Year: 2024

When your wedding day is over and you’ve returned from your honeymoon, your gown may be hiding in your closet, or perhaps you saved it for your daughter. But if you’re not planning to wear it again, it might be time to donate it. And you’re in luck, because there are many charities that accept wedding dresses for resale. These gowns will then be used to help a range of different causes. According to Zola, there are a variety of reasons why you might want to donate your dress. For example, a lot of gowns end up in landfills, and they can cause harm to the environment. Another reason is that donating your dress could save money and reduce waste because you won’t have to pay for storage or cleaning costs. You can also repurpose your gown into home decor, a keepsake pillow or even a baptism dress for your baby. Just make sure to have your gown professionally cleaned before repurposing it. And if you’re not interested in refashioning your dress, you can still donate it to a charity. Goodwill, for example, accepts wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses to sell at budget-friendly prices. Proceeds from the sales go to help support job programs, housing, veterans and more. The organization is especially accepting of gowns from recent brides who can’t afford to buy their own dresses and are eager to pass them on. Other charities like Brides Across America and Wish Upon a Wedding use donated dresses to gift military and first responder brides with the wedding of their dreams. They’re also happy to take veils, tiaras and accessories. Some of these donations are also used to help terminally ill couples celebrate their weddings or vow renewals. If you’re looking for a place that doesn’t resell the dresses, try Angel Gowns for Angel Babies, a nonprofit that uses bridal gowns to create tiny baby gowns for infants who have died too soon. This organization uses a mix of donated dresses and new, handmade gowns. You can also drop off your dress at a boutique with a heart, the Brides Project. This bridal boutique supports adults and kids that are impacted by cancer and specializes in eco- and budget-friendly gowns. They accept gowns within five years and accessories, and you can book appointments online or by email. The organization does note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, you’ll need to adhere to their guidelines when dropping off your donation. Lastly, you can always donate your dress to a thrift store. These shops often have a selection of wedding dresses for sale and will pass them along to someone who can’t afford a new one. Some of these stores also have other items that you can donate, like furniture and linens. They’ll often provide you with a 501(c)(3) receipt that you can claim when filing your taxes. It’s important to remember that every charity is different and has specific guidelines when it comes to donating a wedding dress. Call or email before you arrive to make sure that you’re following all of the proper instructions.

When a child is born prematurely and doesn’t survive, their parents often take photos of them in hospital gowns. But one selfless bride is turning her own wedding dress into something much more meaningful — gowns for infants who never made it home from the NICU. Edith Schulz, 66, saw an article in a newspaper about a registered nurse at Mayo Clinic named Judi Gibson and her effort to recruit seamstresses to create small burial outfits for babies who didn’t make it out of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). “A lot of people think of a wedding as a beautiful day and a celebration,” says Schulz, a retired labor and delivery nurse from Minnesota. “But, for some families, it’s a sad time.” That’s why she and a team of seamstresses turned her own wedding dress into angel gowns to give to grieving families. The tiny handmade gowns, which look like silk christening dresses for baby dolls, bring dignity to the little lives that never got to go home. The gowns are also a comfort for their parents who are left holding on to a precious memory. The volunteers work with a variety of donated wedding dresses, which are repurposed into tiny outfits that are designed to fit newborns up to 62 pounds. A single wedding dress can yield as many as 10 little gowns, according to the NICU Helping Hands website. While the program accepts gowns from all over the world, its volunteers come mostly from the Minneapolis area. Each repurposed dress is sewn into a gown that resembles a soft christening dress for baby dolls, then donated to NICUs across the country. Those who donate the wedding dresses are asked to provide a $100 monetary donation to cover the cost of sewing and shipping the finished gowns. Women who don’t have a dress to donate can “sponsor” a dress for another woman who does. Almost every year, more than 626,000 babies in the United States are stillborn or die after birth. The gowns, which are stitched together from donated wedding dresses, are meant to honor those children and offer hope to the parents who lose them. Whether you’re attending a special event, taking a walk down the aisle or stepping out to celebrate an achievement, these beautiful gowns will add a touch of celestial beauty to your life. Shop the Jessica Angel formalwear collection to find the perfect dress for your next big moment. From sleek stretch fabrics that flatter to sexy designs with just the right amount of drama, this collection will help you feel like a flawless angel.

