Year: 2024

When planning a service for someone who has passed away, there are many details to take into account. It is important to think about the deceased’s final wishes and what they would have wanted for their burial attire. Many people choose to wear clothing that they often wore in their daily lives, such as a suit or dress, while others prefer something more simple and casual. The clothing that is chosen for the funeral can also help to reflect who the person was in their life. Choosing the proper clothing for a loved one’s burial can be difficult and distressing. Luckily, there are organizations that can assist with this task. For example, the Emma & Evan Foundation provides infant burial gowns to families who are unable to afford them. They do this by taking donated wedding gowns and turning them into bereavement gowns using specific patterns. These gowns are then given to families for their baby’s funeral services and to be kept as a memory for the family. Other groups are dedicated to making burial gowns for miscarriage and stillborn babies. A local group in Piedmont, NC called Angels Unaware makes these gowns for parents who have suffered the loss of their child. These beautiful gowns are a welcome alternative to the impersonal hospital blanket that many of these families have to use for their baby. The organization works with volunteers to hand sew these beautiful garments and they distribute them to hospitals and midwives across five states. A Spanish Fork woman named Michaun Torgersen has taken it upon herself to do her part in helping with this effort. She takes donated wedding dresses and sews them into beautiful burial clothing for stillborn or miscarried infants. She began this project after she experienced her own miscarriage 26 years ago and knows the pain that can accompany this type of loss. She is currently working with her Young Women and Relief Society groups to sew these garments. These beautiful burial gowns are not only a comfort for parents, but they also help to make their service more personal. It can be hard to know what a baby should be dressed in for a funeral or memorial service, but the gowns are a gentle reminder of the little soul who will never be forgotten. For a more personalized touch, many people like to add clothing or accessories that were special to their loved ones in their everyday life. It is usually fine to put these items in the casket, but it is a good idea to consult your funeral home for guidance. They will be able to let you know whether these items will look good with the body as it is lying down and they can advise you on what may work best. They can also offer suggestions on what kind of accessories might suit a loved one’s personality. If they were a big fisherman, for example, you could consider adding their favorite fishing hat to the outfit.

If you’re the bride who doesn’t plan to wear your gown again, instead of putting it in storage or throwing it away, consider giving it to someone else. After all, wedding dresses can be very expensive and not everyone has the funds to afford one. Donating your dress to a worthy cause may help someone else make their dream come true. Puccio says the library has received a number of wedding dress donations in recent months, as more brides are unable to afford their own gowns. Finding new homes for the dresses makes her feel good. “It’s kind of like a little bit of magic,” she said. There are many charities and thrift stores that accept used wedding gowns. Many of them offer donation pickup and drop off services or will mail the dress to you, if necessary. Before you donate, be sure to research the organizations to find out their guidelines for preparing and delivering your dress. Often, these will include instructions for having the dress professionally cleaned. Also, be sure to write down any important information about the dress in case you have questions for a charity volunteer when delivering it to them, such as the size, the brand or designer and the year it was purchased. This will save the volunteers’ time and ensure your dress is matched with the right bride. Some of these organizations use the proceeds from the sale of the donated dresses for breast cancer research, early detection programs and other causes. Others, like Brides Across America, pass on the gowns for free to military and first responder brides at Operation Wedding Gown events twice a year. To date, the charity has gifted more than 26,000 dresses. To learn more about the process of donating your dress, visit their online form. Other organizations, like Newborn Hope, transform the gowns into infant burial gowns, bonnets and baptismal outfits to be given to families who lose a baby during pregnancy or after birth. Donated wedding dresses are tenderly dismantled and refashioned at the Monument home of professional seamstress Irene Sutherland. The gowns are then offered to hospitals, birthing centers and funeral homes at no cost to grieving parents. Aside from donating to a meaningful cause, your gown may be eligible for an itemized tax deduction if it’s donated to a qualified charity. Depending on the amount of money that you give, this could make your donation more worthwhile than simply donating to a local thrift store. Another benefit of donating your dress is that it’s a great way to stay environmentally responsible. According to GreenDrop, the production of new clothing and textiles uses hundreds of gallons of water and contributes to harmful carbon emissions. By donating your dress, you’ll be helping to reduce these effects. In addition, you’ll free up some space in your closet and have less clutter to clean!

