Year: 2025

Burial attire can be an important part of funeral planning, providing loved ones with a final opportunity to honour their deceased friends and family members. The choice of clothing can reflect the deceased’s personality, final wishes and personal style. In addition, burial clothes can also serve to set a dignified tone for the resting place ceremony. For many people, choosing outfits for their loved ones to wear in death is a deeply emotional experience. They may be unsure where to start or what to look for when selecting their loved one’s outfit. Fortunately, there are several resources available that can help make the decision-making process easier. One option is to look through the deceased’s closet for items they would have liked to be buried in. This can be especially helpful if they left instructions on what they wanted to be dressed in or had a specific favourite outfit that holds meaning. In addition, a funeral director can often offer valuable guidance on suitable options, taking into consideration any cultural or religious traditions that may be relevant. The clothing used for burial can vary widely, depending on the individual’s preferences and funeral home or cemetery rules. For example, some cemeteries and green burial sites require that all clothing be biodegradable or made from natural materials. This is generally a requirement for any clothing worn by the deceased, but can include other personal items such as a favourite book or piece of jewellery. While a certain level of formality is common, the specific style can vary based on the individual’s personal preferences or any cultural or religious requirements. For example, some cultures may prefer a particular type of dress or skirt for women, and some men may prefer a suit or dress shirt with a tie. In addition, families often find comfort in dressing their deceased loved ones in garments they know they will have been comfortable wearing. This can include a favorite outfit that has significant sentimental value, or simply something they have enjoyed throughout their life. Involving loved ones in the choice of clothing can also be a soothing and comforting process, allowing them to spend time together while making the decision. For infant deaths, such as those of micro preemies, finding burial clothes can be particularly difficult. However, a Utah seamstress is helping ease the burden for some parents. Ciara Hulet of member station KUER reports.

If you have a beautiful wedding dress sitting in your closet that you never plan on wearing again, or you’re just decluttering for the 365 Items in 365 Days challenge, consider donating it instead of throwing it away. There are a number of charities that accept donated dresses, which can then be sold on or used to help brides who cannot afford their dream dress. Additionally, you can receive a tax deduction for your donation. If you’re looking to make a bigger impact with your dress, try the Angel Gowns for Angel Babies charity, which uses donated gowns to create tiny baby gowns for babies who are born too soon or pass away. These beautiful little gowns can bring comfort to parents and are a reminder that they’re not alone. Another great option is to donate your gown to a bridal boutique that specializes in selling wedding dresses. Many of these retailers have a charitable program where they sell the dresses and use the funds to support other local programs and projects, like cancer research, women’s shelters, and aiding abuse survivors. They’re also a good choice for brides who want to ensure that their dress goes to a good cause and doesn’t end up at a thrift store where the proceeds are used to support other, less worthy causes. You can also donate your gown to a local thrift store, which can then sell it on or give it to a bride who needs a dress. Many of these stores are part of larger nonprofit organizations that have been around for years and raise funds for a wide range of social services, including job training and placement, housing, veterans’ assistance, and more. They’re often run by volunteers who can be a big help to you in finding the perfect dress for your day. There are also many charities that specialize in reselling used wedding dresses. Some of these groups, such as Michigan-based The Brides Project, use the money raised from the sales of donated dresses to support their free programming for people impacted by cancer, while others, like the Wishing Well Foundation and Gift of a Wedding, use the funds to grant wedding wishes to terminally ill individuals. Some of these charities, such as The Brides Project, will also accept gently worn or brand-new dresses that were unused or returned from bridal salons. They may be able to offer you a higher price for a newer dress than what a consignment shop might pay, but keep in mind that you’ll be spending time and energy on listing the dress and dealing with potential buyers. The main thing to remember when deciding where to donate your wedding dress is that each charity will have its own guidelines for how to prepare the gown for donation, so be sure to contact the organization before you start packing. They can answer any questions you might have and give you the details of what they’re looking for.

For families coping with the unimaginable loss of their newborn infants, a little piece of comfort may be found in special garments called angel gowns. Made from repurposed wedding dresses, the tiny outfits help parents say goodbye to their children in a way that’s both dignified and comforting. Lynn Gaber, a nurse at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has seen many families struggle with the unfathomable pain that comes with the loss of a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). That’s why, when one of her colleagues put out a call on Facebook asking for seamstresses to serve families who need angel gowns, Gaber was quick to volunteer. As a retired home economics teacher, Terry Bauer wanted to continue using her sewing skills for something worthwhile. Scrolling through Facebook, she stumbled upon a woman who sewed gowns from donated wedding dresses to be given to families who had lost their children. That was the moment she knew that creating angel gowns was what she was meant to do. Bauer now sews at least 25 gowns a month for local hospitals and groups like Touching Little Lives, which distributes them across central Ohio and elsewhere in the country. She designed a pattern for the little gowns that also can be made into sleep sacks and overalls, if that’s what a family prefers. She adds embroidered sayings like “heaven’s angel” or “my angel,” along with antique buttons that she has saved from her own mother. She even sewed bells on the outfits, inspired by a scene in It’s A Wonderful Life when Jimmy Stewart’s character rings his bell to welcome Clarence into heaven. After the Williamsons’ son Eli passed away while in the hospital, they found a local nonprofit group that makes and distributes angel gowns to heartbroken families like theirs. This week’s WESH 2 CommUNITY Champion, Judi Powell, runs the organization and has helped thousands of families say their last farewells to their little ones. In a workshop full of wedding dress fabrics, Powell works tirelessly to create the garments for babies who are born too soon. It’s a process that involves deconstructing the dresses so she can make as many unique tiny gowns and wraps from each piece of material. She can often get up to 18 tiny gowns and accessories from a single wedding dress, and the result is beautiful. Powell has donated her gowns around the country and in four other countries, including a recent shipment to a family in Australia who recently lost their baby. Despite the sad circumstances, she says she never loses hope for these families. “They just need some love and a little bit of comfort,” she says. “And this is just a small thing that I can do for them.” Watch the video above to see more about how the gowns are made and what they mean to grieving families. Then, click on the links below to learn how you can help.

