Year: 2024

If you don’t plan to wear your wedding gown again after your big day, it might be time to donate it. Many bridal boutiques and charities accept gown donations that they then resell or use to support various causes. You can also find a new bride to pass along your gown through an online buy/sell/trade platform. Before donating your dress, make sure that it meets the organization’s specific guidelines. If you’re unsure, contact the charity to ask questions. It’s also helpful to have your dress professionally cleaned before donating it, so that it remains in good condition for its new owner. A one-off Facebook post by bride Stulgis led to the creation of a private group called Shared Dream Dresses, which matches women with dresses that fit their specifications. The group now has more than 19,000 members and 200 successful dress connections. Local and national charities that accept gown donations often host events or auctions where women can purchase them for their big day. Look for upcoming events in your area, and ask the event organizers if they accept gown donations. Additionally, some women’s shelters or organizations that support women in need may be accepting gown donations for their clients. Another option is to donate your dress to a military or first responder organization. Brides Across America hosts Operation Wedding Gown twice a year to provide free gowns for military and first responder brides. The nonprofit outfits more than 26,000 brides each year. You can donate your gown to this cause by filling out the online form and following the instructions provided. For a more intimate donation, consider donating your wedding dress to The Emma and Evan Foundation. This nonprofit transforms donated gowns into infant burial gowns, known as Angel Gowns, to help families who have lost their little ones too soon. The organization offers the gowns to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes and directly to grieving families completely free of charge. You can donate your wedding gown to the cause by filling out the online form and submitting photographs and details of your dress. Even if you aren’t in need of a new gown, you can give it a second life and declutter your closet at the same time by turning it into home decor or a keepsake for your children. You can also turn it into a pillow or an adorable baby blanket. While you can always sell your wedding dress, donating it can be a more meaningful and rewarding experience. It’s important to take the time to research your options and choose a gown that aligns with your beliefs, values, and intentions. When choosing the right dress to donate, you’ll feel confident knowing that your gift is helping to make a difference in someone’s life and spreading joy and love through the power of generosity.

For parents who have lost infants due to complications from prematurity or stillbirth, an angel gown can be a source of comfort. These handmade garments, made from deconstructed wedding dresses, are presented to babies during a family’s final farewell before burial or cremation. For many families, the gown is a treasured keepsake that holds special meaning forever. The gowns are a labor of love for seamstresses who volunteer their time to sew them, and each piece has its own unique touch. Edith, for example, stitches phrases like “heaven’s angel” into the fabric, and her sister Shirley adds antique buttons that were part of their mother’s collection. A lot of the seamstresses work outside of the home, and despite busy schedules they make time to sew the outfits. Some even go so far as to add gold or silver bells onto their creations, inspired by the scene in It’s a Wonderful Life when Clarence the angel receives his wings. Judi Grubbs, the founder of NICU Helping Hands, has been working on the project since her daughters were born prematurely, and the response to her Facebook post asking for more bridal dresses has been incredible. Hundreds of donated dresses are being turned into angel gowns that will be given to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes, and directly to grieving families, all free of charge. She says the gowns are a way to raise awareness of the silent epidemic of infertility, miscarriage, early neonatal loss, and stillbirth, but she also hopes it will give grieving parents a sense of comfort. She remembers how devastated her family was when she lost two daughters and is determined to ensure that other families don’t suffer in silence. At Riley Children’s Health NICU, the gowns have been especially meaningful for families, including Brandy Spurgeon. Her daughter was sent to the NICU after being born at 37 weeks, and she says that the gown she received helped her during a very trying and emotional time. “She looked so beautiful in it,” she says. In addition to the gowns, NICU Helping Hands also makes baby blankets and bonnets. Currently, the organization has around 20 seamstresses who meet every other week at the home of one of their members to make the outfits. They are also working on expanding their reach nationwide to more hospitals and communities. For more information about the program, or to donate a wedding dress, please visit the website for NICU Helping Hands. Those interested in joining a sewing session should contact Moniz, who will provide orientation and review several patterns to work with. She will also provide fabric and materials for the project.