In the grand tapestry of life, there are moments of immense joy and heartbreaking sorrow. For many parents, the death of a child, especially a newborn, is one of those moments. In those times of grief, some families find comfort in a special gown that honors their baby’s life and gives hope to the future. Angel gowns are made from repurposed wedding dresses and are given to parents who lose a baby during the pregnancy or shortly after birth. The gowns serve as a symbol of love, compassion and healing and knit broken hearts across the world together in love, hope and healing. Bonnie Kalahar works to comfort Lansing area parents who grieve for their tiniest children, babies born too soon. For three years, the seamstress has transformed donated wedding dresses into memorial or burial gowns that she then donates to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She calls them angel gowns, and they are tiny works of art, complete with beads, pearls, lace and embroidery. Kalahar has even made vests to go with the gowns for boys and bow ties for girls to match. She never meets the families who receive her creations, but she hopes the little angel gowns offer them some measure of comfort. Edith Sheets, a retired Pickerington Schools home economics teacher, is another seamstress who uses her talents to sew angel gowns for infants who die before, during or shortly after their births. She started her project, called Angel Dresses, in 2014 and now sews outfits for more than 100 hospitals across the country, including Dignity Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center in Long Beach. She has a waiting list of more than 80 hospitals, and she is hoping that the recent addition of a nonprofit incorporation will help her expand her work and reach out to more people. Her greater needs are fabric ribbon (she uses about 4 feet for each angel gown) and thread. Across the country, more than 626,000 babies are lost through still birth and miscarriage every year. Each one is a tiny miracle that was so loved and treasured by his or her family, and it is our responsibility to give them the dignity they deserve. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about Mangiaracina and her tireless efforts to sew angel gowns. Since then, she’s received more than 1,600 donations of donated dresses and has turned them into nearly 2,000 little angel gowns. She has distributed them to hospitals in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, as well as California, Oregon, Texas and Minnesota. If you’d like to support her work, you can do so with a $100 donation to the International Program. You can then follow your dress to a developing country, meet your seamstress virtually, and see how your contribution is changing lives. Click here to learn more. Please note that donations to this program are not tax deductible.

For many families, a child funeral offers a unique opportunity to celebrate a life while providing children with a way to say goodbye. Although children can benefit from attending a ceremony, it’s important to determine whether they are ready for such an event before forcing them to go. It’s also important to give children a choice and explain what takes place at a funeral. Regardless of whether the casket or urn is open or closed, it’s important to explain what they will see and hear. This is especially true for children who have not experienced a death before. Children have big imaginations and can often imagine things that are much scarier than the reality. Offering clear and honest information, encouraging questions, and reassuring them that their sibling can no longer feel cold, pain or fear will help to ease any anxiety they may have. If you plan on having a closed casket, consider creating a special kids room for them to play and color during the service. This can be at the funeral home or a church and can include a play area, crafts, crayons and other fun activities. This will help distract them from the proceedings and they might be less likely to want to leave during a long service. Likewise, if you plan on having an urn present, try to have other items that remind them of their sibling (a photo board, a special teddy or toy, etc.). While the decision to attend a funeral or memorial service is entirely up to each individual family, it’s a good idea to ask older siblings to participate. This can be by reading a story, writing a letter or poem, or just by being there to support their younger siblings. It can be a powerful and moving experience for everyone involved, including the child. If your child decides not to attend, it’s a good idea to offer them alternatives such as a special party at your house or another location that they enjoy. If they are able to attend, make sure that someone (a designated friend or relative) can take them outside or into the hallway for a break if the proceedings become too overwhelming. If you are thinking about having a child funeral, there are a number of options available for music. Generally, the music should be age appropriate and reflect your child’s interests and personality. It can be comforting for children to hear music they know and love during a difficult time. It’s also helpful to offer children the option of wearing a favorite outfit or bringing a picture to be placed in the casket or urn. This can help them to feel included and will be a beautiful tribute to their loved one.

