It was American car maker Henry Ford who famously said “any colour, as long as it’s black” and, although he was talking about the different shades his customers could choose for their vehicles, until recently he might easily have been talking about funeral suits too, writes Gillotts funeral director Anthony Topley.
I say until recently. In fact, at Gillotts we have been exploring other areas of the colour wheel when it comes to our directors’ and bearers’ ties for a few years, having bought a range of different shades in order to complement mourners’ changing taste in funeral wear.
Now we have taken another step forward, or, should I say, I have, by ordering a grey suit, which I can now choose to wear as an alternative to my customary black.
Suited and booted
It is no exaggeration to say this is something of a revolution. I believe our families deserve nothing less than a funeral director turning up in a smart business suit and, after so many years, I feel that I would be unable to properly fulfil my role if I wasn’t fully suited and booted.
For my entire career to this point, that suit has always been black and, until a few years ago, accompanied by a black tie.
The grey, however, gives me options and I’m delighted. Because while I think black is smart and fitting, there are increasingly occasions where the colourful funerals we arrange and conduct have no place for the men in black.
Funerals are changing
I have written about the influx of colour into our industry many times as part of the changing nature of funerals. This year, again, there are changes to the way people conduct funerals. They are placing the emphasis ever-more on celebrating the loved one, reflecting on the life and love they shared with those around them, the fun and the jokes.
This is wonderful, which is why my grey suit is also wonderful, because we’re moving with the times. However, I suspect the days when I’ll be required to own a whole wardrobe of colourful suits are still a long way off yet.