The decision to hold a child funeral may be painful, but many parents find comfort in creating a special ceremony that honors their baby. Some families choose to include a religious element while others choose a non-religious celebration. Whether you want to include a naming ceremony, family photos, music, or other mementos, there are countless ways to create a unique and cherished event. It is important to prepare children for what they can expect at a funeral or memorial service, especially if it will be the first time they have been to one. It is a good idea to help them understand that people will be crying, some uncontrollably, and that it’s OK to cry, too. A clear description of the services can also allay any anxieties and worries they might have, like why the casket is covered and what it will look like. Depending on the age of your child and their level of emotional maturity, you might want to consider assigning a trusted friend or family member to be their companion during the visitation, wake, funeral, or burial services. This person can be there to answer their questions, reassure them, and give them extra attention if they need it. They can even offer structure and activities if the child’s attention span begins to waiver. At the funeral, children can often become distracted by what is happening around them or by the presence of adults who are crying. It is a good idea to provide them with a booklet that lists what’s happening during the services so they have a visual to refer to if they become disengaged. You might also want to consider having a lullaby or soothing song played in the background to calm the child or give them something to focus on other than the grief-stricken adults around them. During the burial service, you might want to invite children to scatter flower petals or teddy bears over the grave site. You can have a special photo displayed at the graveside that they can identify and touch as a way to make them feel included. You might also want to include a prayer or poem that your child wrote for their sibling. You might consider inviting a close friend or family member who shares your child’s interests or background to lead the service. This can help them connect to your child’s memory in a personal way that feels meaningful to you and your entire community of loved ones. It is also a good idea to designate someone who can take over communications with the public if you are feeling overwhelmed or exhausted.

Baby clothes aren’t just about looking adorable on your newborn; they’re also about keeping your infant comfortable throughout the day and night. You might need to change their outfit up to three or four times in one day, especially if they spit up, and for this reason it’s best to have plenty of onesies, footie pajamas or sleepers and other comfy clothing items on hand. When shopping for baby clothes, look for the type of fabric and closures that are gentle on your baby’s skin, as these can have a big impact on how easy it is to dress them and undress them when they’re fussy or wiggly. You should also consider a garment’s fiber content, and opt for organic cotton that is grown without harmful chemicals and dyes that could be harsh against their skin. If you’re concerned about your baby’s health, check for GOTS or OEKO-TEX certifications to ensure that the fabrics are hypoallergenic and gentle. Babies can’t regulate their own body temperature, so dressing them in breathable layers is essential to keep them comfortable and happy. You can easily layer a tee and a onesie or long-sleeved bodysuit over leggings or pants to make sure your newborn stays warm, but remember that too many layers can cause overheating. Look for signs your baby is too hot, such as flushed cheeks or a sweaty back. Rompers and 2-in-1 dresses are great options for new babies, as they offer a one-and-done style that makes it easy to dress and undress them. Some of these garments even include fold-over scratch mitts at the sleeves to help prevent very young babies from accidentally scratching themselves. And if you’re heading outside for a walk or to the park, be sure to pack a lightweight polar fleece jacket that will protect your baby from the cold. A good rule of thumb is to have at least seven baby clothes on hand, so that you can rotate out garments as they get worn and dirty. A few extras will be helpful for special occasions like holiday parties and photo shoots, too. Bodysuits are an important part of any baby’s wardrobe. They’re an easy, no-fuss outfit for summer and a simple base layer in winter, and they come in long-sleeve and short-sleeve styles. Some feature snaps on the side for easy diaper changes, while others have a kimono-style front that opens across the chest and is easier on a newborn’s umbilical cord stump. You should also have a few pairs of pants on hand to pull over bodysuits when the weather gets cooler.