When shopping for newborn baby clothing, it’s important to consider the fabric. Not all materials are created equal: Some can be too itchy for infant skin and others don’t provide the necessary warmth. The best choice for baby clothes is cotton, which is breathable and soft and provides a comfortable layer that will help keep your little one cozy. The best baby brands offer a variety of fabrics, styles and sizes for all seasons. During the warmer months, opt for rompers that feature snaps or zippers to make it easy to change diapers and clothes. These outfits also come in a wide range of designs, from simple ruffles to floral prints that work for both girls and boys. For chilly weather, pick up a cute winter coat or a blanket-style sleeping bag (known as a “bundting sack”). You may also want to pick up some booties and sun hats to protect your baby from the elements. For special occasions, a cute dress is ideal. Look for a sweet little number with details like faux suspenders, bow ties and frills that mimic the look of a formal gown. Miniclasix offers options that are perfect for weddings, christenings and birthday parties, as well as everyday attire. Muslin is an excellent material for swaddles and sleepwear. It’s lightweight, soft and breathable, making it a good choice for summer outfits. However, it doesn’t provide as much insulation as other materials, so you may need to add more layers during the colder months. If you’re shopping for a luxury christening or newborn gift, Elegant Baby offers an array of tasteful outfits made with high-quality fabrics. The collection includes a selection of knit sweaters and cardigans, as well as dresses and pants. Some items are even designed with matching siblings’ outfits. A new baby needs a lot of clothes, but you don’t have to go overboard. A few key pieces should be enough for the first few months. Look for bodysuits that offer the one-and-done convenience of a matching outfit and have lap shoulders to prevent pulling up on the head. Newborn footie pajamas are another must-have that provide the comfort of a bodysuit with built-in feet. Some baby clothing is more gender-specific than others, but the majority of infants are not yet able to distinguish their own sexes. For that reason, it’s perfectly fine to buy gender neutral clothing. Whether you choose stretchy lace headbands adorned with flowers for girls or rugged denim headbands for boys, gender-neutral outfits are easy to find in stores and online.

Burial gowns are garments designed to be worn for the final dress of an individual. The choice of burial clothing is often a personal and sensitive one, and can be influenced by a number of factors including the individual’s cultural background, religious beliefs, and style preferences. In many cultures, the wearing of traditional cultural attire is a meaningful way to pay tribute to an individual’s heritage and honor their legacy. While there is no formal rule on what to wear at a funeral, it is common to choose clothes that are familiar to the deceased. Whether the attire is a well-fitting suit or a comfortable blouse and skirt or dress pants, choosing items that reflect the deceased’s personality and beliefs can help to comfort family and friends in the days following their loss. Most often, a simple and respectful white ensemble is chosen. The color white symbolizes purity and peace, and can help to comfort loved ones in their grief. For a more casual approach, soft pastel shades can also convey serenity and tranquility. In general, it is important to avoid too much patterned or brightly colored clothing, as this may be too overwhelming for loved ones. If the individual was young or had a premature death, special-designed burial gowns are available. These delicate gowns, reminiscent of smart night gowns or pyjamas, can be tailored for men and women, and are usually available in unisex options. They can be adorned with religious motifs for Catholic funerals, as well as other designs. The clothing choices made by the deceased’s parents can be especially difficult, as they will have no other opportunity to provide their baby with a proper garment for their final moments. For this reason, many families choose to make their own infant burial gowns for their little angels. This task can be incredibly daunting, but many resources are available to guide them through the process. Beverly Duckett of Whittle Springs, Tennessee, is one such resource. From her second-floor sewing room, Duckett creates exquisite gowns for tiny babies who never come home from the hospital. She also makes gowns for children who have died in the womb, and for infants who were never born. Choosing burial clothing can be a delicate and intimate experience. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to assist with this sensitive task. While the decision-making process can be challenging, it is also an opportunity to honor your loved one’s memory and celebrate their life. The seven prudent tips below can help you navigate the delicate process of selecting attire for your departed loved ones.

