Births and weddings are two truly special occasions that enrich life, triggering countless emotions and feelings of happiness in us. But life also includes saying goodbye. As a funeral speaker, I deal with this topic very frequently. However, funerals today are no longer necessarily comparable to those that took place 20 or 30 years ago. A funeral today also allows for a colorful farewell. After all, life as we lived wasn't all gray and black, but was also marked by bright days and colors, simply beautiful memories that remain with us.
I also notice this when asked about the choice of clothing on the day of the funeral. It's not uncommon for relatives to wish to accompany a loved one to their final resting place wearing the clothes they themselves feel most comfortable in. Even if it's just plain jeans. Especially when a young person passes away, the desire tends to be to dress like the deceased themselves.
Whether in white sneakers or one of their favorite colors, or even in jeans and a hoodie. And I think that's a "good thing." That's my personal opinion, and not everyone has to agree with it. Saying goodbye is about the person being mourned. And I think it's very beautiful, sensitive, and appreciative to orient yourself toward that person, to remember them on the last day through colors, fabrics, or other characteristics.
Celebrating the life lived
Funerals can often be very dark because people usually wear black. In my opinion, this only makes the atmosphere even more somber. But perhaps we should also keep in mind that we would never have had all the wonderful memories and experiences if it weren't for that one person. So, we can also "celebrate" the past life, and do so in the way that would have been in accordance with the wishes of the person we are mourning.
The way you feel good
If, as a grieving person, you do not feel comfortable in “normal” everyday clothes or do not want to come to a funeral in jeans, you are of course welcome to dress differently.
It's a request, not a requirement, from the family. And if jeans are desired, black jeans are an alternative.
In my opinion, the most important thing is to decide for yourself how you want to say goodbye. Dressing up even if you'd rather come in a different way isn't desirable. Ultimately, it's all about paying a loved one a final respect as they depart.
Stay healthy and take good care of yourselves
best regards
Pam
