Month: February 2023

Burial gowns, also known as funeral gowns, are specifically designed to be worn by the deceased during their funeral service. They typically have long sleeves and high necklines, and are easily adjustable. They can be purchased from a funeral clothing supplier or if your loved one doesn’t have any existing clothes that fit them, they may be provided by a funeral home as part of the cremation arrangements. Choosing the right burial gown is an important decision, as it will provide a lasting memory to the surviving family members. It is also a way to say goodbye in the manner that your loved one would have wanted. Keeping in mind their age, lifestyle and religion will help you make the best choice for them. Some people find that wearing a burial gown is a comforting option. It can bring them a sense of closure and ease their grief by knowing that their beloved loved one is being laid to rest in their favorite clothing. There are many different kinds of burial gowns available, from traditional to contemporary, so it is important to choose one that will fit your loved one’s unique needs. There are even options for infants, including burial gowns and shrouds for tiny infants. A lot of families are concerned about environmental issues, and green funerals are becoming increasingly popular. Some of these concerns include the use of biodegradable materials and avoiding toxins that can cause harm to the earth. Luckily, there are several designers who are making it their mission to create beautiful and environmentally conscious burial clothes that also honor the body of the deceased. Mark Mitchell’s designs are a great example of this. He has created one-of-a-kind, highly detailed burial dresses that were made with luxury fabrics and finishing techniques. The fabrics used in his designs are also natural and unbleached, and they are not treated with any chemicals. This allows them to be biodegradable and breathable, as well as to decompose in harmony with the body that wears them. Pia Interlandi is another designer who has taken eco-consciousness into account in her funeral gowns and other burial clothing. She approaches her garment designs for green burials by utilizing natural biodegradable fabrics that decompose along with the body. She studied biology and design at SymbioticA in Perth, and is available for commissions on her burial clothing. Leon Harris is the founder and CEO of LH Design, a funeral dress company that strives to make elegant apparel that will enhance your loved one’s afterlife experience. He has developed four models of funeral gowns that are suitable for women, each with its own unique style and features. For many people, choosing the right burial outfit is a time-consuming and emotional task. It is helpful to discuss the details with friends and family in advance of the event, so you can feel confident that the attire chosen will be appropriate for the funeral service. You can also consult with a funeral director to help you decide on the right attire.

Weddings are one of the most exciting times in your life. But, when the big day is over, you don’t always know what to do with your beautiful dress. You might want to sell it, or you may decide that it should be a part of someone else’s special day. Whatever your decision, donating your dress is a great way to help the environment and give your dress a second life. Donate Your Wedding Gown to a Charity There are many charities that accept wedding dresses and other donated clothing. Some have a specific cause, such as breast cancer, and some are more general. When choosing where to donate your dress, it’s important to find an organization that aligns with your values and passions. Brides Against Breast Cancer (BABC) has been helping women since 1997, so it’s a great choice for wedding dress donations. Your donation will be put to good use, and you can feel good knowing that your dress is helping women who are fighting breast cancer through their early detection and awareness programs. Adorned in Grace is a faith-based nonprofit that helps fight human trafficking with a mission of “creating awareness, prevention and restoration.” They accept new and gently used wedding gowns as well as formalwear. The sales of the gowns go to their anti-trafficking fund, which provides professional counseling and other services for survivors. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused some organizations to suspend their dress donation program, so it’s a good idea to check with the charity you plan to donate your wedding gown to to make sure they’re still accepting them. Some have specific guidelines for vetting your donation, so it’s a good idea not to send in something that has been damaged or stained. You can also consider donating your dress to a thrift store or charity that will clean and box it for you. This is especially helpful if you’re donating your dress during the pandemic, as it will reduce the risk of mold and other toxins developing on the fabric. Other charities that accept wedding dresses include Brides Across America, which provides wedding dresses to US military brides. The charity was started by a bridal salon owner who saw how much a gift of a free dress meant to a military bride and made it her life’s work. Another nonprofit that accepts wedding dresses is Wish Upon A Wedding, which gives gifts to terminally ill couples who are facing their wedding or vow renewal. The nonprofit also works with Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring, which offers reduced-price bridal gowns and accessories to underprivileged women in the D.C. area. If you want to donate your wedding dress to the Salvation Army, you’ll need to contact your local Salvation Army to see if they have pick-up services or if you need to schedule an appointment online. Each location has a different donation policy, so it’s best to call ahead before dropping your dress off.

