Month: March 2023

Burial gowns are a traditional funeral outfit, designed to be worn by the deceased during their funeral. They are usually long sleeved and have high necklines. They are also very comfortable and can be easily adjusted. They are a wonderful way to say goodbye to your loved one and help them be remembered fondly by their family and friends. The best burial clothes are those that reflect the person who has died and their beliefs or preferences. This is especially important if the deceased left instructions on what they would like to be buried in. In some cases, it is possible to create burial clothes from natural fibers such as cotton or linen. These are biodegradable and will not harm the environment after they have been disposed of. Some people choose to be buried in clothing that is specifically made for this purpose, such as a shawl or shroud. This is a great option for families who are concerned about the environmental impact of their loved one’s burial. For example, there are many designers who specialize in creating green burial garments. These designers are conscious of the ecological implications of their designs and have taken this into consideration in their burial garments. These designers have made sure that their burial gowns are made from natural materials and are not treated with chemicals. This allows them to be biodegradable and breathable. The clothing can also be adorned with embellishments such as false shirt fronts or buttons. This makes it more realistic and can add to the overall look of the clothing. It is also important to make sure that the burial garments are made from durable materials. This will ensure that they will be able to last for many years. In addition to choosing an appropriate funeral outfit, it is important to keep the age and lifestyle of your loved one in mind. Keeping these factors in mind will make it easier for you to choose the right burial gowns. Another factor to consider is the religion of the loved one. There are many different religious views on how to dress the body during a funeral service. Some churches prefer the body to be dressed in formal attire, while others are more relaxed and allow people to wear whatever they wish. There are also many religious organizations that provide funeral clothing free of charge to bereaved families. These include the Angel Gowns Project, which uses donated wedding dresses to make special burial outfits for newborns. The re-use of clothing is becoming more popular among bereaved people and many are turning to this option to make the final farewell to their loved ones meaningful and memorable. These companies will take the old clothing from your loved one and turn it into a beautiful piece of artwork for their burial service. Some of these companies will even offer a service where they will send you to the funeral home of your choice so that you can choose the burial gowns that are most appropriate for your loved one.

If you’re on the fence about letting go of your wedding dress, consider donating it to a charity instead. Then, you’ll be able to give it a new life and help someone else have the wedding of their dreams. Donate It to a Local Nonprofit If your dress is in good condition, you can donate it to a local nonprofit or charitable store. Often, these organizations will provide a tax deduction, and they also make sure that your gown is in pristine condition. Some of these nonprofits will even let you wash your dress before donating it. This is a great way to protect the integrity of your gown and will save you time from having to worry about it getting dirty or moldy. Donate It to a Military or First Responder Bride If your wedding dress is less than four years old, you can donate it to a nonprofit that gives them away to military and first responder brides for free. To find out if your dress is eligible, fill out an online form with your information about the dress, veil, and jewelry. If your dress meets the criteria, they’ll send you further instructions on how to ship it. Donate It to a Child Marriage-Empowering Organization Many of these charities accept donated wedding dresses, which they resell in order to support the work they do. For example, Brides Do Good is a bridal boutique that works with new and gently used designer gowns to support projects around the world that aim to end child marriage. Donate It to a Breast Cancer-Friendly Organization Several of these charitable organizations will take your dress and use it to create beautiful dresses for young women who are struggling with breast cancer. To get your gown to one of these groups, check their donation guidelines and follow them carefully to make sure it’s in good condition. Donate It to an Angel Gown Organization NICU Helping Hands is a volunteer-run, nationwide organization that sews donated wedding and bridesmaid dresses into burial gowns for parents who have lost their babies. This helps grieving families cope with their loss, and the proceeds from the sales go to the charity’s cause. Donate It to a Recycled Clothing Store Most of these stores will sell your dress and use the proceeds to recycle it into other materials. To find one near you, do a quick Google search or call a local recycling center to see what they have to offer. Donate It to a Homeless Shelter or Women’s Center A number of homeless shelters and women’s centers around the country will take your dress and use it to decorate their facilities. You’ll feel good about the donation while helping those who need it most. Donate It to a Children’s Hospice The KEMP Wyre Forest Hospice, based in Devon, England, is another charitable organization that accepts wedding dress donations. The funds raised through these donations will fund the organization’s care for patients, their families and carers.

