What should one wear to a viewing of a body?

I wore all black, but I feel that I made a big mistake. I thought wearing black was a sign of respect--especially a funeral, but I didn't see many people wearing black at all. I called the funeral home that was holding the viewing of the body and asked them what would be courteous to wear, i.e. black, blue, nice clothing, and of course they didn't want to tell me what to wear but that black was fine. So...was I out of place with all black clothing and I should have saved that for the funeral the day after (which i was unable to attend) or should I have worn just nice clothing, like most of the people there were wearing. I found what they wore quite insulting--there was pink, white, even the deceased man's daughter was wearing school-like clothes.



What's your opinion on this? I think black is very respectful in the presence of an embalmed body in a black, wooden casket surrounded by tons of flowers.
What should one wear to a viewing of a body?
Years ago people wore black and gray and sometimes navy blue. Much has changed in the last twenty years. Everyone looks at the traditional behaviors differently now.



The daughter may have had many discussions with her father during which he could have said to her that he wanted her to dress in the clothing he best remembered her in.



Some people want to observe a celebration of life instead of a mourning of passing.



You do what you feel is best for you and don't worry about the others.
Reply:I'm old-fashioned. I'd wear black, or another dark color.
Reply:Maybe a black nylon knee length with a 2 inch white belt?
Reply:Actually, at a Wake (viewing of a body), black is a very respectful color. But many ppl don't wear black. Since it is a pre ceremony, many ppl wear casual clothes.
Reply:black is so traditional you dont want to the funeral home to feel depressed instead of mourning people should be celebrating that persons life i use to wear black but then i decided it was ok to wear something that will get you noticed it might be disrespectful to the older generation but this is 2007 and there too many cute clothes to waste on black
Reply:Black is still a traditional wake/funeral color, but times are changing. Many people don't want a wake to be sad, they want a life to be remembered. That calls for happier colors. Anything dressier is fine. I don't think it is offensive to wear a little color at all.