When it comes to the funeral process, many people want to make sure that their loved ones are buried or cremated in clothing that truly reflects them. This may include a favorite dress, shirt or pantsuit that evokes fond memories, or a special outfit that is a symbol of their faith or cultural background. This article will cover the basics of burial gowns and discuss some of the reasons that people choose to wear them. Most people who want to be buried or cremated in clothing that they love and feel comfortable in often choose to have a tailor-made garment made for them. The cost of a custom burial gown can be very high, however, and many families have trouble affording the expense. Fortunately, there are several different organizations that offer affordable burial gowns for both men and women. In addition, some people who wish to be buried or cremated in a favorite dress or piece of clothing that they own can do so by donating their clothes to a non-profit organization. This organization will then put the donated clothing to good use, providing a burial gown for someone in need. The type of clothing that people are buried or cremated in will depend on their wishes and the kind of funeral they are having. For example, a person who wants to be buried in their favorite dress or suit can usually do so, while a family that is planning a green burial or natural burial will need to look into more eco-friendly outfit options. For men, classic suits are a traditional choice that exudes elegance and solemnity. A well-fitted, dark-colored suit paired with a formal shirt and polished dress shoes can make for a dignified appearance. Similarly, for women, a classic black dress can convey a sense of sobriety and serenity. Some people who prefer to be buried or cremated in an outfit that reflects their lifestyle and values may choose to wear lounging pajamas or a nightgown. This can be a way for the deceased to feel at home in death, and it is a very personal touch that can help family members and friends find comfort during this difficult time. Many people who want to be buried or cremated are also concerned about their environment. This means that they might prefer to be buried in an organic shroud or other biodegradable material. Burial outfits made from biodegradable fabrics are available for both women and men, and they can be bought or donated to a non-profit organisation that will then provide them to a deceased person or their family. In cases where a baby dies or is stillborn, a family may have little time to look for a burial gown. This is why a few different charities provide handmade clothes for babies weighing one to 11 pounds. These are a great alternative to the disposable bibs that are commonly used for this purpose. Several sewing patterns are available for making these delicate outfits, and the BBC has directions on its website for crocheting a burial gown and lined bonnet.

Many brides dream of having a storybook wedding and wearing a stunning dress. But when the big day is over, a lot of women decide to donate their gowns for a variety of reasons. These include needing extra closet room, wanting to make a difference in the world, getting a tax deduction, and more. If you are considering donating your wedding dress, be sure to read all the requirements and guidelines before you begin the process. Each charity or shop has different requirements. For example, some require that the dress be dry cleaned and in good condition before it’s donated. Others may only accept dresses that are under five years old. In addition, some organizations only accept gowns that are not alterations or custom made. One of the most popular places to donate a wedding dress is to a thrift store. These thrift stores typically sell the dresses for a fraction of their original cost to low-income individuals in the community. Typically, the thrift store will have an online form or phone number to contact for specific donation instructions. The charity will need to know the dress size, designer or brand name, year purchased, and the price paid. In some cases, the charity may offer a receipt for tax purposes. Another popular option is to give your gown to an organization that resells them for a charitable cause. For instance, Adorned in Grace is a nonprofit that sells used bridal dresses to bring awareness and support to survivors of human trafficking. This organization is based in Washington and Oregon and has dress shops that are open to the public. The proceeds from the sale of the dresses help provide mentoring programs, outreach events and more. Some of these organizations have websites or Facebook groups where people can post pictures of their dresses and share information about them. For example, the Shared Dream Dresses Facebook group has over 4,000 members. Women can post pictures of their dresses to the site along with their sizes and other details. Then, anyone who is interested can leave a comment on the picture or contact the woman directly to arrange a meeting. Other nonprofits also resell the wedding gowns they receive to raise funds for their programs. The Cherie Sustainable Bridal store in Maryland stocks dresses that are less than five years old to help brides who can’t afford the dress of their dreams. Some of the proceeds from the sales of these dresses go to Success in Style, a program that helps women prepare for job interviews and find employment. A few charities use the gowns they receive to outfit military and first responder brides for free. These brides can attend Operation Wedding Gown events twice a year to get the dress they need. To donate a wedding dress to this organization, a bride must fill out an online form on the website of the charity and provide a photo of the dress and any veils or jewelry that are being donated.

