Year: 2024

If you decide to donate your wedding dress, you’re not only helping a charity or giving a bride-to-be a chance at their dream gown — you’re also doing good for the environment. Clothing that is thrown away contributes to landfills, which releases toxic chemicals into the air and water, which, in turn, affect our health. According to GreenDrop, the production of new clothes and textiles accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions. In addition, discarded dresses take up space that could be used for something more valuable – like another gown for a second wedding, or a quilt for a new home. If you’re thinking about donating yours, here are some of the best places and organizations that accept wedding gown donations. Many bridal shops that offer preowned gowns for sale accept dress donations as well. However, before you drop off your wedding dress for donation it’s a good idea to have it professionally cleaned first. Not only will this make the dress look more attractive to potential buyers, but it will also help protect your gown from stains and other damages that might happen while in storage. Depending on the location, some bridal stores and charities require the gowns be no more than five years old and be in perfect condition. Before bringing your wedding gown to a store, check the website or contact the store’s client service to receive specific details on their dress donation guidelines. Some charities and thrift stores specialize in accepting wedding dress donations. For example, a shop that’s part of St Ann’s Hospice in Greater Manchester hosts speciality shops that sell both new and preloved gowns and attire. Proceeds from the sales support the hospice’s activities, making this a meaningful place to donate your wedding dress in the UK. Other charities that accept wedding gowns include Adorned in Grace and Operation Deploy Your Dress. Both of these groups work to raise money and awareness for sex trafficking victims and their families. They accept gowns for their online boutique and use the proceeds from sales to provide professional counseling and education to sex trafficking survivors and promote anti-trafficking efforts in local communities. The Angel Gown Program by NICU Helping Hands takes donated wedding dresses and turns them into memorial gowns for babies who died during or shortly after birth. These are then provided for free to grieving parents. The program is located across the country and works with talented seamstresses and tailors who volunteer their time to repurpose the dresses into infant burial gowns, bonnets, and other keepsake items for grieving families. A wedding dress is often the most expensive item in a bride’s wardrobe. For this reason, some people choose to keep theirs and pass it on to their daughters or granddaughters. This is a beautiful and thoughtful option, but it’s important to remember that it is ultimately your choice to donate or keep your gown. If you’re keeping it, just be sure to properly store it so that it stays pristine and safe in storage for generations.

The loss of a baby is the most devastating thing a parent can experience. For families whose infants have died before, during or shortly after birth, special garments called angel gowns can provide a moment of comfort and peace. The tiny dresses are crafted from donated wedding gowns and are gifted to grieving parents to use for their child’s final photographs, memorial services or burial. The gowns are handmade by volunteer seamstresses who transform bridal wear into one-of-a-kind gowns for infants lost far too soon. Hundreds of these gowns, which can also be used as cocoons and buntings, have been sewed by volunteers for babies who were miscarried, stillborn or died shortly after birth. The volunteers, who are all women, say that snipping and sewing their wedding dress for an angel baby is healing for them, too. After losing her son Noah in 2014, Haley Clark purchased a wedding dress that she never wore and was planning to donate it. However, she found out that another local woman — Colleen Angel, known as Grandma Angel — also makes little angel gowns out of wedding dresses for premature babies. Angel agreed to take Clark’s dress and sewed it into at least 16 tiny angel gowns, all with blue butterflies embroidered on them for girls or boys and matching fabric hearts or bow ties. “They were perfect,” Clark said of the gowns. “They were so soft and just beautiful. I knew that’s what Noah would have wanted.” Clark’s gowns were delivered to Baptist, UAMS and Ouachita Memorial hospitals in Camden. The angel gowns are made by volunteer seamstresses all over the world. In the United States, there are more than 60 volunteer groups. Some are national, others are small, neighborhood-based groups. Several of them are run by mothers who have suffered the same loss and want to help other families. One of the national groups is the Angel Gowns of America, which has an international program, as well. In the international program, donors can follow the beautiful journey of their donated dress to a developing country (Guatemala is currently the destination) and even virtually meet with the seamstress who has created the angel gown for them. The international program also allows donors to keep some of the dresses to donate locally, as well. The American group has two local chapters in Michigan — the NICU Helping Hands and the Angel Gowns of South Bay. The NICU Helping Hands group at Sparrow has been making angel gowns for years, and members recently honored Kalahar by giving her $500 for the work she does on behalf of local families. For Mayo Clinic nurses who have had to care for children and their families dealing with the loss of a newborn, the gowns are a source of comfort and hope. “When you lose a baby, it’s heart-wrenching, and you feel this internal poverty,” says nurse Lynn Gaber, who works in the cardiovascular surgery ICU at Mayo Clinic. “When we can give these gowns to parents, it helps them to feel like there is some sort of purpose.”