Founded in 2014, Angel Gown Sewers of South Jersey is the result of a desire to give back and help grieving parents at a time they need it most. This is a non-profit organization that accepts donations of wedding gowns and sews them together into a beautiful burial dress for infants who pass away during or shortly after birth. Since its inception, the organization has been able to provide more than 450 angel gowns. They are delivered to hospitals and funeral homes throughout the state. If you’d like to donate a dress or volunteer to sew, visit Angel Gown Sewers on Facebook. One of the first requests for gowns that Allison Soholt received was from a woman who lost her daughter at 18 weeks. That’s when she began thinking of ways to use her sewing skills to help others. She found a wedding dress at an Empty the Nest home clean out and thrift store in Golden Valley, Minnesota, and sewed it into several angel gowns for babies who never made it into this world. A few years later, she teamed up with other women to create a new group, Andrew’s Angel Gowns. They make these gowns out of wedding dresses, but they also take in donations of men’s suits and pants to make vests for boys. In addition to making the gowns, they hand out prayer shawls and blankets that can be worn by families during their grieving process. This helps them feel they’re doing something to honor their child and give their grief a place to belong. Eventually, the group was so busy that they hired a full-time seamstress to oversee the operation, but they still need help. So, they have a team of volunteers who meet monthly in the basement of All Saints Lutheran Church in Darwin. The group assembles about 50 gowns per month, and Hauer says they have donated them to a number of other local hospitals. They’ve even partnered with the Midwest Medical Examiner’s office to increase their reach. While it’s not an easy task, she’s grateful for the many kindhearted people who have helped her out. She’s seen the joy and hope these gowns can bring to a family dealing with loss. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to help someone during such a difficult time in their lives. This is why it’s so important to make sure these angel gowns are available for those who need them most. During her work with the group, she’s met many families who have lost a child through miscarriage, early neonatal death or stillbirth. Each of these situations is different, but each one has a similar impact on the mother’s heart and mind. This is why she wants to ensure that all mothers have access to an angel gown or wrap when they lose their baby. That way, they can be comforted by their own beauty and know their child is in a safe place.

Your child’s funeral may be the first time that you have had to plan something, and while it can seem overwhelming and incredibly painful, it is essential to find some clarity as you begin your journey of grief. Taking time to do so can help you make informed decisions that will provide closure and comfort for you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Creating the Ceremony A funeral service for a child should be as unique as the person who died. The family will need to decide on a theme, music, readings, and other elements that reflect the personality and values of the child. The choice of where the service will be held and how many guests will attend are also important, as is deciding on the type of flowers and other memorial gifts to send home. If your child is a young child, you will need to explain everything in terms that they understand and encourage them to ask questions. This can be very hard for them, so be sure to involve them in planning and discussing what will happen at the funeral. Whether or not your child wants to be present at the funeral is a personal decision that will need to be made. Some children feel more included when they are invited to take part in the service, such as lighting a candle or placing a momento in their sibling’s casket. They may also wish to offer their own words of tribute. They can do this by speaking about their favorite memories of the person who has died, or by sharing a poem or song that is special to them. Your child’s friends and classmates can play a role at the funeral by serving as pallbearers, or by reading from scripture or poetry that has significance for them. Likewise, school glee clubs, bands and choirs can perform a musical piece that celebrates the life of your child. When selecting the music, you will want to consider what type of music your child enjoys and how it fits in with the theme of the funeral. You might also want to consider the music of your child’s religion or culture. You might also want to think about what songs or hymns reflect the personality of your child and their relationship with you. You might also want to consider incorporating songs or hymns that have special meaning for your child and their relationships with you and other family members. If you are considering having a special musical piece performed, you will need to work with the clergy or officiant to create a service that honors your child’s unique life. You can also request that the musician or band donate a portion of their proceeds to a charity that is meaningful to your child and their family. Your child’s favorite colors, food and clothing can also influence the style of the service. You might choose a traditional service with a large crowd, or you might opt for a more intimate gathering of close family and friends.

