Can you guys help dress me, please?

lc07

I will be attending a Celebration of Life for a work colleague soon. It's being held at a hotel - I'm guessing in a conference room. I've only attended one Celebration of Life before. It was a long time ago and I don't remember what I wore or what anyone else wore. Everything else I've attended has been a Memorial Church Service and Funeral. Black? I am guessing it's obvious that I should wear something conservative but I am wondering about whether it would be BAD to wear black since it's a "Celebration of Life" and not a Funeral. Your advice is very much appreciated! 

APDSS22

I've never attended one, but according to a quick internet search the consensus from a few sartorial blogs/boards seems to be that sober colors like navy would be more appropriate than black unless the host has specified that it is to be more of a funereal event or on the flip-side, is encouraging wearing colors.  If you do decide to go black or navy, you can always add some colorful accessories like a scarf to brighten the outfit.  They pretty much all agree that jeans are pushing into "too casual" territory but slacks would be okay. 

pumpkinsandturkeys

I'm very sorry to hear about your colleague. My condolences.

I would wear a neutral skirt/pants in black, navy, or grey, and do a blouse in a pop of colour under a neutral jacket or sweater. This way, you're still conservative overall and respectful of the fact that someone has passed, but you're also being respectful of the fact that they want this to be a celebration of their life and happier times with this person, rather than an inherently sombre affair.

emmyg65

I'd wear black or gray pants or skirt and a colorful but conservatively cut sweater. Definitely not all black or navy.

lizandmark2014

I second emmyg65.

SBmini

When we celebrated my cousin Katie's life we wore color. I wore a black and white shirt with turquoise pants. Everyone else in the family was wearing color too. Her sister was in a coral shirt, girls were in sundresses, etc. Because what is a celebration of life without color? 

I would base what you wear off of the person's personality.  My cousin had an extreme passion for life. She did yoga and surfed every day and was the most uplifting, optimistic person I knew. She wouldn't want people to wear black, so we didn't. Anchoring with dark colored pants is a good idea if you aren't sure what to wear, but don't be afraid to wear color. 

ElcaB

What do you know about the event? 

Two years ago, I went to two CoLs for the same person. The man loved margaritas, Jimmy Buffet, and Disney. His first CoL was held in a venue similar to an airport hangar & we served his favorite snacks (Twizzlers, pretzel rods, and a special brand of potato chips) and I wore jeans and a Margaritaville tank top (I fit right in). The second CoL was in a banquet room with a taco bar and an open bar, to which I wore dress pants and a bright floral top. 

Think about the person you're celebrating and what he/she was like. Take the venue into account and go from there. 

lc07

Thank you, each of you, very much. I feel a lot more confident in choosing an outfit now.

He was a really big personality, full-of-life, not-stuffy kind of guy. Loved beer, was a causal dresser himself. He sounds very similar to the person who's life you celebrated, @ElcaB. 

I know the venue and that it will be in the morning but no other details at this moment. I will go with something conservative as far as amount of skin showing and something appropriate for the venue but not mourning clothes. 

Thanks again, I really appreciate you taking the time to post and help me, @ElcaB, @sbmini, @emmyg65, @TheFutureMrsRohlman22, and @pumpkinsandturkeys, @lizandmark2014