When the wedding is over, the guests have left, and you’ve returned from your honeymoon, the last thing you want to do is hang your perfect dress in your closet collecting dust. Luckily, there are many fun and meaningful ways to give your gown a second life. You can donate it to be made into stillborn babies’ burial gowns, pass it down to a family member, or have it remade into another heirloom. One great option is to donate your dress to a charity that helps brides who cannot afford to buy their dream dresses. Most local charities have wedding dress donation programs, and some even offer a professional cleaning for the gowns to help ensure they’re in good condition. In New York, there are several charities that will take your gown, including Angel Gowns of the Capital Region, which is an hour’s drive from Albany. The organization is a volunteer group of sewers who make burial gowns for families who have lost their children to be worn at their funerals. Donated wedding dresses are also used to make burial accessories, such as bonnets and blankets. Another option is to donate your dress to a thrift store that specializes in bridal or prom attire. The proceeds from the store go to a local cause, and some are even sold at a lower price than you might find in an actual bridal shop. Many stores also resell donated items like flower girl and ring pillow bags to make room in the boutique for more modern designs. Depending on the charity, you may need to contact them in advance and ask if your dress meets their criteria. Some may have specific rules about size or fabric type, and some will require that your dress be professionally cleaned before donating. If you do need to clean your dress before donating, it’s recommended that you use a reputable company like The Empty Box Company or have it professionally dry cleaned. While some people choose to save their gowns as keepsakes, others participate in the popular “destroy the dress” tradition by getting their photos taken swimming and playing in the mud in their wedding gowns. The truth is, most brides will never wear their dresses again and they’re just taking up space in their closets. It’s much better to give them away so that they can bring happiness and joy to someone else. Not only does donating your dress provide a new home for your gown, but it’s also good for the environment. Clothing that’s thrown away ends up in landfills, where it releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the air. Keeping your old dress out of the trash helps reduce that impact, and it gives you more room in your closet for other items that you may need or want. While donating your gown can be a rewarding experience, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t donate anything to any charity during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CDC, some fabrics and items can develop mold if they’re not properly stored. This includes any items that were worn on your wedding day, such as the dress, veil, or shoes.

In the grand tapestry of life, there are moments of immense joy and heartbreaking sorrow. For families coping with the unimaginable loss of an infant, special garments known as angel gowns can offer a small bit of comfort during their time of grief. A nonprofit organization named Hillary’s Cherished Gowns has been sewing these special gowns for families in the Akron area since 2018. The group is made up of local seamstresses who donate their time to this mission, and one such volunteer, Allison Harris, an audiologist at Riley Children’s Hospital, feels a personal connection to the group’s mission. Her own daughter, Leah, passed away at 9 months of age. Last year, she began volunteering at Riley and saw the impact the gowns have on families going through a difficult situation they never asked for or expected. “It’s very emotional to help them dress their baby and make memories that are going to last a lifetime,” she says. “When they come to the hospital and see their baby dressed in a beautiful gown, it’s something they can keep for their whole lives.” Little Angel Gowns, started in Indiana, partners with hospitals to provide these angel gowns to grieving families, who are often left with nothing but empty arms after losing their infant. It is a project that resonated with Dawn Crippen and Krystle Black, who started the Southwest Michigan chapter of Little Angel Gowns in Kalamazoo. The mothers say they’ve seen a positive impact from their work, and that it has helped them find purpose in the tragedy of losing their sons and daughters. The women use donated wedding dresses to sew the special gowns. They’re also involved with educating the public and bringing awareness to the silence that surrounds infertility, miscarriage, early neonatal and still birth loss. They speak wherever they can to bring comfort and hope to these families. Despite their many accomplishments, the women say they’re always looking for ways to improve their operation. One thing they’re hoping to do in the future is to get more women involved in their mission. “It’s so important to have more people involved in the cause,” says Mangiaracina. “We can grow more quickly with the help of more volunteers.” In the meantime, the ladies continue to make their gowns out of donated wedding dresses and other formal wear. They’ve already received more than a dozen donations, and the women are busy working on them to be ready for delivery. In the past, the women have also been able to make gowns for other hospitals in their area through a partnership with the Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. They’re currently working on a partnership with Dignity Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center Long Beach, California. The NICU at that hospital extends their deepest gratitude to the women of Little Angel Gowns, who have touched the hearts and lives of many of its tiniest patients. “As a family-centered facility, we understand that the loss of an infant is an extremely challenging experience,” the hospital’s website states.

