub/beach or have come straight from work. Any suggestions?

still try and look smart. nice summer dress would be fine

it makes it tricky when its no black rahter than

black not needed or something

babble babble

erm, what about a long stunning red dress or somthing

Sorry about your grandmother. I went to my other half's grandmother's funeral a few months ago and it was also no black allowed. I wore a bright top with a chunky belt around the waist, matching cardigan (was colder then) but with black trousers as my mother in law said her mum wouldn't have minded that! xxx

What was your Grandmothers favourite colour?
Maybe you could wear something with that colour in it..

My friends mum died and I was told no black. At the time I didn't really have much with no black, ie black trousers or jeans(which weren't appropriate IMO) so I asked my friend if it was ok to wear black trousers and she said it was fine. I think generally no black means more all in black, so if you wear black trousers or skirt i'd think that would be fine

Yes, she probably wouldn't have minded a little black somewhere, I'd just like to keep it bright, but still appropriate for a funeral.

Wear purple, it has a sense of occasion without being sombre

Something like this could work... what's your colouring?

Still muted but lovely

Multicoloured

Hello Naetha. Sorry to hear about your grandmother. I hope she has a lovely service, and that leaves you with good thoughts about her life.

My friend's funeral was no black, "except for those for whom black is their entire wardrobe - you can come as normal!"

I wanted to get a dress that was appropriate, but that I would wear again. I felt that attitude was in the spirit in which my friend had requested a no-black service. And, you know, it works - I think of her when I wear the dress - in a good way.

I chose one in purple and blue, very much in the shape tethersend has linked to, oddly enough.

It was a lovely service, and people came in a vast range of clothes. Including one woman who came in a beautiful, dressed-up gold brocade coat.

It very much turned into a celebration of my friend's life, and a drawing-together of those of us who knew her, and were in that life. I hope your grandmother's service brings you those good memories, and that sense of her life as being a good and loving thing.

All the best.

(Tethersend's first link, btw.)

Thanks for all the replies - I decided to go with the purple, so I got this maxi dress. I'll wear it with a small black cardi for the service. I also got this in case I bottle it with the dress on the day! My family haven't seen me wear a dress since my wedding day!

Thanks for the links tethersend - unfortunately clothes like that make me look like I'm wearing a sack - I don't really do high fashion very well!

Your friend's funeral sounded lovely animula - I'm hoping for a similar event. My grandmother was a wonderful person who lived for 95 fulfilling years. She will be greatly missed.

Thanks again for the help

Naetha, I think either of those will do perfectly- bright and smart, but still suiting the occasion.

Sorry for your loss.

They are lovely.
fwiw my granny's funeral was no black, she planned it all down to the wicker coffin with meadow wild flowers woven into it.
i wore a deep pink top with a black, white and pink patterned skirt, most people had summer picnic type clothes. My grandpa had his chinos, his favourite old cardie, a shirt and a brightred cravat. She had picked his outfit. Dd's were in bright summer dresses.
my aunts and uncles all wore black suits, grandpa was very cross and made them all take off their jackets and leave them in the cars as he said 'it's not respectful to go against her wishes'
Black 'bits' were ok, just not 'normal' funeral wear. It wasa lovely day in a weird way, she had been very ill and we had an outside garden party wake with much sun and laughter after the service.