Month: April 2025

If you have ever gone through the grieving process of a lost loved one, you have probably noticed that funeral homes often dress the body of the deceased in clothing that they wore during their life. This is not only a tradition, but it allows family members and friends to see their loved one in the clothes they remember them best and it gives the deceased a final look of dignity and respect. In the past, it was common for women to wear their wedding dresses and men to wear their suit and tie for a funeral service. However, the trend of dressing a loved one in clothing that reflects their personality and style is becoming more common. This is due in part to the fact that more people are choosing to have their remains cremated and they want their ashes to be scattered on a beach, in a garden or in a tree instead of in a casket. Many people don’t have a dress or suit to choose from, so they are turning to the idea of burying their loved ones in clothing that was important to them during their lifetime. While it may be hard to think about what a loved one would want to be buried in, it is a good idea to make that decision in advance so that the funeral directors have the appropriate attire to carry out your wishes. The most important thing to consider when deciding on the clothing you would like your loved one to be buried in is who they were as a person and what kind of style did they have. Did they prefer casual clothing, or did they like to dress more formally? Also, it is a good idea to keep in mind any religious or cultural guidelines that you might have. If your loved one has a religious affiliation, it is also a good idea to speak with their clergy member and ask them about typical funeral customs and requirements regarding the deceased’s attire for a viewing and open casket burial. Some religions require that the deceased wear a certain type of clothing or have specific colors that they prefer. For families of micro preemies, it is even more difficult to find suitable clothing for a funeral or a burial. This is why Powell started her own non-profit, Angel Gowns of Love, to sew burial garments for small babies weighing two to eight pounds. Her Angel gowns are designed to help aide in the dressing of these tiny patients, protect their fragile bodies and provide a beautiful covering. The group has made over 4,000 gowns so far and they have been donated to hospitals in all parts of the country as well as four other countries. While the work is tedious and time-consuming, the group is committed to continuing their efforts as they know that there is a great need for these garments. If you would like to learn more about the program, you can visit their website here.

If you’re one of the many brides who have a wedding dress taking up precious closet space but don’t plan to wear it again, consider passing on the gown by donating it. This will not only free up space, but it’ll also make a difference in someone else’s life. Plus, you can potentially get a tax deduction for your donation, according to Zola. You can donate your wedding dress to a number of charities. The following are some notable ones to consider: This charity helps cash-strapped brides afford a nice wedding dress. They accept dresses from all brands, though they prefer trumpet, A-line, and ballgown styles. The proceeds from the sale of donated gowns fund free programming for families impacted by cancer. The organization also holds a yearly bridal event where donated dresses are showcased. Another household name when it comes to charitable donations, Salvation Army will take your wedding gown and sell it in their thrift stores. However, it is important to note that your dress must be in excellent condition and should not be more than five years old. Additionally, it is a good idea to have your gown professionally cleaned before you drop it off at the thrift shop. The organization isn’t just about helping individuals and families in need; it’s also an advocate for the environment. As the site explains, the process of making new clothes requires water and creates a lot of pollution. By donating your dress, you can help reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing. Unlike other resale shops, which are often overly picky about stains and other damage on donated dresses, The Wedding Gown Project isn’t. They accept any dress with a waistline and neckline that can be easily altered. You can also donate your dress to a local Angel Gown organization. As the name suggests, these groups are comprised of seamstresses who create burial gowns for babies who have died in the NICU or shortly after. One such local option in the Albany, NY area is NICU Helping Hands. During the funeral, grieving parents typically aren’t thinking about putting their baby in a burial gown, but these gowns help provide some closure for the family. When deciding to donate your dress, it’s important to familiarize yourself with each organization’s guidelines. They may have specific requirements regarding gown condition, age, and style. Additionally, you should also have your gown dry-cleaned before donating it. This will keep it looking pristine and ensure that the dress can be used by other brides. Don’t forget that any donations to charitable organizations are itemized on your tax return, which means that you can receive a substantial tax deduction for your contribution. In addition, most resale or donation stores will provide you with a receipt of the value of your gown for your records. It’s worth noting, though, that the IRS only recognizes wedding dresses as qualified donation items in the event that they were worn for a qualified charity wedding ceremony.