Involving children in a funeral can help to bring a sense of finality and help to ease the grief process. However, it is important to consider how they may feel and to ensure that the timing is right for them. It is not helpful to force them to go or to assume that they wouldn’t want to attend – it is much more beneficial to give them the option and to prepare them ahead of time. It is a good idea to talk through what will happen at a child funeral with your children, especially younger children. This helps them to understand the situation and can also answer any questions they may have. It is important to remind them that people will be grieving, and they should not shout or laugh as this can be upsetting for those around them. It is also a good idea to explain proper funeral etiquette, as it can be confusing for young children. If you plan to bury your child or have them cremated it is a good idea to visit the crematorium or cemetery with your children beforehand so they know what to expect. Depending on your children’s age, you can show them the body or urn and talk about how the service will take place, where they will sit and who they might see there. For older children you can involve them in the planning and arranging of the ceremony by asking for their ideas, preferences and wishes – this could be as simple as helping choose music or flowers for the service. Children will appreciate being involved in the ceremony and this can also be a good way to help them come to terms with the death of their sibling. If your children are attending a funeral and you will not be there with them it is often helpful to have someone who knows them well, such as a family friend, sit with them if they start to get restless or overwhelmed. It is also a good idea to have something they can play with or distract themselves with such as a favourite toy, book or quiet game. Whether your child is being buried or cremated it is often appropriate to have them in the ceremony with you, and this can be comforting for both you and the children. It can be helpful to have a cold mattress or cot (called a cuddle cot) for the child to lay on in case they start to feel uncomfortable. If you are having a burial or funeral for an infant or small child there is often a discount price available for their services from a funeral director and many crematoria, cemeteries and churches will not charge at all for burials of babies and children. If you are having a cremation you can buy an urn designed specifically for children which may be more suitable for their smaller frame. Many of these urns also have themes that are familiar to children such as angels, hearts or animals.

When it comes to baby clothing, parents are always looking for the best. Whether it’s organic cotton clothes for newborns, cute accessories for girls and boys or special occasion outfits, there are plenty of brands that offer luxe items to meet every need. These brands use environmentally-friendly fabrics, provide photogenic outfits, and feature a wide variety of colors, prints, and designs. They’re also designed with the smallest skin in mind, so they’re gentle on the most sensitive of babies. The basic items you’ll need for your newborn’s wardrobe include bodysuits, onesies, dresses, shirts and pants, sleepers, rompers, footie pajamas, blankets, hats and socks. You’ll also want to keep a few sets of diapering essentials, like changing pad covers and crib sheets, on hand. This allows you to wash and swap out clothing frequently, ensuring that your little one is always wearing clean clothes. Babies grow fast, so it’s important to have a wide selection of mix-and-match clothing options. It’s also a good idea to have a few basics on hand to accommodate warmer and colder weather, as well as seasonal changes. For a daytime outfit, consider a dress or skirt that provides twirl-worthy elegance and comfort. These items work well for a casual playdate or family outing, and there are options featuring playful ruffles, adorable prints, and breathable fabrics that will help the littlest members of your family stay cool. To create a comfortable, womb-like feeling for your baby, try swaddle blankets. These are lightweight, but they’ll feel warm enough to help the baby stay comfortable throughout the night. And, they’re easy to wash and dry, making them the perfect addition to your baby’s wardrobe. A pair of bibs is a must for keeping the first few weeks and months organized, especially during those frequent diaper changes. Look for bibs with a snap-crotch, which will make it easier to get the outfit on and off, and soft fabrics that are gentle on your baby’s skin. You’ll need a few pairs of shoes for your baby, including some trainers that can be worn with a romper or onesie. If your baby is a girl, you’ll want to pick up some ballet shoes or sandals, while boys will need sneakers. If you’re buying for a gender-neutral baby, try some pieces from Mori. This eco-friendly brand uses a blend of bamboo, modal sourced from Beech trees and organic cotton for their garments, which is super soft and sustainable. They use a low-impact dyeing process and ensure the safety of their workers. And, if you’re shopping for a baby boy or girl, check out the colorful, patterned options from Colored Organics. This brand also partners with charitable organizations, which means that your purchase helps kids in need. You’ll also want to have a few hats on hand, which can be easily rotated out to avoid overheating. And, don’t forget to stock up on some socks, which will keep baby’s feet cozy and free of blisters during those first few months.