The loss of a baby is a devastating experience for any family, but for families who have lost infants in the hospital, angel gowns offer a small piece of hope. Often stitched together from donated wedding dresses, these tiny outfits are offered to hospitals and birthing centers, as well as directly to grieving families completely free of charge. When Justine Deslauriers of Indiana lost her daughter at 20 weeks pregnant, she knew that she wanted something to help her through the difficult times. She contacted a local volunteer project and learned about their efforts to create gowns for babies who have died in the hospital. She decided to donate her own wedding dress. Now, she says, her gown is part of a team of seamstresses that make these gowns for newborns who pass away from premature birth or other causes. Across the United States, these dresses are being made by selfless brides who are giving their wedding dresses a second life in the form of angel gowns. Mrs Grubbs, who collects the dresses from a wide range of sources, including thrift stores and online, works with volunteer seamstresses to turn them into tiny burial outfits that resemble christening gowns for children. They are meant to serve as a final memorial before a baby is buried. They also can be used as a ‘final photo’, for example, when a family wants to remember their child in a special way. A volunteer group in Indianapolis, Indiana, called NICU Helping Hands, is working to make angel gowns available to families who have lost their children in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. They enlist a network of local sewing volunteers to help make these funeral gowns and keep them in stock at the hospital. These gowns are made by a volunteer workforce of seamstresses and assemble with love to give comfort to a grieving family who is facing the unimaginable loss of a child. Many of these gowns are designed with phrases such as “heaven’s angel” and other sentiments. They are then prayed over to provide a little bit of peace for the family during this very stressful time. This volunteer program in Indianapolis is one of many around the country that turn donated wedding dresses into these delicate angel gowns for prematurely born babies. Each gown is embroidered with a prayer and is donated to hospitals or directly to families in need of these special garments. There are several ways to donate your wedding dress, from donating it directly to the organization, to making a financial donation that goes toward the costs of creating the gowns. These generous donations will include the golden keepsake angel, a beautiful gift box, and the direct delivery into the hands and heart of the grieving family. You can even donate your wedding dress through our international program, where it will be distributed to a developing nation (currently Guatemala) and a seamstress will be chosen who will work on the dresses for her own family. The process of transforming the dresses from a bride’s dream into a family’s reality is truly incredible and inspiring.

If a child loses a loved one, it is normal for him or her to grieve. It is important that adults support them through their loss and help them find a way to move forward. The first step in supporting a child during this difficult time is to provide them with information, options and support so that they can make the best choice possible. This is especially true when it comes to funeral costs. Keeping Costs Low Funeral expenses can be extremely expensive, especially for infants and stillborn babies. Many parents are faced with the challenge of how to cover these costs while still providing a respectful and loving sendoff for their child. Fortunately, there are many organizations that can help families pay for their child’s funeral. These are generally nonprofits, and their primary source of funding is donations from the community. They can also offer free or low-cost burial caskets, urns and other services. It is not uncommon for a family to receive a cash benefit within 24 hours of filing a claim, and they can often help families price shop for the service that is most affordable for them. Preparing Children for a Funeral The best way to prepare a child for the death of someone they love is by talking openly about it. Explaining the cause of death in terms that a child can understand is essential for them to accept it and begin to process their feelings. As they get older, they will need to be encouraged to express their grief in appropriate ways. This includes speaking in front of a group, reading from a book and writing a poem or letter to their loved one. This allows them to say their goodbyes in a meaningful way and helps them understand that they are not alone. It can also help them to talk about their feelings with others who are going through the same grieving experience. It is important to keep in mind that every child handles grief differently, and they may need support from their friends or teachers in order to work through their loss. When a child feels like she is not being listened to, it can increase her feelings of sadness and depression. A child-led and planned memorial service can be a great opportunity for a child to share their feelings with their peers and friends. The funeral or memorial service can be the perfect place to address what they are feeling, and it gives them a platform for expressing their emotions in a safe, supportive environment. While a child-led and planned memorial service isn’t always the right choice for each child, it can be a powerful tool to help them express their feelings and learn to cope with their loss. It is also a great way to let their friends know how much the lost person meant to them. When a child is allowed to lead the planning and preparation of the funeral or memorial service, they have more control over the final product and can take pride in it. This can be a healing process for them, as well as for their parents and other adults who may be attending the service.