When a baby or child passes away, the decision to hold a funeral service or memorial is one that needs careful consideration. It is a very emotional and sensitive process that can be especially difficult for young children. This article discusses how to plan a child funeral to make the experience as comfortable and meaningful for the family as possible. During the planning process, it is important to ask your child what they want. This will help them understand that they are able to choose their level of participation. It will also allow you to set realistic expectations about their ability to handle the event. If they do choose to attend, it is recommended that you appoint someone they trust as their “funeral buddy.” This is a trusted friend or family member who will be there for them throughout the services and activities and will help explain what they are experiencing. This person will be able to take them outside or into the hallway for a quick break if they are struggling. It is also a good idea to give them a small token to carry during the services like a butterfly, bracelet or stuffed animal. This will allow them to connect with their sibling during the services and later serve as a reminder. Consider a small ceremony that is held at home or in a location that feels special to the family. This can be a time for family and friends to come together to share photos, memories, anecdotes and reminisce. It can also be a chance for people to pay their respects to the baby or child. It may be helpful to include readings during the service from a favorite book, the lyrics to a lullaby or hymn, a poem and letters written by parents or other loved ones. It can also be a great idea to include a slideshow with special photos of the baby or child, a poster, prayer cards and more. Disciple Press can provide you with these and many other customized printing options to help make your service a special one for all who come. Children are often afraid that they too will die or that they will somehow cause the death of another person. It is a normal and natural fear for them to have. During the planning process, it is important for parents to reassure them that they will not be left alone and that they are loved. This will help ease their fears and give them the peace of mind they need to continue to grieve in their own way. Then, it is just a matter of finding strength to put the plans into action.

Newborns need simple, functional clothing. They’re often fussy when they’re getting dressed and undressed, so outfits that go on easily are a must. They also need to be comfortable, so breathable materials like cotton are essential. Some babies may need additional layers for cold weather, so you’ll want to stock up on sweaters and cardigans in sizes appropriate to your baby. You’ll also need plenty of onesies and t-shirts. These snap-crotch bodysuits are perfect base layers that you can pair with long-sleeve kimonos or wrap-style shirts. They’ll make changing a diaper easier, too, as you won’t have to unbutton or undress the entire outfit at once. A hat or bonnet should be included in your newborn’s wardrobe to keep his head warm. It’s a great idea to look for one that covers his ears, too, as he might be sensitive to cold winds. A bib is also important, as it’ll catch spit-ups and spills. To keep your baby’s legs warm, choose leggings and a few pairs of short- or long-sleeved rompers. They fit over a onesie and have snaps at the bottom, which make it easy to pull up or down as needed. You can also find footie pajamas, which are comfy for sleep or for wearing outside on a cooler day. Consider adding a few pairs of socks to your baby’s closet, especially if you live in a colder climate. They’ll add a cute touch to his wardrobe and will help keep his feet toasty. A few dresses or shirts with matching pants will round out his outfits. Dresses are a cute choice for newborn photos and special occasions, like meeting family members for the first time. You’ll also want to pick up a few pairs of shoes to help your baby get around. It’s worth investing in some high-quality, organic natural baby clothes. This type of fabric is softer and more breathable than conventional cotton. Plus, it’s grown without any chemicals, which can lead to skin irritation in infants. Another option to consider is a clothing rental service, such as Rent-a-Romper, which allows you to rent baby clothing and return it when your little one outgrows it. The cost of this service can be less than buying or renting brand-new clothing, so it can save you a lot of money in the long run. It’s a good idea to try out multiple brands of baby clothing when shopping, as sizing varies from brand to brand. You’ll know it’s time to size up when your baby’s clothes are tight or his feet or toes are straining the fabric. You can consult a sizing chart for specific clothing brands to determine the best size for your child.

