Howdy Mamas! We had a friend of the family pass away this past week (my aunt's mom). Anyhoo, her family has chosen not to do the traditional visitation/funeral. Instead, they are having a "Celebration of Life." I'm not sure what to wear. Do you go with the traditional dark colors; or since it's a "celebration" is it OK to wear something bright and upbeat? Not sure here..... Thank you!!
**Edit** Just as an extra piece of info, the "Celebration of Life" will be held at the home of my aunt's sister. Kind of informal-ish. Hope that helps you help me. LOL!
Thank you for the suggestions! I ended up in a very nice white/pink/grey blouse, white capris & wedge sandals. After getting there I saw most people were dressed pretty much like I was. It was perfect and I even got a few compliments on my outfit. SHEW-WEE!
We had a celebration of life for a family friend and everyone wore pastel colors. Yellow, blues, pinks, some reds and greens. It was lovely.
You can never go wrong w/business casual.
You are celebrating her life? That is awesome. Go colorful!
"church" clothes....lol.
That's what our family calls anything that's not play/chore clothes!
Dress for comfort, but not lounging. Dress to your personality, not mourning.
I say go in what you are comfortable in. I had the same sort of thing for my mom. I had pictures of her everywhere from all stages of her life. It was great to see people laughing and smiling as they recalled stories of her. I don't think it matters what you where it is more about the attitude you bring. :) Families want to be reminded of what a great person the departed was to everyone.
I think that is a great idea. I wish more people would do this. I would THINK that they would want people wearing happy colors, but I really don't know for sure. Maybe a nice, festive dress & sandals.
This is what my Dad wants when he dies - a CELEBRATION of all of the love, laughter and memories...he wants bright colors and LOTS of laughter...
I'm sorry for your family's loss - is this your Grandmother? I ask because you say your aunt's mother - and for me? that means your grandmother. Sorry - not trying to make it more - but it just stuck out at me....
My Godfather had a celebration of life as well...while some were sedate, most wore color to symbolize his life - his achievements (3 daughters, grandchildren and 50+ years of marriage)....yes, there were tears - but tears of joy as people recounted memories...
I am so sorry for your loss.
We've done Celebrations of Life for most of my family that have passed on. I'm not sure any of them were the typical dark and somber colors, in fact it's been asked specifically NOT to wear dark depressing colors the times I can remember. I remember when my grandfather passed when I was in High School, I was in a bit of a Goth stage and I had absolutely nothing dressy that wasn't black or dark in some way, I at least went for a black and white outfit but I got scolded for it all the same ;)
Things people choose from are things like the person's favorite color or like when my grandmother passed we all had Aloha shirts or other Hawaiian like choices.
I wouldn't go for loud and flashy and bright type bright but something tastefully upbeat is fine.
I would not wear dark colors. Just look tidy.. No flip flops. No spangles.
Casual Church.
I had most wonderful boss once. Gruff sometimes, but devoted to our organization, community and his employees. When he passed I wore a bright orange linen dress to his funeral. It was a standard in my wardrobe and every time I wore it to work he told me how much he loved the color as it reminded him of his alma mater's colors. No one questioned my choice as my fellow employees understood the significance of the dress for me.
Wear something alive, and vibrant, and something that makes you feel the same.
I love the idea of a Celebration of Life - how wonderful.
I usually go with a dark skirt (navy, black, brown) with a flowing top that is usually a soft pattern or a soild deep color. Then I bring along a black cardigan just in case so I can throw it on if it looks like everyone is a little less colorful.
There are some family funerals that I have not been able to attend, but when the family is all able to get together we have a remembrance gathering/service at the burial site then go out to eat. At these you will find a mix of blacks and colors.
As someone else mentioned wearing the deseased person's favorite color, this is something I do if I know them well, it is a way for me to honor them and our relationship.
sounds like they don't want it to be a time of mourning so I would dress like you're going to church.
I would wear whatever felt right that day honestly. I would be in colors, maybe more like jewel tones with black accents vs neons or pastels.
When my niece passed away 1 1/2 years ago, a bunch of us (family and close friends) wore purple in her memory... purple was her favorite color!
We called it a "Celebration of Life", also.....