When you’re expecting a baby, it can be a little overwhelming to think about all of the clothes you’ll need. From sleepers and rompers to pants and bodysuits, there are so many options. With a little bit of planning and research, however, you can find the perfect baby clothing to suit your child’s style and needs. Gender Neutral Colors: Pink, blue and neutral colors are all great choices when putting together a newborn baby wardrobe. This keeps your baby looking stylish while also keeping their skin safe and healthy for as long as possible. Comfortable and Easy to Put On: Newborns change through clothes several times a day, so it’s important that all of their clothing is soft and comfortable. Choose clothes that are made of cotton, breathable fabrics that won’t irritate your baby’s delicate skin, and choose ones that don’t require extra TLC in the laundering process. Envelope-style Necks: Look for baby bodysuits with envelope-style necks, which make it easier to get them on and off. They’re also good for diaper changes, since they can be pulled down over your baby’s legs instead of up over their head to prevent a messy diaper leak. Size Up: It’s best to purchase your baby’s first few outfits in a larger size than the age recommendation, because they can grow quickly. If you need to, you can roll up the sleeves or pants of too-large items and resize them later as needed. Stocking Up on Baby Socks: Having socks on hand will help keep your little one’s feet warm no matter what time of year it is. They can also help create a cute outfit if you pair them with just about anything, from a ruffle-neck baby bodysuit to a dressy hooded sweatshirt. Wintertime: It’s always nice to have a variety of warm clothes on hand for your baby, but during the colder months it’s especially important. Consider a coat or jacket, a zip-up snowsuit, and a few layers of cozy socks to keep your little one warm. Fire-Retardant Fabrics: You may not want to go with fire-resistant fabrics if you live in a temperate climate, but it’s good to have them on hand for the rare occasion that your baby might need to spend a night outdoors. Check labels to make sure the sleepwear you choose is flame-resistant and follow the laundry instructions for keeping it that way. Embroidered Dresses: If you’re expecting a girl, opt for embroidered dresses that don’t chafe her tiny arms. They’re also a fun way to add a touch of interest to your baby’s wardrobe, like this cute dress from Pehr. Pants: For a more casual look, pair a baby bodysuit with cotton pants from places like Old Navy or Izzie and Owie. These are a nice option because they’re stretchy and will fit your little one until she is about two years old. You’ll also want to be careful not to purchase too many pants and too few tops, because your baby can easily outgrow the bottom half of an outfit before the top is worn out. So, be sure to buy enough of each type to last your baby for a while.

If you’re planning to bury your loved one, it is important that they are dressed in clothing that will suit their style and preference. This will help them to be remembered fondly by others and also give the mourners a chance to pay their respects in a way that reflects their personality. The best burial clothes are made of soft and satin-like fabrics so that they are easy to dress in, and they are also comfortable. They can be tailored to men and women and they come in a range of colours and designs, including religious motifs such as the Sacred Heart for Catholic funerals. Australian designer Pia Interlandi’s burial gowns are also made from water-soluble fibers that decompose in harmony with the body they are worn on. She combines fashion design, fibre science, forensics, and practicality to create clothing that does not cause harm to the soil and the organisms that live around the body. She has a line of burial clothing called Garments for the Grave, and she also hosts workshops where you can make your own burial shrouds. A burial outfit can be created with materials you might already have, like wedding dresses, prom dresses, bridesmaid gowns, or even your own clothes. Angels Above Baby Gowns accepts donations of these types of items and turns them into burial dresses for the families who have lost babies. The group also uses beads that are taken off these gowns to make necklaces and bracelets for the mothers who are grieving. Funeral directors can also make burial outfits that are simple to use, and fit the deceased’s body in the most effective manner. Burial robes are designed to look smart and attractive, and they can be matched with a hood if desired. These robes can be made of natural fibres, such as cotton, wool or linen, and are available in a variety of colours. They also have a drawstring that you can fasten to secure the robes around the body. For bariatric burials, funeral directors can use burial robes that are specifically designed for this type of body shape. They are made of soft or satin-like materials and can be matched to the colour of the casket. Many people choose to have a green or natural burial at a graveyard or cemetery, and it is important that the burial gown you purchase is biodegradable. There are guidelines in place for biodegradable funeral apparel, and these include using only untreated and natural fibres. There are many different kinds of burial gowns and you should consider their age, size, and health status when choosing a burial gown for someone. This will ensure that they are wearing a burial gown that fits properly and isn’t causing any problems for the person during preparations. A lot of people opt for a traditional funeral attire, but there are some trends that have diverted away from this in recent years. Often, the family of the deceased will ask for a more personal funeral attire, such as casual t-shirts or sports jerseys.