While many brides carefully fold their wedding dresses and keep them for years, others are repurposing them for a more meaningful purpose. Across the country, volunteers are collecting and stitching wedding dresses into angel gowns for infants who are born still or pass away shortly after birth. The gowns are then distributed to families and hospitals. A local woman, Terry Bauer, decided to start sewing the angel gowns after her retirement from Pickerington Schools. She says the school district cut her home economics teaching position but she wanted to continue using her skills. While scrolling through Facebook one night, she came across a woman who sews the tiny angel outfits. She thought it was a wonderful way to honor the lives of little babies lost before, during or after their time with parents. Since then, she’s crafted more than 1,000 angel gowns for organizations across the country. Currently, she sews for four groups: Columbus Christ Child Society; Touching Little Lives, in Groveport; NICU Helping Hands, in Fort Worth, Texas; and Rest in His Arms, in Chicago. She uses the gowns to honor any infant – from micro-preemies to those delivered full-term. She also makes the outfits for infants whose mothers choose to bury their babies at home. “That’s something so personal that the mother is able to do,” she says. “It gives the baby dignity.” Brandy Spurgeon, a labor and delivery nurse at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, has been receiving the dresses for about a year. She says they’re a beautiful and uplifting reminder of her daughter, Karolina, who was born premature and died before leaving the hospital. She says they’re a comfort to other families who experience similar loss. Each year, more than 626,000 babies in the United States are lost due to miscarriage or stillbirth, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. It is believed that about 1 in 4 women will experience an infant loss in their lifetime. The gowns are free to any family who needs them. This article is brought to you by Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center Long Beach. Visit the hospital’s website to learn more about its services and to find a provider near you.

A child funeral is a ceremony that honours the life of a baby or young child who has died. It can be a very difficult and emotional event, especially for the parents. There are some things to consider before you plan for a child funeral. If you have other children it may help to involve them in discussions about their sibling’s death and the funeral. This can give them an idea of what to expect and gives them a chance to express their own feelings. It’s important not to over do this though, as talking about a death all the time can have negative effects. Rather, talk about happy memories and fun times that you had together to keep the focus on positivity. It’s also a good idea to explain what will happen at the funeral service and graveside burial to your children. This will help them know what to expect and may ease their anxiety. You should also discuss what to do if they can’t attend. It’s not fair to force a child to go to the funeral when they feel that it will be too upsetting for them. If you are concerned about your child’s ability to cope with a funeral service you should consider asking a friend or family member to help care for them at the services. They can comfort them and take them out of the setting for breaks if needed. The day of a funeral and graveside service can be very upsetting for children, but it’s important to remind them that they will have lots of people there to support them. They will probably be asked to sit quietly and listen for long periods of time, which can be challenging for very young children. To help them manage this you can encourage them to bring their favorite book, doll or tablet and do activities they enjoy. You can also arrange for them to play with a sibling or friend, or to draw pictures or make a card to be buried with their loved one. A viewing can be a very traumatic experience for children, particularly if it’s an open casket. It’s a good idea to prepare your children in advance for what they will see by explaining that their sibling will look like they are sleeping and won’t wake up. You can also reassure them that their sibling will not be in pain and will not feel cold. Many people choose to bury their children in favourite clothes, such as a football shirt or doll dress. It can be a very meaningful way to remember them. Other options include a memorial candle, a personalised stone plaque or a beautiful flower bouquet. Many families also ask friends and family to make donations to a charity that was important to their child. This could be an organization that is searching for a cure for the condition they suffered from or to a community project close to their heart.

