For many people, funerals come with an unspoken rulebook. Black clothing. Muted tones. A certain look, a certain feel. And while that can be right for some families, it isn’t the only way.
Over the years, we’ve seen how colour, used thoughtfully and with care, can become a quiet but powerful way to honour a life. Not to take away from the gravity of the day, but to reflect the person at the heart of it.
Because saying goodbye doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.
Colour as a reflection of personality
For some families, colour represents joy, warmth, or a much-loved part of someone’s character. It might be a favourite shade, a nod to a football team, a uniform colour, or simply something that feels right.
We’ve supported families who felt comfort in weaving a single colour gently through the day, not loudly, not dramatically, but meaningfully. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.
Subtle ways colour can be included
Incorporating colour doesn’t have to mean changing everything. Often, it’s the smaller details that feel the most personal.
Clothing details
On request, families may choose coloured ties, scarves, or pocket squares, small accents that quietly honour a loved one’s wishes or personality. Some families also choose to invite mourners to wear a particular colour if they feel comfortable doing so, though this is always optional.
Horse-drawn funerals
For those choosing a horse-drawn funeral, coloured plumes can be selected to reflect a meaningful shade.
It’s a beautiful detail that can feel deeply symbolic without overwhelming the occasion.
Flowers and décor
Colour can be introduced through floral tributes, whether that’s a favourite colour, a single-colour palette, or flowers that held personal meaning. These choices often bring comfort to families, especially when they feel connected to memories.
Printed elements and keepsakes
Orders of service, ribbons, or small keepsakes can also carry a subtle touch of colour, tying everything together gently and thoughtfully.
Is it “okay” to use colour at a funeral?
The simple answer is: yes, if it feels right for you. Choosing colour doesn’t mean a funeral is any less respectful, meaningful or dignified. Traditional elements can still be honoured and colour can sit alongside them in a way that feels personal rather than performative.
There is no obligation to do anything differently, only permission to choose.
It’s often the small details that matter most
We’ve often heard families say that it was a single, personal detail they remember most afterwards, a tie, a plume, a colour woven quietly through the day.
Those touches can bring comfort, connection and a sense that the service truly reflected the person they loved.
A final thought
There is no right or wrong way to say goodbye. Only what feels right for the person being remembered and for the people left behind.
If colour feels important to you, or if you’re wondering what might be possible, it’s always worth a conversation. We’re here to talk through ideas gently, without pressure and with care.