Donating your wedding dress can be a fantastic way to put your wedding gown to good use while also helping others in need. It can help disaster victims, brides struggling to find the right dress for their big day and those who have lost loved ones far too soon. There are many charities that take wedding dresses and pass them on to deserving couples in need. These can range from organizations focusing on breast cancer prevention to ones that support military and first responders. Those who have a wedding dress that they’ve outgrown or simply don’t want to wear can donate their dress to an organization that will resell it for a significant amount of money. This will make it much more affordable for the deserving couple, and you can even claim a tax deduction. One great way to donate a wedding dress is through the organization Brides Do Good, which creates ethical bridal boutiques that support projects to end child marriage and empower women worldwide. This nonprofit donates 1/3 of their profits to these charity projects and helps women in need around the world. Another great organization to donate a wedding dress to is The Brides Project, which sells new and gently used bridal gowns to raise funds for its programs that benefit cancer patients. This organization is a great option for anyone looking to donate a wedding dress in the UK because of their commitment to supporting a cause. You can also donate a wedding dress to St Ann’s Hospice, which supports those with life-limiting illness in the Stockport area of Manchester. This organisation has a wonderful shop that sells new and pre-loved wedding dresses, and all of the proceeds from their sale go towards funding the activities of St Ann’s Hospice. To find out if your wedding dress is a suitable donation for this organization, contact them in advance and ask about their donation guidelines. Some of their requirements include that the dresses be in good condition and less than five years old. Adorned in Grace is a Christian-based organization that helps fight sexual trafficking by providing wedding dresses and formalwear for survivors. Sales proceeds from their stores also help them fund counseling services and awareness materials for the community. The Salvation Army has a number of locations that accept donations. Each location will have different policies, so you’ll need to check out their website or call ahead of time to see what their donation policy is. You may be able to donate your wedding dress to the charity of your choice through their online form. You’ll need to fill out the form with details about your dress, including its size and whether or not it’s been professionally cleaned, and you’ll receive a shipping address and instructions. Aside from the monetary benefits, donating your wedding dress can be an extremely meaningful experience. You can feel the love and joy as you pass it on to someone in need.

When shopping for baby clothing, you’ll want to look for quality materials that are made for little hands. These clothes should be comfortable, easy to put on and washable. They also need to be safe and protect your child from harmful substances, such as chemicals that can be in the air or on the fabric. Cotton is the best choice for baby clothes because it’s soft, absorbent and breathable. It also resists multiple washes. It’s hypoallergenic, which makes it ideal for babies’ sensitive skin. Bamboo is another great option for baby clothing because it’s a natural fiber that requires little pesticides to grow, which reduces the environmental impact of producing these clothes. It’s soft, warm, breathable and insulating too, which makes it a good choice for winter wear. Mango’s Baby Collection: This high-end retailer is known for their colorful, designer baby clothes, but they also have a solid line of baby outerwear for those colder weather months. Whether you’re looking for a down-filled snowsuit or something that’s lighter and more stylish for warmer climates, Mango has a wide selection to choose from. Kimono-style tops are another essential for newborn babies because they minimize contact with the umbilical cord stump that can cause infections. These loose T-shirts with side snaps or ties are super cute and come in short- and long-sleeve options that can be worn as tops or thin cover-ups over bodysuits. Envelope-style necks are another must-have because they make it easier to change a diaper without pulling the entire bodysuit over baby’s head. This is especially helpful after a leaky diaper. The sizing of baby clothes can vary between brands and manufacturers, so it’s important to read labels carefully. Most sizes are intended for babies from 0-3 months, but some bigger infants might be ready to move up to a size 00 sooner than expected. Buy clothes in sizes that last Many new moms are surprised at how quickly their babies outgrow their baby clothing. This is normal, so it’s best to buy clothes that will fit for at least several months and can be easily rolled up or stuffed into a drawer when they get too big. Try before you buy Buying in-person is one of the best ways to ensure you’re buying the right size for your baby. You can test things on your baby, like a romper or a bodysuit, and you can compare them to other clothes you have so that you know which brand will work for your family. You may want to check out some secondhand or consignment stores to find gently used baby clothing that you’ll love. These shops are often stocked with great-quality items that will be just as good as new, but without the cost. If you’re shopping for baby clothing for the first time, here are some tips to help you make smart decisions: Buying organic fabrics is a big step in ensuring your baby’s skin health and your eco-consciousness. Since conventional cotton is heavily sprayed with pesticides and other harmful additives, choosing clothing that is made from organic cotton is an easy way to cut down on those chemicals. In addition, organic cotton can be more durable, which means you’ll need to wash it less frequently.