The clothes we wear at the end of our lives say a lot about who we are. For many people, the choice of what to wear for their funeral can be an incredibly difficult one. Incorporating clothing that the deceased person would have worn in life is often a great way to honor them. This can be done by using their own dress or a dress that has significant meaning to them. In addition, incorporating traditional cultural attire or symbols can also be a very touching and meaningful option. When loved ones are faced with the task of choosing burial apparel, it’s important to take extra care to ensure that the garments they choose are clean and free of damage or stains. Similarly, taking care to add accessories thoughtfully can make a big difference. Jewelry and favorite keepsakes can add a special touch, and coordinating outfits for men and women can provide a uniform look that is respectful of the deceased person’s wishes. While the death of a family member can be an extremely difficult time, it’s important to remember that the body is sacred and should be treated with the highest level of respect. Whether the person was buried in their own clothes or an outfit provided by their funeral home, a well-chosen outfit can help to convey the love and respect that the family feels for the deceased. Burial gowns are a special type of garment that is designed to be used for a funeral or memorial service. These garments are usually made of fabric like cotton or linen, and they are designed to be comfortable and easy to put on over the dead body. They can be used for both women and men, and they are available in a variety of colors and styles. In some cultures, it is customary to use the person’s own clothing for their final resting place. However, in other cases, the deceased’s own clothing may not be appropriate for the funeral due to the effects of rigor mortis. When this is the case, burial robes or shrouds are commonly used. Some burial gowns are designed with false shirt fronts and other embellishments to resemble day wear or evening clothes, while others are crafted from natural fibers that are suitable for green funerals and woodland burial grounds. Many are also adorned with flowers, which can provide a lovely finishing touch. Those who find themselves facing the difficult task of choosing burial apparel for a loved one can seek the guidance and support of friends and family members. In addition, they can look for clues in the person’s final wishes, which may be contained in a will or other document. Lastly, they can always contact a caring funeral professional who can offer assistance and guidance in this difficult time. The experienced staff at Vaughn Greene Funeral Services are always available to assist with any questions or concerns you may have about a loved one’s funeral and burial arrangements.

Whether you’re still in love with your wedding dress, or you’ve decided that it’s time to pass it on, you might be wondering how to give it another life. There are many options, including donating it to charity, re-purposing it as a baby gown or other heirloom, or having it professionally cleaned and preserved for sentimental reasons. Taking care of your wedding gown after the big day is also environmentally friendly, since clothing and textiles that are discarded often end up in landfills where they release carbon dioxide and other toxins into the air. There are numerous charities that accept wedding dresses, but it’s important to contact them in advance and ask what their specific requirements are. For example, a charity like Brides Against Breast Cancer sells donated gowns to raise money for early detection and awareness programs. Their online donation page lists the minimum age, condition, and size requirements for the gowns they accept. They also explain that you may need to have your dress professionally cleaned before bringing it to them. Other thrift stores, like Goodwill, accept general donations of clothing and accessories, but it’s best to call or visit the store in person to get details on their dress guidelines. One local option is the Angel Gown organization, based an hour north of Albany. The volunteer seamstresses at this organization turn donated bridal gowns into burial gowns for babies who die in infancy, a heartbreaking but important service. They’re also known as memorial or angel gowns, and they’re a fitting way to honor a baby lost too soon. While reselling or repurposing is a great idea for keeping wedding gowns out of landfills, donating them is even better. It saves the charity a lot of work, money and space, since they don’t have to purchase and clean the dress themselves. It’s also a very kind act that can be very meaningful for the recipient. If your dress doesn’t meet the specific criteria for most charities, consider repurposing it as a baby gown, cocktail dress, or other heirloom. Some of these repurposed gowns are worn as photo props for newborns, while others are used to make home decor items or clothing for children. You can also have your dress made into a christening gown for a family member or transform it into a fun bag, shawl, or other accessory. Another popular option is to donate your wedding dress to a general charity, such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army. This is a more traditional approach, since you’ll be giving your dress to a non-bride-specific charity and can receive a tax receipt. The Salvation Army specifically calls for alterations to be done before donating, and they also require your dress be professionally cleaned. Regardless of where you choose to donate your wedding gown, it’s important to pack it carefully so it arrives in perfect condition. This is especially true of white dresses, which are easily ruined by water, dirt and other substances. Be sure to pack it in a box or suitcase that you won’t be using anymore, and label the box with helpful information about the dress. This will help save the charity volunteers time, and it will also make it easier for them to identify your dress in a pile of other donations.