If your child wants to attend a funeral or memorial service, it’s important that you support their choice. They may need help understanding what will happen or what to expect. You could ask someone they trust, such as a grandparent or close friend to keep an eye on them and be available to answer questions throughout the day. Children often want to be involved in planning the funeral or ceremony, so giving them choices can help them feel included and comforted. They might choose photos to include, flowers or other decorations, music, readings and other rituals to honour the deceased. If you’re comfortable, they might want to help dress the body or choose a casket or urn. It’s also important to let your child know that it’s okay to be sad and angry. Grief comes in waves and it’s natural to move in and out of feeling different emotions at any given time. It’s also normal for them to play, laugh and even be silly at times, as this can provide a sense of relief from some of the more intense feelings. Depending on the situation, it may be appropriate to show your child their sibling’s body. If a casket is open, it’s helpful to explain that their sibling will be wearing a full outfit and will be lying comfortably with their eyes closed and arms folded. If your child is especially young and the option of a closed casket is offered, you can describe the outfit they will be wearing in detail (including shoes and socks) and reassure them that their sibling will not be cold or in pain. If you are going to have your child’s body buried or cremated, it’s useful to explain this in detail as well. For example, you might describe how their body will be in a grave or urn and that it’s okay to touch it if they would like. You might also explain that their ashes will be scattered or kept in a special place and that it’s okay to visit the site whenever they wish. You might also consider having a memorial service for your child at a cemetery or other meaningful space, where family and friends can come together to remember them. For many families, this can be a comforting way to say goodbye and it can help children to see that grieving doesn’t have to end when you move on from a tragedy. Similarly, you might find it helpful to record the funeral or memorial service so that your child can watch it at a later date if they wish. It’s important to talk with your child about their decision, as they might have misunderstandings or need more information and it’s fine for them to change their mind. It’s also worth remembering that they might regret not attending a funeral or memorial service in the future.

The right clothing is essential to a baby’s comfort and safety, especially when they are new. In addition to keeping them warm and cosy, clothes protect them from spit-ups or blowouts that can be difficult to clean. They also help to keep them dry and shielded from the sun and other harsh elements. Ideally, the best clothing for babies is organic and natural. This type of cloth is made without the use of pesticides and other chemicals that can cause allergic reactions in infants. Organic cloth is also better for the environment and for the workers who harvest it. The increase in demand for organic clothing can lead to higher wages and a safer working environment for the people involved in the production process. Baby clothing is available in a variety of colours and designs, so you can find something to suit your little one’s taste. Having a selection of dresses, skirts and overalls is great for special occasions or to get out and about. But remember that the more your baby moves around and starts to crawl, the more restrictive these items can be on their movement and body awareness. A singlet and tee underneath is a more practical option, as this allows your child to move freely while still being covered. For nighttime, a sleeper or babygrow is a comfortable choice. These are similar to bodysuits but have legs that are usually open in the crotch area for easy nappy changes. You may also want to consider fleece footie pajamas for colder climates. Babies grow fast, so it’s a good idea to start with 0-3 month size clothing. It’s helpful to shop in person, so you can eyeball the garment and go by feel. If in doubt, it’s often better to go up a size rather than down. You’ll save money and your baby will be able to wear the clothing for longer before outgrowing it. Once your baby is mobile, a dress or skirt can be a fun way to add some extra colour and style to their outfits. But as they begin to crawl and sit up, it’s a good idea to switch to trousers or leggings as they provide better coverage and will allow your baby to move more easily. For wintertime, a soft skull cap (or actual hat) and thin mittens are essential. A hat will keep baby warm and prevent them from scratching themselves, while the gloves protect their sensitive hands. Lastly, booties and a warm jacket or zip-up down snowsuit will be needed if you are venturing outside. Don’t overbundle your baby with too many layers, however, as this can overheat them quickly. Signs that they’re too hot include flushed cheeks, fussiness or a sweaty back.

When a loved one passes away, every detail matters to the grieving family. Choosing attire that represents their personality, cultural background or religious beliefs is a heartfelt expression of reverence. Often, this includes the choice of burial clothing, also known as funeral apparel or burial garments. While it may seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of things, the right outfit can be comforting for loved ones to remember their final journey with peace and dignity. When it comes to selecting appropriate attire, many people turn to their closet for inspiration. A common option is to choose clothing that the deceased wore in life, such as a favorite suit or dress. This is especially fitting for those who are being buried or cremated at home. The departed’s closet can also serve as a good guide for the style or personality they wished to be remembered with. If the deceased was a baseball player, for example, a baseball shirt can be a meaningful choice. Likewise, Grandma’s baking apron or a pair of rubber waders can serve as the perfect way to honor her love of fishing and time spent with her family at the lake. However, a major consideration should be whether the items in a person’s closet will be suitable for their funeral or cremation service. Some fabrics can discolor, slough or stiffen during the embalming process. Additionally, a body’s shape may change due to prolonged illness or significant weight loss, and this can impact the fit of a garment. When possible, it is best to avoid tight-fitting garments and to choose long-sleeved tops as the arms can be prone to discoloration as well. Some cultures and religions also have specific guidelines for burial clothing. In such cases, it is important to consult with clergy or other knowledgeable individuals for guidance on proper attire. It is also helpful to understand how colors or symbols hold meaning in a particular tradition, as these can be reflected in the clothing chosen for a loved one’s memorial service. Those who wish to support the creation of burial clothes for infants who are too small for off-the-rack garments can make a donation to the Indiana Burial Gown Project. Founded in 2014 by Marie Murphy, a career NICU nurse, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing beautiful and practical clothing for babies who do not survive their premature births. Using donated wedding dresses, the organization has created three sizes of burial wraps and four sizes of baby burial gowns. The group recently made their cutting and sewing processes more efficient and consistent by utilizing a new acrylic master pattern that they purchased from Plaskolite. This material is clear and provides a precise, uniform cut that allows for accurate pattern pieces to be cut from the fabric. This helps ensure that each burial gown and infant pocket will be a true-to-size match for the babies that will wear them. In addition, the material is strong and durable enough to withstand repeated use.