Dressing someone for burial is a difficult and emotional process. But it’s one that should be made as peaceful and dignified as possible. Many funeral homes offer burial gowns to their clients as a way of providing comfort and dignity to their loved ones. They’re available in a wide variety of styles and can be easily adjusted to accommodate the deceased person’s current size. They also come in a range of colors and can be customized to match the deceased’s personality. They can be made out of different fabrics, such as cotton, linen, and silk. They can be adorned with jewelry or other mementos that represent the deceased’s interests. Choosing what to wear for a burial is a personal choice, and you’ll want to consider your loved one’s preferences as well as their religion. It’s a sad time, and the last thing they need is to be dressed in anything that would make them feel uncomfortable. You can base the clothing you choose on what your loved one wore when they were alive or on their favorite colors or styles. This can help you make the right decisions. If your loved one was a member of a sports team or wore uniforms, you may want to choose their shirt and pants for a burial service. It’s a nice gesture to honor your lost loved one in their old uniform, and it also shows the respect they deserve. In some cultures, the body of a deceased person is buried almost immediately after death. In Islamic faith, for example, the body is washed three times before it is wrapped in a white sheet and buried with a veil on their head. For Jewish people, the body is usually covered in a shroud and a tallit (prayer shawl). Men and women also have yarmulkes on their heads. These are the most common burial attire for most religious groups, but they can be more or less appropriate depending on your loved one’s religious beliefs and preference. In most cases, you’ll need to provide undergarments to be worn while the funeral outfit is being put on your loved one. Some burial gowns are also designed with false shirt fronts and other embellishments to resemble day or evening clothing. This makes it easier for the family to select an outfit that reflects your loved one’s personal style. Other companies produce more upscale burial clothes for those who want to evoke the elegance of the past. These garments can be made out of silk harvested from recycled saris or even out of recycled cotton shirts. They’re often decorated with pearls or other gems and can be purchased through various websites. Leon Harris, the CEO and designer of LH Design, is on a mission to “enhance beauty in the afterlife.” He introduced his line of funeral dresses at the National Funeral Directors Association convention and expo. The four models — La Angelica, Lacey, Lucille, and Lyntene — feature pearls, beads, and sequins in different combinations to suit the deceased’s personality.

If you’re thinking about donating your wedding dress, there are several ways you can do so. Not only is it a great way to declutter your closet and find new use for your wedding gown, but it also helps you feel good about making a difference in someone else’s life. Donate your wedding dress to a charitable organization There are many charities that accept wedding dresses, so do some research to find one near you. Once you find an organization that interests you, make sure to follow their instructions for preparing your donation. It will ensure that your dress gets to the right person and that you’re able to get a tax-deductible donation receipt. Brides Do Good* – Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this non-profit bridal boutique accepts donations of all sizes. The proceeds from their sales help support projects aimed at empowering and educating vulnerable young women. Cherie Sustainable Bridal – This Maryland-based store sells donated gowns to help a nonprofit called Success in Style, which provides professional clothing and job skills training for low-income women. The shop doesn’t require you to have your gown professionally cleaned before dropping it off or mailing it in, but they do accept bridal dresses less than five years old and a few other types of dress. Adorned in Grace – This Washington-based organization has been in business for over a decade. They work to raise awareness about human trafficking and provide resources for survivors. You can donate wedding dresses, formalwear, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, veils and belts that are no more than five years old to this cause. A Gown for a Baby Who Lost Theirs in NICU – This unique program turns donated wedding dresses into funeral gowns for infants who have lost their lives. It’s a simple way to do good and help a grieving family. Angel Gowns – This program in New York takes donations of pre-owned wedding dresses and turns them into burial gowns for babies who have lost their lives. These dresses are made by volunteer sewers. They’re then sold at a reduced price to raise money for the charity. Another great option is a local angel gown organization, such as Angel Gowns of the Capital Region in Albany, NY. The group collects wedding dresses from both individuals and commercial boutiques and then creates burial gowns. The organization is part of the Cancer Support Community, which raises about 30% of its funding through this project. It’s a small but effective way to create a revenue stream that supports its mission and allows it to serve more people. Other organizations that accept wedding dresses – and other types of clothes – include a handful of thrift stores, including Goodwill Industries. These shops have an array of programs for job seekers, veterans and more. They also accept other items that are in need of a second life, like clothes and electronics. The best thing about donating your wedding dress is that it’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and recycle an item that you no longer want or need. According to GreenDrop, the production of new clothes and textiles uses hundreds of gallons of water, and releases 10% of global carbon emissions into the air. It’s important to consider the impact your actions have on the environment when choosing a nonprofit to donate your wedding dress to.