Newborns have very delicate skin, and it’s important to keep their clothes as clean as possible. Synthetic fabrics and harsh chemicals found in many conventional clothing brands can irritate sensitive infant skin, leading to allergic reactions and other health issues. Organic and sustainably sourced clothing made from natural fibers, such as cotton, are better options for newborn babies. This type of material is breathable and helps regulate body temperature, so baby stays comfortable all day long. A newborn’s wardrobe needs several essential items, including body clothes that are easy to put on and take off, such as rompers or 2-in-1 dresses (a dress top section with a romper undersection), as well as diaper covers that snap open for quick nappy changes. A few pairs of mittens are a must, as they help prevent young babies from accidentally scratching themselves. For cold weather, baby will need outerwear, like snowsuits, which are waterproof and designed to keep the body warm. Other essentials include hats, socks and boots to keep little feet toasty, and blankets for keeping baby warm and swaddled during sleep. Depending on the season, your baby’s wardrobe will also need a few warmer clothing items, such as sweaters or cardigans to keep them warm and cozy, as well as coats for rainy or windy days. While layering is great, it’s also important to avoid overheating; too much fabric can cause heat exhaustion in babies, which is especially dangerous when they’re napping. For warmer temperatures, look for a light jacket that’s water-resistant and designed to be breathable. You’ll want to make sure your newborn has several sets of outfits on hand for outings, and a few PJs to wear during the night. Newborns tend to need a few changes of clothes during the course of one day, so having several outfits on hand will save you some time. For outings, you’ll need a few outfits that cover both the top and bottom of the body, such as dresses or rompers. For the home, you’ll want a few pairs of pjs that cover the feet; these are usually called sleepers or footie pajamas, and they’re available in fleece to keep your baby extra warm. There are several brands that offer eco-friendly clothing for babies, including Hanna Andersson and Cat & Jack. These sustainable brands prioritize circularity and support sustainable production, making them great choices for newborns. Hanna Andersson is an Oregon-based brand that’s been around for decades, and the label offers both GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified garments for peace of mind. The brand also supports fair trade practices, so you can feel good about supporting the community while you shop for your baby. Cat & Jack is another family-friendly retailer that offers a wide selection of mixed and match outfits, as well as coordinating pieces. The Target-owned brand is also committed to partnerships with beloved pop culture characters and franchises, which means you’ll find fun prints for your baby to enjoy.

Burial gowns are a type of clothing that can be worn by the deceased, either while they are laying down or when they have been put into their casket. They are designed to be comfortable, soft, and easy to wear with minimal alterations. When choosing an outfit for a loved one, family members should take into account their cultural background, religious beliefs and personal style. The most important consideration for deciding on burial attire is honoring the wishes of the deceased. Whether they left instructions in their will or expressed their preference to a close friend, it is essential to respect those choices. In many traditions, specific colors and symbols hold meaning, and incorporating those into an outfit can be a meaningful way to pay tribute. It is also a good idea to consult with funeral directors, who can offer advice and guidance on appropriate options. Funeral directors are skilled at presenting the body in a dignified manner, and they can assist with any special requests or concerns. There are a number of ways to make a burial garment, including using repurposed materials and sewing them together yourself. For a more natural look, it is usually best to use cottons or linens that are grown, dyed, and woven locally. The fibers should be able to decompose naturally, so that they do not harm the environment in which they are placed. Several designers have made burial apparel from scratch. Mark Mitchell, for example, has used his background in theatrical costume to create a line of one-of-a-kind custom burial ensembles from luxury fabrics using couture and heirloom-sewing techniques. Australian scholar, artist, and funeral celebrant Pia Interlandi has combined fashion design, fiber science, and forensics in her experiments with water-soluble fibers and clothed pigs, as well as in her line of Garments for the Grave. The Decompiculture Kit she developed in 2015 uses mushroom strains that can remediate toxins found in the human body and decompose it in harmony with the soil in which it will lie. There are also a number of organizations that offer free burial gown patterns and sewing kits to those who wish to make their own. Newborns in Need, for example, provides a pattern and measurements for babies ranging from one to eleven pounds. Melinda’s Patterns, meanwhile, has a knitting pattern for a burial wrap and lined bonnet that can be downloaded. Several non-profit organizations have been utilizing donated wedding dresses to make burial garments for infants in their care, and the Sew & Tell blog features tutorials for a range of different sizes.