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Choosing the right clothing for a loved one who has passed is a final act of reverence. Many families choose to dress their deceased in clothes that reflect their personality and interests. Whether it’s Grandma’s favorite sweater or Dad’s fishing pants, many outfits have special meaning and help honor their memory. The choice of burial attire is often an emotional and sensitive decision, but it’s a very important one to make for your loved one. The right clothing can convey a feeling of calm and tranquility, allowing your family to focus on their memories together. It’s also a way to respect your loved one’s wishes and honor any cultural or religious guidelines they may have specified regarding their funeral. While it’s customary to wear black for a funeral, white is also popular and can convey a sense of peace and serenity. If your loved one had a specific preference for a particular color, consider incorporating that into their burial clothing. If the deceased was from a culture with unique traditions, including traditional clothing like a kimono or kilt can be a meaningful choice. Some families may also select an outfit that reflects the person’s hobbies or career. For example, if your loved one was a baker, wearing their favorite baking outfit to the funeral and visitation can be a meaningful tribute. If they were a fisherman, an embroidered fishing shirt might be appropriate. If you’re not sure what type of clothing to select for your loved one, there are companies that can provide you with burial gowns and other clothing for a service. Many of these companies are run by volunteers or dedicated staff, and they often operate as nonprofit organizations. They work to create a positive and uplifting experience for those who are mourning, helping their communities cope with the loss of a beloved member. Creating burial garments is a labor of love for those who work in this field. Nonprofit agencies and small businesses that specialize in this area are typically located around the country and can be found on online directories. For instance, Indianapolis-based Miracle Gowns was founded by Marie Murphy, a career NICU nurse who saw the need for specialized infant garments. By transforming donated wedding dresses into beautiful yet practical burial garments for infants who do not survive, Miracle Gowns is a wonderful resource for grieving parents and medical professionals. If you have any questions about choosing burial clothes for a loved one, please do not hesitate to contact us. The caring and experienced professionals at Vaughn Greene Funeral Services are always available to offer compassionate guidance and support. You can reach us by phone, email or live chat. We’re proud to serve families in the greater Indianapolis area, including Carmel, Avon and Noblesville. We look forward to hearing from you.

Choosing a wedding dress can be one of the most emotional, not to mention expensive, aspects of getting married. And while brides often keep their gowns as a memento of their special day, many also end up donating their dresses once they’re no longer needed. This not only gives their dress a new life, but it also helps others who may not be able afford to purchase a brand-new wedding dress. Donating a wedding dress can also free up closet space and reduce waste. If you’re planning to donate your dress, there are a few things to consider first. For example, you’ll want to make sure that your dress is clean and in good condition. A worn wedding gown can be home to rats, insects, and molds that will damage it if not properly stored. So it’s a good idea to have your dress dry cleaned before bringing it to a donation center. It’s also important to pack your gown well so that it doesn’t get damaged during transport. Some charities have specific guidelines on how to prepare and pack a wedding dress for donation. If you’re not sure how to do this, or you have questions about your dress’s condition, call the charity before bringing it in. They’ll be able to give you the best advice on how to prepare and pack your gown. Many women who have donated their wedding dresses say they’ve found it to be a rewarding experience. For some, like librarian Adele Puccio, whose collection has grown to nearly 60 dresses, it’s more than just a way to recycle. “I think that we have a sense of wanting to share with other brides who are not as financially strong,” she says. “It’s a nice feeling that you have something to give back that will be appreciated.” Other donors use their gowns to raise money for different causes. The Salvation Army, for example, uses the money raised from selling donated clothing to help people in need. The organization’s website has a list of locations that accept donations. Other organizations use wedding gowns to support families that have lost a baby or child in the hospital. They’re transformed into infant burial gowns, or angel gowns, and given to hospitals, birthing centers, and funeral homes. NICU Helping Hands, for example, provides these gowns to families who have had premature babies. Other charities have specific guidelines on how to prepare and package a wedding dress for donation. Typically, the dress will be sold in their thrift stores at a discounted price, and the proceeds are used to help fund their charitable programs. Goodwill is one of the most famous thrift stores in America and accepts almost any kind of clothing donation, including wedding dresses. Their site has a list of locations that accepts donations and offers instructions on how to ship your dress.