Babies need clothing that’s easy to put on and take off. They also need clothes that are comfortable for them to wear. Whether you’re shopping in stores or on the Internet, make sure to buy baby clothes that fit correctly. That way, you’ll avoid unnecessary purchases and the hassle of re-washing clothes that don’t fit right. Newborns need long-sleeved one-pieces to help protect their skin from scratches and accidental scrapes. These are also good for winter babies, as the long sleeves will keep them extra cozy. Bodysuits are great to have on hand in summer as well. They’re easy to put on and take off and come in both long- and short-sleeve styles. They’re usually made of soft cotton or a blend of materials and are a great option for newborns because they’re gentle on the skin. Pants are another essential item to have in a baby’s closet. They’re a great alternative to socks or booties and can be worn over long-sleeved bodysuits for chilly days. If you’re looking for a more natural material, try organic cotton and bamboo. These are softer and more durable than conventional cotton, and they’re hypoallergenic. They can also be washed often without losing their shape. The best thing about organic cotton is that it’s biodegradable and can be recycled. This is a huge win for the environment, and it’s even better for your baby. Organic baby clothing is available from a variety of brands. The most popular ones include Gerber Childrenswear, Carter’s, and Earthborn. These are all well-made and affordable options that come in a range of sizes, colors, and prints. When buying clothing, be sure to check the size guide on the label. While some newborns are ready to go straight into the smallest size, others may grow out of it within a month. In that case, consider buying items in the next size up to have on hand for when your baby is ready for them. Safety is the top priority when buying baby clothes, so look for items that don’t have buttons or other decorations that could pose a choking risk. Avoid baby rompers with small buttons or rhinestones, as well as pleated pants, as these can cause irritation and chafing. Likewise, stay away from any clothes that have long ties or embroidered details, as these can irritate baby’s delicate skin and neck area. Finally, consider purchasing organic cotton or bamboo for your baby’s outfits as these fabrics are naturally hypoallergenic and don’t contain the harmful chemicals found in conventionally produced garments. They are also incredibly soft and comfortable to your baby’s sensitive skin, so they can be used for a longer period of time before needing replacement. Baby clothing is a big investment, so it’s important to choose quality pieces that will last. Having a good variety of clothes to suit all the different seasons and occasions will ensure your baby is always dressed properly. This will save you a lot of money in the long run and will also help reduce the number of outfits you need to buy as your child grows up.

Your new bundle of joy needs a wardrobe full of clothes that are soft on their skin, withstand the wear and tear of babyhood (think poop explosions, spit-up, constant machine washing), and don’t bother your little one. The key to building a quality, versatile infant closet is to focus on materials and quality construction and to make sure everything is easy to put on and take off. Cotton is a classic choice for baby clothing because it’s durable, hypoallergenic, and moisture-wicking. It’s a great option for babies, as their delicate skin is prone to allergies and other skin conditions. Bamboo is another eco-friendly fabric that’s also breathable and antibacterial. This fabric is a great choice for sensitive skin and can help prevent fungal skin issues like eczema and psoriasis. Hanna Andersson is a Swedish brand that creates baby clothing with the health of the environment in mind. Its OEKO-TEX certified 100 percent organic cotton garments are free from potentially harmful chemicals and contain no synthetic fabrics. The company also commits to using recycled textiles in its outerwear. The brand’s signature styles, which range from rompers and bubbles to john-johns, are made with GOTS-certified organic cotton that’s soft on babies’ skin and grows more softer over time. And they’re available in a variety of patterns that will add some fun to your baby’s wardrobe without breaking the bank. Sansi makes swimsuits that are T-shirts and short one-pieces, which will keep your baby comfy while also protecting them from the sun. This suit is also incredibly easy to get on and off and has a tight fit, so it’s perfect for active little ones. Touched By Nature is a beautiful organic baby clothing line that uses natural dyes and doesn’t use chemical fabric treatments, so your baby’s skin stays healthy. The company’s soft, comfortable pieces are easy to care for and include adorable designs like this whale-printed one-piece dress, which is the perfect choice for a summer day. Organic and sustainable are the two biggest buzzwords in baby fashion these days, and brands are responding to that with their products. Organic fabrics are better for the environment because they’re made with natural fibers that don’t require the use of pesticides and other chemical fertilizers to grow. And while organic baby clothing can cost more, you may find it worth the extra investment if you value your child’s health and wellbeing. A few other key points to consider when shopping for baby apparel are size, color and quality. Many mass retailers are a good place to start, but indie kids’ stores and boutiques tend to have a wider selection of organic-only pieces and styles that are crafted by ethical manufacturers. Buying baby clothing from a store that sells direct-to-consumer can save you money, but you want to be sure it meets Australian standards and labelling requirements for newborn clothes. The company should be able to provide you with delivery times and contact information.

