Funeral Dress Code - Colors OK?

Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee,

I attended a funeral where most of the guests did not wear black or all dark colors, and most were in casual clothes such as jeans or khakis. Isn't there a dress code for funerals?

Signed,

Surprised

Dear Surprised,

There isn't a strict dress code for funerals any more, although obvious decorum applies. Also, some cultures prefer that guests not wear any red colors as it signifies "joy" or "happiness." Since it is a funeral, it would be more appropriate to wear more subdued colors. But, everyone's comfort level is different, and as long as they show appropriate respect in other ways, then what they wear is not important.