Across the country, volunteer seamstresses like Terry Bauer stitch up gowns from donated wedding dresses. Those little burial garments, also known as angel gowns, are then offered to hospitals and families for free. For those who have suffered the unimaginable loss of an infant, the gown is a small measure of comfort. Bauer, a nurse in the cardiovascular surgery ICU at Mayo Clinic, sees firsthand how important it is to provide these gowns for grieving families. Bauer started a Facebook page, Angel Gowns of Central Ohio, to collect the dresses used to make the tiny garments, and she sends a box of them each month to area hospitals. The gowns are sized to fit any baby, from micro-preemies to those born full term. “It’s just one way that I can serve families who are going through the loss of their child,” she says. She has heard of hospitals using towels, and she says many families purchase doll clothes to bury their babies in. “With these gowns, it’s just one less thing that they have to worry about,” she adds. For many families, the gown is a cherished keepsake that allows them to take a photograph of their baby, if they choose to do so. It is a symbol of their baby’s life and a reminder of the love they have for him or her. In addition to angel gowns, she and her volunteers also make blankets, prayer shawls, and caps for infants who are born with medical complications. Often, these children do not survive their births, but the blankets help to keep the parents warm and comfortable. Bauer and her group hope to continue to expand their reach, too. They would like to have a presence at local hospital baby showers and have been invited to speak about their work at church services, community events, and other meetings. They are also working on a website to make it easier for people from other parts of the state to request gowns. The Northridge Hospital team pictured here is happy to be a part of the program, and the initial box of angel gowns has already been delivered to them. Those who are interested in donating their wedding dresses to this special project can learn more about the international program by clicking here. This allows donors to follow the journey of their dresses to a developing country, virtually meet their seamstress, and even send some of their gowns back to their states for donation. 626,000 infants die each year in the US from stillbirth or miscarriage, and many of their families do not have a gown for them. Each of these precious angels deserve to be remembered and celebrated. We thank our partners at Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach for collaborating with us to deliver these special gowns to grieving families. Please support our journalism by turning off your ad blocker. Ads help us bring you more of the content you love.

When a child dies, parents need a way to say goodbye and honor the life that was lived. A child funeral provides a time for family and friends to mourn together in a ritual that is unique and special for a baby or small child. The child’s age, temperament and attention span should guide the planning and execution of this event. A child funeral can be as simple or complex as the family prefers. It can involve a religious ceremony led by the funeral director or an officiant or it can be completely secular and not affiliated with any faith at all. It can take place at the funeral home or church or in a private setting such as the home of a relative. It can include a memorial service or a graveside ceremony at the cemetery. If the family is having a viewing and open casket at a funeral home or other location, it’s important to explain what will happen before and during that portion of the ceremony. Use the child’s natural curiosity as a guide and share with them as much detail as they seem interested in hearing. This will help them to feel more prepared and safe. Some children may want to view their sibling’s body. If so, it’s important to reassure them that their sibling will not be in pain or cold and that it is ok for them to touch their brother or sister (with close adult supervision). If your child is having the body cremated instead of buried, you can still talk with them about this in advance and answer any questions they might have. It’s also helpful to let them know that the ashes will be returned to them in a box and they can choose whether or not to display them or keep them at home. It’s also a good idea to plan for the child to participate in some way during the funeral services or memorialization. For example, siblings often like to read a poem or prayer at a service or write a letter to their baby brother or sister. You can arrange to have these included in the service or in a book that is available afterward. Other kids love to scatter flower petals or balloons with messages attached at the graveside, again with close adult supervision. Some parents do not want their child to attend a funeral because they feel that the heightened emotions and environment will be too difficult for them. This is a very personal decision and should be made by the parents. However, if a parent’s parental intuition tells them that their child will not be able to handle the funeral or any of its related events, they should follow their instincts.