Burial gowns are a relatively new addition to funeral wear, but they are quickly becoming a popular choice. These gowns can be made from a range of fabrics and come in a variety of colors. They are easy to put on and offer a way for the deceased to be dressed with dignity, either by their family or a funeral director. The type of burial clothes you choose should reflect the personality and lifestyle of your loved one. It should also be appropriate for the type of funeral service you are having. Keeping this in mind will help you find an outfit that is both fitting and appropriate. Choosing the right clothes can be challenging. There are many things to consider, such as the person’s final wishes, whether they were a member of a particular religion and how they would want to be buried. It’s also important to think about the age and gender of your loved one. Some people prefer to dress in casual clothes that are more comfortable for them while others like to wear suits or dresses. Regardless of the type of clothing you choose, it is always important to choose something that is flattering on your loved one and that they will feel good wearing. If your loved one was a child, you may want to choose a special dress that will fit them well, such as a princess gown. This will ensure that your loved one looks their best and that the funeral attendees will have a memorable experience. Some funeral directors also have specific styles of burial gowns that they recommend, so it’s always a good idea to ask a few questions. They can give you tips on what types of clothes work for each age group and help you find the perfect burial dress. The color of the burial gowns is another important factor to keep in mind. Black is a popular color for burials, but you should also consider other somber options, such as grays and greens. This is particularly true if the funeral service will be held outdoors, as darker colors are more appropriate. You may also choose to buy new clothing for your loved one to be buried in, especially if they have lost a lot of weight. This can make it difficult to find clothing that fits them, but there are plenty of choices available. Some burial gowns are designed to be simple for a funeral director to dress your loved one in, while others can be customized with specific religious or cultural motifs. If you are planning a Catholic funeral, you can find a variety of gowns with the Sacred Heart on them. There are also bariatric burial gowns that are designed for people who have lost a significant amount of weight before they die. These gowns are made from soft materials and can be a great option for those who have a hard time putting on traditional funeral clothes.

When you get married, one of the most important parts of planning is choosing your wedding dress. It’s a special piece of clothing that you wear on your most important day of your life and it holds a lot of sentimental value for you. Many couples keep their wedding dresses as a keepsake or pass them down to future generations. But if you’re looking to give your wedding dress a second life, don’t be afraid to donate it! Donate a Wedding Dress to a Charity Giving your wedding dress a new lease on life is a fantastic way to give back and make a difference. There are several charities in the US that accept wedding dresses and will then distribute them to those in need. Helping Women Globally By donating your wedding dress, you can empower women around the world. For example, you could donate your dress to Brides Do Good, which sells pre-loved wedding gowns and donates the proceeds to charity projects that work to end child marriage. You can also donate your dress to Adorned in Grace, which will then resell it and use the money to support anti-trafficking programs. They accept dresses that are less than five years old and you can mail them in. Getting Started If you’re not sure where to donate your wedding dress, try checking out local thrift stores or community centers. They often accept donations and will give you a tax deduction as long as the items are in good condition. There are also plenty of charities in the United States that will accept worn or used dresses, and they’ll even take a photo of your wedding dress to be verified by a vetting process. Some may impose restrictions on the dress you can donate, including age and whether it needs to be cleaned before it’s donated. Then, you’ll want to check with a reputable cleaning service in your area. They’ll be able to take care of the stains that might be present in your dress and can also ensure the fabric is safely boxed for donation. Another great way to donate your wedding dress is through a charitable organization in your home state. There are tons of options here, and the best part is that you can usually feel proud knowing your donated wedding dress will be going to someone in need. In the US, a charitable organization called Brides Across America was started by Heidi Janson who wanted to celebrate her wedding day by helping military brides. She donated 60 dresses to military brides, and the organization has since given away over 24,000 gowns. Alternatively, you could also donate your dress to a nonprofit that’s focused on breast cancer research or awareness. Some of these organizations offer to clean your dress, and will resell it at discounted prices. Finally, you can donate your wedding dress to an Angel Gown program, which will then be used to create funeral or burial gowns for babies who pass away. These organizations usually have a team of talented seamstresses and tailors who volunteer their time to create beautiful gowns for newborns.