The statistics are hard to read: According to March of Dimes, one in every 275 pregnancies ends in stillbirth. Worldwide, that adds up to 2 million stillbirths each year. It’s an unthinkable tragedy for many families, especially because doctors don’t know what causes all of these losses. One Central Florida woman is trying to ease the pain of those heartbroken parents by sewing beautiful infant burial gowns for babies who pass away before they can even come home from the hospital. She is our CommUNITY Champion this week. Angel Gowns, made from donated wedding dresses, bring dignity to grieving families and give families something to remember their little ones by. They’re offered to hospitals, birthing centers, and funeral homes across the country and around the world — completely free of charge. The tiny gowns are stitched together by women from around the globe, bringing hope and healing to families that need it most. After the loss of their baby son, Tom and Deanna Williamson said they were so grateful to Levine Children’s Hospital for giving them an angel gown for him to be buried in. So when the Williamssons learned about an organization that makes these special bereavement outfits out of donated wedding dresses, they knew they had to do what they could to pay it forward. That’s how the nonprofit, Angels Above Baby Gowns, was started. Lifelong seamstress and designer Dawn Corey has been keeping her hands full ever since, with a back closet in her house filled with donated dresses she turns into gowns for newborns who die before they can be born. Then she delivers them to hospitals across the state and beyond — in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Oregon, California and Texas. It’s a labor of love for Corey and her volunteers, who are often moved to tears as they stitch the dresses together. Each one is adorned with a matching heart and comes in three sizes: gowns, wraps, and angel pockets, which are used for the tiniest babies, usually less than a pound. Corey said she knows there is always a need for these special gowns, and she wants to continue expanding her reach. So she reached out to me, asking if I could help her find more donors and volunteers. “I know it’s a tough job because these aren’t happy stories, but they are beautiful to me,” Corey says. “When I hear about other people who lost their baby, it breaks my heart.” You can donate a wedding dress by clicking here or by dropping off your donation at this address: 1050 Linden Ave, Long Beach, CA 90803. The group is also accepting monetary donations to buy more material, ribbons, thread and gallon zip-lock bags. You can also volunteer by clicking here.

Having a child funeral is a deeply personal choice, but one that is increasingly popular among families. It is a way to give your child a respectful goodbye and to help them say their last farewells as a family, rather than leaving it up to others. Funerals are essential family rituals, and they have the power to comfort children when they feel most lost. Choosing how to do a funeral and what to include will depend on your child’s age and temperament, as well as how much time you have to plan the ceremony. Talk to your child about their preferences and what to expect at the service, and listen carefully to them. It’s important that they know their feelings are valid, whether they want to cry or laugh. It’s also a good idea to have a point person that they can go to with questions. For example, a family member or friend who knows your child best could be the person to answer their questions and offer support. Explain what they can expect to happen at the funeral services and any other events related to the death. If they are going to see their sibling in a casket, describe what it will look like and that the body cannot feel cold or pain. If your child is going to be seeing their loved one’s cremated remains, explain that the ashes will be put into an urn or a special box and then sometimes they are kept in a place of honor or buried in a graveyard or cemetery. If your child does not want to attend the funeral or other services, discuss their reasons for not wanting to. They may have misconceptions about what a funeral is, or they may be afraid of being sad. It’s important to respect their choice and have a back-up plan for them, such as staying with a family member or having the service live-streamed so they can watch it at a later time. The main thing is to be consistent with your explanations, so that they are not surprised by anything. Explain the process of grieving and that people will often need to cry or laugh, but they can always take a break. Encourage their participation in the funeral ceremonies by providing them with opportunities to choose songs, readings, or other elements of the ceremony. They can also sign an order of service booklet or add a photo to a memorial display. Some children want to be part of the service by sharing memories or delivering a speech. They can be given a microphone to do so or asked to hold a memorial card with friends and family who have written messages. Other children prefer to remain outside of the ceremony and visit a graveyard or cemetery afterwards to spend time with their loved one. Some prefer to keep their urn or box of ashes at home and only come to the service for special occasions.