The first floor of this Arkansas woman’s home is a workshop for tiny angel gowns. She is sewing the gowns to give families a moment to cherish their babies who never get to go home from the hospital. Terry Bauer, a retired Pickerington Schools teacher who taught home economics classes for 30 years, stumbled upon an idea to use her sewing skills for good one night as she scrolled through Facebook. She saw a woman who was using donated wedding dresses to craft bereavement outfits for infants who die. The Reynoldsburg resident knew she could help, too, and she has likely sewn more than 1,000 angel gowns since 2014 for a variety of local hospitals and charities across the nation. Almost every day in the United States, an infant loses their life through stillbirth or miscarriage. The loss of an infant is the most traumatic, unimaginable thing that can happen to a family, and there isn’t much comfort for grieving parents. One of the most heartbreaking moments is when a parent has to sort through the lost and found tub at the hospital to find clothes for their little one. This is what inspired a grandmother in Hot Springs Village to turn her retirement into a project that helps others. Colleen Angel, who goes by the nickname Grandma Angel, turned her first floor into a sewing room where she creates gowns for tiny premature babies. She’s now a nationwide volunteer, sewing them in her spare time and donating them to hospitals all over the country. The gowns are made from dresses that once symbolized hope and happiness in new marriages. They are then repurposed and given to families who have experienced the loss of an infant during pregnancy or at birth. Angel Gowns of WNY is a nonprofit group that takes donated wedding gowns and turns them into final photo and burial gowns for babies who don’t make it to their full term due to complications from preemie birth, or they are stillborn. The group will provide a gown to any hospital, infant loss organization, or funeral home who requests it. Bauer’s husband, a retired labor and delivery nurse, supports her work, and she has a small team of seamstresses who help out when they can. In addition to making gowns, she’s also designed patterns for sleep sacks and overalls that some families might prefer as burial clothing for their baby. The gowns are a beautiful way to honor the short lives of a precious baby. But they’re also a symbol of love, hope and healing for mothers who have suffered the same unimaginable tragedy that thousands of other women do each year. They knit broken hearts from around the world together in a shared experience of loss and grief. The NICU Helping Hands program at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital is proud to support this wonderful cause. The cost of the garments is covered through donations from families, friends and supporters.

Children don’t always understand what happens at a funeral or memorial service. They may be afraid to go because they do not feel comfortable with the whole process. It is important for parents to give their children the choice to attend or not. They should explain what will happen and let the child decide if they want to go. It is helpful to visit the funeral home and other locations prior to the day of the ceremony to familiarize children with what will happen. This can help them feel less afraid, and it will allow you to explain more details about the service. You can also ask the funeral director to take them into an empty room and show them what a casket may look like, and it is not uncommon for them to have a picture of a deceased person in their office that they would be happy to share with children. The funeral or memorial service is a time for people to gather and remember the person who died, share stories, and support one another. You can make this a more inviting place for children by providing activities to keep them engaged. This can include coloring and making cards, or a dedicated space for them to play games or do their favorite activity. You can also pass around a microphone and invite friends and family to share reflections or memories. Some families have a picture frame for people to sign and write messages to the person who has passed, which can be displayed at the service or afterward. If you choose to have the person buried at the funeral home, crematorium or cemetery, consider having the burial at the end of the service. This allows for a final farewell and gives the child a sense of closure. You can also have the ashes scattered at a later date or keep them at home. After the funeral, you should spend some time talking to your child about their experience. This will help them process their feelings and understand that you are there to support them, no matter what decision they make. It is also a good idea to have someone else, such as a friend or relative, sit with them at the service, so that they have an adult to talk to if things get too emotional for them. The most important thing to remember is that your child is a child first. They will express their grief in small doses, and outward signs may come and go. You should provide them with a safe escape, such as a hallway or outside, so they can leave the service when they need to. You should also appoint someone, such as a trusted aunt or uncle who can leave the services with them, to be their “funeral buddy.” This will relieve you of the pressure of having to watch them and will allow you to be fully present for the ceremony.