Angel gowns are a way to honor and remember lost babies. Often made from donated wedding dresses, these special garments help bereaved parents bury their child in something they can hold on to and look at for a long time. One Minnesota woman is doing her part to make sure bereaved families have these precious garments. Patty Hauer and her group, called Angel Dresses, gather up wedding and prom dresses and sew them into burial outfits for infants and newborns who have died. In the basement of All Saints Lutheran Church in Darwin, Minn., a group of church members and volunteers work on assembling “Angel Dresses” used for burial outfits for infants and newborns that die. The dresses, which are sewn by volunteers, are offered to hospitals, birthing centers and funeral homes free of charge. It’s a simple idea, but an impactful one. It’s one that’s helping to shed light on the subject of infant loss and raising awareness, said Patty Neal, founder of Kennedy’s Angel Gowns. She says the project began in 2012 after her daughter was stillborn, and it has been growing ever since, now serving families from across the country. Her goal is to create a community around her mission and raise awareness about the difficult conversation surrounding pregnancy and infant loss. As an OB nurse, she witnessed firsthand how devastating it can be for grieving parents. She knew that an angel gown could provide a sense of comfort to those who have lost their babies, so she started sewing them up herself and started spreading the word about her work. To date, she’s made over 100 angel gowns and has donated to hospitals in Minnesota, Montana and California. She’s hoping to expand the program so she can donate more gowns to bereaved families across the nation. Several churches in South Jersey are joining in on the cause, too. Jean Lee, of Pennsauken, started an organization called “Angel Gown Sewers” to take donated wedding dresses and turn them into baby gowns or wraps for children who have passed away from miscarriage, stillbirth or who die before leaving the hospital. Another group of volunteers, Hillary’s Cherished Gowns, has a mission to sew gowns for babies who have passed away. They collect donated gowns and have an active Facebook page where they share updates and request help with sewing the dresses. Soholt, who has been a retired obstetrics nurse for more than 30 years, also works with her friend Sharon Fischman to cut up her mother’s wedding dress and transform it into a “baby angel gown” that can be given to a family who has lost a baby. The two have become friends and Soholt hosts monthly meetings where she and others can get together to sew the gowns. She said she got the idea for her organization after she delivered a stillborn baby as a nurse. She says she hopes her efforts will help other bereaved parents feel less alone and give them some closure after their own loss.

When a child dies, the family is usually faced with the difficult task of planning and arranging their funeral. For grieving parents, this can be a very traumatic time. Fortunately, there are many things that can be done to help the process go more smoothly and allow families to honor the memory of their beloved child. The first thing to do is decide how you want to remember your child. Some people choose to hold a simple, private memorial service in the comfort of their own homes or at a local funeral home, while others may prefer to have a larger ceremony with a wider group of friends and family. The choice is yours, and the service you plan should be something that reflects your family’s wishes and feelings about your child. You can also consider a special tribute in the form of a flower arrangement, balloons, tree seedlings, and other items that represent your child. Some families even ask for donations to benefit a charity that is important to their child’s life or interests. Make sure that your child knows the details of the funeral, including how it will look and what will happen. Let her know about the visitation, the service, and the funeral home. Explain how the casket will be decorated, and that it will have photos and other mementos of your child on display. Talk about your child’s special outfit that will be worn during the funeral, if they were involved in making this decision. During the service, children can participate in the music and readings, or they may want to light a candle or place a memento in the casket. This can give bereaved children a chance to say goodbye to their loved one and feel like their feelings matter. For younger children, a funeral is likely to be very emotional and they are likely to feel restless and uncomfortable. It is a good idea to have a favourite toy or cuddle available and a small snack in case they get hungry. If you have other young children in the house, it might be helpful to arrange for them to stay at a babysitter’s home during the funeral. This will ensure that they can play and run around, but you will need to be aware of how long they are in the home so that they do not become too bored or upset. When you discuss the funeral, explain that there will be people crying and laughing. These are normal emotions that will be felt by people at the funeral, and it is fine for your child to feel these as well. Be prepared for your child to be restless, as they will not understand what’s going on. If this happens, a good friend or relative could take them out of the room and have them play. Explain that the funeral is an important way to honor your child’s memory and help the people in your family to say goodbye. Afterwards, you can spend some time together to talk about your child’s life and the things that are important to you.