My grandmother died last week and we're driving out to Cali tomorrow morning for the memorial service at 11 am this Saturday. I have no idea what to wear. I haven't been to a funeral/memorial service in about 10 years, so I don't know what goes now. There will be a memorial service at her church and then we'll head over to the reception hall for sandwiches, etc. I'm thinking of wearing black slacks, a black lacy cami and a blue cashmere V-neck sweater over it. Blue and silver accessories. My worry is the shade of blue. Too bright? It is a little bit brighter in person. Very "springy". Should I wear something more subdued? Any suggestions?
I think you'll be ok - my grandfather died in February & I did pack black pants (i went to visit not to go to wake / funeral) so I ended up in...of all things...a red blouse (my grandma reminded me that it was ok, he really liked red). I think if you are mostly in black you are ok - I personally don't think it's disrespectful to have on a blue sweater. The most important thing is that you are there for / with your family.
And I'm so sorry for your loss.
-- Edited by laken1 at 17:57, 2005-09-07
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I think if you are mostly in black you are ok - I personally don't think it's disrespectful to have on a blue sweater. The most important thing is that you are there for / with your family. And I'm so sorry for your loss. -- Edited by laken1 at 17:57, 2005-09-07
I think your outfit sounds fine. Like Laken said what matters most is that you are there.
Thanks girls, for your kind words. We were very close, so it'll be a hard day. I am thankful that she isn't in pain anymore, though.
I think I'll bring a few outfits, including the blue cashmere and just see what the rest of the family is wearing. I'm just dying to wear one of my new cashmere sweaters, but it's still ungodly hot here in Phoenix. I'm hoping to get some sweater time in on the central Cali coast this weekend.
I think the "black only" rules have been relaxed a bit...especially if it's a memorial service instead of a funeral. I went to a memorial service a few weeks ago, and I didn't notice an abundance of black clothing. As long as you look presentable/respectable (nice pants, skirt, blouse, etc.), you should be fine.
Cricket, I'm so sorry for the loss of your grandmother. *hugs*
I, too, hadn't been to a memorial service in probably ten years, but had to attend one this past February. I dressed in all black, but many people were in much more vibrant clothing. One girl even had on a red sweater with black pants and I must say, it looked kind of nice. A friend told me she wore a coral dress to a funeral service last year.
It seems that with color it's more of a celebration of a soul at peace - assuming you believe in souls - rather than just grieving -not to belittle anyone's grief. I'm just saying that I don't think anyone grieved less because they were not wearing black.
I think your suggested outfit will be just fine.
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