If you’re expecting a new baby, you’ll need clothes, and lots of them. The good news is that babies grow faster than weeds, so their clothes will be outgrown before you know it, and you can often find gently used options at thrift stores and online. However, you’ll also want to make sure your child is comfortable in their clothes. Choosing natural fabrics like cotton will help keep your baby happy and healthy. You’ll also want to consider how easy it will be to dress them and undress them, which means opting for clothing with double zippers that can be opened and closed even when your baby is wriggling around. Finally, you’ll want to choose clothing with safety tabs and other features that will prevent them from scratching themselves or getting their hands caught in any closures. Fortunately, there are plenty of options when it comes to finding clothing that’s organic, ethically made, and cute as can be. Whether you’re shopping for girls and boys, or you’re looking for rompers or onesie sets, you can find a variety of options at retailers like H&M and Target’s Cat & Jack line. If you’re on a tight budget, be sure to check out Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales for the best deals on clothes. You’ll also want to keep in mind that newborns lose a lot of heat through their heads, so you’ll need warm outfits that will cover them from head to toe. Soft skull caps (or actual hats, if you prefer) and thin mittens will help your baby stay cozy. Also consider a cozy baby bunting or, if you’re heading outside, a toasty foot muff to keep their feet warm. When shopping for clothes, look for GOTS and OEKO-TEX certifications, which ensure that the entire production process, from harvesting to finishing the garment, is organic and environmentally friendly. Also be sure to check out the fabric content, which should be a blend of organic and synthetic materials that don’t require pesticides. Babies will inevitably need more than just one of each item of clothing, so be sure to stock up on two- and three-piece sets. These are a great way to get all of the essentials and save time by only having to do laundry once or twice a week. Then, once you’ve got your basic wardrobe set, you can start looking for a variety of special accessories that will add extra warmth and style. You’ll want a few pairs of shoes to replace any worn ones, a soft scarf for baby to wear around his or her neck, and a pair of socks to avoid those infamous snags on baby’s tiny feet. Another option to consider is sizing up a few sizes, especially when it comes to shirts and pants. That way, you can use the older clothes as hand-me-downs when your little one outgrows them. Also, remember that it’s okay to buy baby clothes a little bit bigger than recommended size so they’ll last longer. You can always snip off the foot portion of baby booties and mittens, and turn them into pants to stretch them out.

The way in which a person is dressed for their funeral can say a great deal about the individual and the respect in which they were held. While the selection of burial clothes can be a sensitive and sometimes difficult task, it is also an opportunity to honor a deceased loved one by choosing clothing that reflects their unique personality and style. While the choice may be personal and influenced by cultural norms and family preferences, it is important to remember that religious beliefs and customs can also have an impact on attire for a funeral service. For this reason, it is important to consult with clergy or other individuals within the faith tradition to ensure that the chosen clothing meets any specific guidelines and requirements for the funeral service. In addition, incorporating traditional cultural attire can be an excellent way to pay tribute to the deceased and show respect for their heritage. Generally speaking, men’s burial attire tends to lean toward more formal clothing, such as suits or dress shirts and ties, while women may choose more informal outfits such as skirts or dresses. As a general rule, it is important to avoid clothing that is overly casual or flashy as these items may draw attention away from the solemnity of the occasion and the deceased. It is also recommended to avoid wearing jewelry or other valuables as they will likely be discarded after the funeral services are complete. In addition, if the person is to be cremated following their funeral, it is important to note that any jewelry or sentimental items must be removed as they cannot be returned to their original state for the process. Often times, loved ones will choose to dress their dead relatives in clothing that was worn during life, as this is an important part of the grieving process. However, this is not always possible as some garments are no longer fitting due to weight loss or illness and others are inappropriate for burial because they can cause stiffness from rigor mortis. Burial gowns are a solution to this issue and are designed to be easily put on and provide the body with an elegant covering that conceals any blemishes on the skin. Typically, these garments have high necklines and long sleeves to ensure that any marks on the body are not seen. They are also typically made of light, soft materials that will drape over the body with ease. For those that are unable to make their own burial gowns, there are non-profit agencies and retailers that specialize in the creation of these dresses. Beverly Duckett, for example, creates tiny burial gowns and wraps for infants who die before birth in her bright second-floor sewing room. Her work offers a measure of comfort for parents who have suffered the heartbreaking loss of their infant, while providing families with something beautiful to remember their little angel by.