How should I dress for a funeral?

In the past, custom dictated that immediate family wore black clothing to the funeral of a deceased family member. While other relatives and friends didn’t necessarily need to be dressed in black, dark clothing was the norm. Recently, there has been a trend away from wearing exclusively dark clothing for funerals. Brighter colors are now not only accepted but can even be appropriate in the context of gathering to celebrate one’s life. Dresses for women and suits for men are no longer mandatory either. In certain situations, families may request that those attending a funeral wear certain types of clothing, such as denim jeans, leather, or simply dress casual. Whatever the case, when deciding how to dress for a funeral, consider the situation and dress appropriately in order to show dignity and respect for the deceased, the family, the setting, and the occasion.