Newborns grow fast, so it’s essential to have a baby clothing plan in place. But with all the different types of clothes and the many sizes available, it can be difficult to know what you need. Read on for a quick guide to baby clothing, including the basic pieces you’ll need and which sizes to buy. When shopping for clothes, keep in mind that it’s best to wash all infant clothing before your child wears them. This helps to get rid of any dyes or chemicals, reducing the risk of irritation on their delicate skin. It’s also a good idea to use a gentle detergent, as babies are sensitive to harsh chemicals and fragrances. You’ll want to choose high-quality, breathable fabrics for your baby. Organic cotton is a great choice, as it’s free from herbicides and pesticides. It’s also sustainable and helps reduce climate change. Bamboo is another eco-friendly fabric that’s incredibly soft and durable. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for newborns and children with sensitive skin. Aside from clothing, you’ll need a few accessories for your newborn. For example, you’ll want to have a changing pad and diaper bag, as well as baby wipes, burp cloths, and a nappy sanitiser. You’ll also need a small blanket or swaddle to help comfort your baby and provide security while they sleep. And, if you’re going to be traveling with your baby, you’ll need a travel kit with items like baby lotion and insect repellent. Having a baby requires a lot of laundry, so it’s important to consider how often you want to do wash loads. If you’re planning to do frequent loads, you might want to invest in a baby laundry machine. This will make it easier to manage large, bulky loads and speed up drying times. When deciding which sizes to buy, consider how long you expect your baby to be in each size. For example, a newborn usually fits into clothes up to 8 pounds, but a baby who enters the world larger than that may be better off wearing a bigger size. You’ll also want to factor in the weather where you live and how often you plan on doing laundry. It’s helpful to learn some of the specific vocabulary related to baby clothes, as it can help you understand what you’re buying and how to put it on. For instance, “body suits” are one-piece garments that snap at the crotch, which makes diaper changes easy. Rompers are similar, but they cover both the top and bottom parts of the body. You’ll also find sleeveless vests and bloomers, which are puffy underpants. Finally, ponchos are lightweight, warm jackets that easily slip over the head. These are perfect for breezy weather. A bunting or parka is a heavier coat that covers the entire body and may have a hood.

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Choosing burial clothes can be a poignant and personal act of care. It can help ensure that your loved one is dressed in a way that reflects their personality and how they lived their life. This can be especially meaningful if you’re arranging a funeral or memorial service for someone who was a great style icon. Dressing your loved ones in their favourite outfits can serve as a final, heartfelt and respectful tribute. It can also be comforting and healing for those who were close to them as it helps to ease the grief process. It’s important to consider your loved one’s unique personality when deciding what to wear for their funeral or viewing, as well as any cultural or religious traditions that may require particular attire. For example, some cultures believe that it is important to keep the body covered after death. This can be due to the beliefs surrounding the idea of the soul rising and falling throughout the day, or it may be because certain religious practices only allow certain types of clothing to be worn after death. In these cases, it’s a good idea to consult with religious leaders or family members to make sure you’re honouring your loved one’s wishes. When dressing a loved one for their funeral or memorial, you should always remember that their personal taste is what will help them to look their best in the photographs and videos that will be shared of them after they pass away. Think about their favourite outfits, the colours and styles that they tended to wear, and what type of person they were in life. Typically, the best choice for women is a classic black dress. It exudes elegance and solemnity, and it’s something that most people are familiar with wearing to a funeral. For men, a dark suit is also a popular option, as is a simple black shirt. When it comes to dressing infants who have died after a miscarriage or still birth, it can be particularly difficult to find appropriate clothing. Luckily, there’s a Utah seamstress who is helping to ease this burden. Ciara Hulet from KUER reports that Kristen and Zak Nowell are a couple who lost their baby to a genetic disorder. Their daughter, Ayla, was born at 31 weeks and didn’t survive her brief life. Ayla was a beautiful and happy little girl, but the tragedy left her parents struggling to cope. Now, with the help of their pastor and a seamstress named Jennifer, they are using her unique style to inspire others to heal after loss. Jennifer sews bespoke clothing for babies who die, such as dresses and blankets, from donated wedding gowns. She’s even sewed an outfit for Ayla that her mother describes as “her own princess dress.” She says the garments are intended to comfort grieving families and show them that their daughters will be remembered just like they were. Click here to read the full article from KUER.

