Miss Manners: I’ve never seen a funeral dress code and don’t know the etiquette

Key Points:

• A resident in an apartment complex posted a funeral flyer requesting guests to wear beige to honor the deceased, Clara, which prompted questions about the appropriateness of such dress codes at funerals.
• Miss Manners explains that while traditional funeral attire like black has been criticized, imposing specific dress colors or themes can create difficulties and potentially deter attendance, especially at funerals where respect is paramount.
• She contrasts the growing trend of themed dress codes at weddings, often for social media appeal, with funerals where strict dress requirements might prevent mourners from paying their respects properly.
• On broader social issues, Miss Manners condemns politically motivated violence as a betrayal of democratic principles, emphasizing the need for goodwill and compromise despite differences.
• Regarding fashion etiquette, Miss Manners notes that traditional rules about jewelry and attire are often ignored today, though she remains focused on promoting civility in society.