Colors not improper at funerals

Dear Abby: In response to "Wondering in Eau Claire, Wis.," who asked about proper attire at funerals: In modern times black is generally the approved color for mourning, white caskets are still customary for children, and purple is used to designate death and mourning for royalty and many Christian groups.

My opinion: Wear any color you choose, as long as you go. —R.G.K., funeral director, Greenville, Tenn.

Dear R.G.K.: Other readers also shared what they've worn at funerals:

Dear Abby: When my mother passed away a year ago, I couldn't bring myself to wear a somber color to her funeral. I wore an ivory pantsuit. Wearing a color other than black or gray helped me get through that already more than somber day. —Wendy in Victorville, Calif.

Dear Abby: My brother, Dave, often wore bright Aloha (Hawaiian) shirts. When he died at 55, we buried him in one. A few hours before his funeral, one of his daughters mentioned that she had considered wearing an Aloha shirt to the service. Dave's wife, his other daughters and I all agreed — we had to wear Aloha shirts.

Anyone who knew my brother understood we were honoring him by breaking with tradition. The minister later assured us that if we had thought to call him, he would have worn one, too. —Craig C., Orlando, Fla.

Dear Abby: These days, hardly anyone wears black to funerals. I have attended five funerals over the past year or so. Three were for bikers, and their friends came dressed accordingly. Also, my religion dictates that at funerals, one should wear green or sage — colors associated with the crossing over of the spirit. —Kristi, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Dear Abby: After my father's funeral, I could tell you who was there, but not what one single person was wearing. Sometimes what you wear doesn't matter. The respect people show outweighs everything else. —Linda T., Harrison, N.Y.

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