Many brides save their wedding dress to pass down to the next generation or to wear again as a special occasion dress. Others may choose to have it altered or repurposed into a cocktail dress, a veil, or even home decor pieces such as pillows. However, if you’re not planning on wearing your gown again or have a wedding dress collecting dust in a closet, donating it is a great way to give your dress new life and spread joy to others. There are a variety of charities and thrift stores that accept donations of wedding dresses. Before deciding where to donate your gown, familiarize yourself with the organization’s guidelines and requirements. Most organizations will provide information on their website, but you can also call or email to ask about specific instructions. For example, some charities require that your dress be less than five years old and professionally cleaned before donation. Some charities are focused on providing wedding gowns to those in need or supporting charitable causes, such as Gift of a Wedding and Angel Gowns for Angel Babies. Other nonprofits, such as Adorned in Grace, use donated bridal dresses to help support anti-trafficking initiatives in communities. Before donating your gown, make sure you understand the impact your donation will have on the community. Other charities and shops that accept wedding dresses include thrift stores, churches, and bridal expos. Some of these groups host charity events to raise funds for local initiatives, so it’s important to check their websites for details on what items they need and when. Before donating your dress, have it dry-cleaned to ensure that it is in good condition and free of stains and rips. If you’re not sure how to clean your dress, you can hire a professional or follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Also, avoid plastic garment bags, as they can trap moisture and cause yellowing. When storing your wedding dress, consider keeping it in a breathable fabric bag or archival box. You can also donate your gown to a local buy/sell/trade group on social media or online forums. Some of these organizations can connect you with a potential buyer for a discounted price. They may also be able to arrange for shipping and handling. Lastly, you can donate your dress to Oxfam, which works to overcome poverty by fighting injustice and inequality. Their mission is to give everyone the power to thrive, not just survive. The organization has retail stores and donation drop-off locations, as well as an online shop. When deciding where to donate your wedding dress, be sure to research the organization thoroughly to ensure that their values and reputation align with your own. Contact the charity to find out what their expectations are, such as whether or not they will accept damaged wedding dresses or other items. Also, keep records of any correspondence and agreements to ensure a smooth process. As a bonus, you may be able to claim your donation on your taxes as an itemized deduction.

One of life’s great joys is to become a parent, but for many families, that dream becomes a reality that ends in heartbreak when they lose their infant. One of the ways they can find solace in that loss is through garments repurposed to honor their tiny lost ones, known as angel gowns. The gowns are crafted by seamstresses who work at the University of Michigan Health-West NICU bereavement program. It’s a small gesture, but a very big comfort for families struggling to cope with the unimaginable. Angel gowns are made from wedding dresses that have been donated to the program, and they are given to families who are mourning the loss of their premature or full-term baby. The gowns are designed to fit babies who don’t make it out of the hospital after being born due to complications from prematurity or other reasons, including stillbirth or miscarriage. The gowns are made for boys and girls, in sizes that range from the tiniest preemies to full-term infants. They are provided free of charge to grieving families. It is estimated that more than a million babies are born in the US each year that do not survive before their first birthdays. The number does not include those who die during the pregnancy from miscarriage or stillbirth, according to MISS Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports families through infant loss. In the past decade, the use of these special gowns has spread nationally. Many local hospitals now offer the program to help ease the hearts of grieving parents. In Michigan, the U-M Health – West NICU has offered the program for more than a decade to help families mourn their tiniest babies. They are crafted from donated wedding dresses and other formal wear, and they are given to families who have had to say goodbye to their babies in the neonatal intensive care unit or at a funeral home. Each year, the U-M Health – West program receives hundreds of dresses from around the country. Those gowns are washed, cut and sewn into about a dozen angel gowns. The gowns are then embroidered with the initials of the baby or infant who will wear it. In addition to the gowns, the seamstresses also stitch a heart-shaped pillow for the baby’s mom and dad. The U-M Health – West NICU’s angel gown program is only able to continue providing these meaningful gowns because of the donations from the public. Anyone who wants to donate a wedding dress to the program can do so through their website. A former bride who donated her dress said the experience was a very emotional one, but that it gave her peace of mind. She is hopeful that more people will learn about the program and want to donate their wedding gowns so others can find comfort in the garment. Those who don’t have a wedding dress to donate can still help by donating monetary donations to the program to cover shipping costs.