The death of a child can be especially challenging for parents and families. When you add the grief of planning a funeral into the mix, it can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, there are ways to make the experience less stressful and provide solace for your entire family. Children often don’t know what to expect from a funeral, which can make it even more difficult for them to process their emotions. It is important to explain what will happen before, during and after the ceremony. Allow their questions and natural curiosity to guide your conversations. It is also helpful to visit the funeral home or burial site ahead of time, so your child knows where they are going and what to expect. During the funeral, you can include your child in various rituals such as placing flowers or lighting candles. They may also be asked to assist in handing out memorial cards or take videos of people telling stories if they are older. Having them help in these small ways makes them feel included and gives them something to focus on during the service. You should also prepare your child for the possibility that they will see their sibling in the casket or cremated remains. It is important to clarify that the body will look different than when they were alive, and that touching is a choice that they can make if they choose to. Depending on their age and comfort level, you can let them touch their sibling’s arm or hair as they say goodbye. Other ways to involve your children in the funeral services include allowing them to place photos or other memorabilia in a display, letting them act as an assistant pallbearer or handing out a memorial card, or displaying their artwork on a screen during the service. You can also give them a memory box to keep at home, which they can decorate and add to with special items from their sibling’s life. It is essential to have a trusted adult present at the funeral who can accompany and support your children. This person can reassure them, answer their questions, and offer them a safe space to retreat to if needed. Having someone to rely on will alleviate the stress of attending the service for you and your other children, as well as preventing you from having to leave at an inconvenient time. It is also a good idea to have a backup plan for your kids in case the funeral becomes too much for them to handle. If you and your other children are not able to attend the funeral, you should record it so that your children can watch it at a later time. This will be a way for them to say goodbye in their own way and help them cope with the loss over time. You should always follow your parental intuition and do what feels right for your family. There are no right or wrong ways to grieve and mourn.

The littlest members of your family need clothes to keep them cozy, comfy and safe. The Children’s Place has lots of cuddle-worthy cute baby clothing for newborns, including dresses, bodysuits and outfits. Choosing mix-and-match basics for your baby will allow you to create a versatile wardrobe that will grow with him or her. Having a few basics on hand, and keeping in mind that you’ll be doing lots of laundry, will save you money and time, as well as make it easier to get the most use out of your baby’s tiny wardrobe. A newborn’s first few weeks at home require special care to protect the umbilical cord stump, which will need to be kept dry. Onesie clothing, with snaps across the front, is ideal for babies during this period. It avoids the need to pull shirts over baby’s head, and it is easier on the sensitive newborn skin. As infants begin to move around and explore their environment, body clothes will become essential. They can be a combination of one-piece garments, such as rompers and babygrows (also known as footie pajamas) with full leg openings for easy diapering. Some garments, such as t-shirts, have fold over scratch mitts to prevent young babies from accidentally scratching themselves. For special occasions, newborns might wear dresses or gowns, sometimes with reversible jackets and dual-sided bibs to provide versatility and minimize laundry. Babies might also wear hats (2-3) and socks (5-6), which can help them stay warm. Newborns are not yet toilet trained, and so will need diapers or nappies to protect against leakage. Some baby clothing comes with diaper covers to help prevent stains and to make it easier for you to get them on and off. Diapers can be supplemented with swim diapers, which are absorbent but have a waterproof coating to help babies enjoy their first swimming adventures. If your infant is a walker or will be using a stroller, consider a baby bunting or toasty foot muff to keep him or her warm on cold days. These can be purchased or made at home, and can also be used as a sling for nursing mothers. During the winter, many families opt to dress their newborns in layers. “Newborns have a hard time regulating their temperatures, and dressing them in layers can make them comfortable all the time,” says Lauren Gregor, co-founder of Rent-a-Romper, a service that allows parents to rent and return baby clothing as they outgrow it. It’s important to remember that baby sizing can vary from brand to brand, so look at each item’s sizing chart. Many newborns are born in the 0-3 month range, and so will need sizes that fit for the first four or five weeks of life. From there, your baby can transition into 3-6 month or 6-9 month clothing. It’s a good idea to have a few of each size on hand, so you can have options for different seasons and activities.

When an individual passes away, they may want their final outfit to reflect who they were as a person and their style. This can be a beautiful way for their family to pay homage to their loved one and help them move forward with peace and clarity. Burial gowns are often a popular choice for a dignified farewell. Burial clothing can range from casual to formal, depending on the deceased’s preferences and their culture or background. Typically, it leans towards formal attire, such as suits or dress shirts with a tie for men and dresses or skirts for women. However, some people choose to wear casual clothes, such as a favorite sports jersey or a dress that holds sentimental value. There are also several options for those who prefer a more natural approach to burial attire. For example, if the deceased was a fisherman, having them wearing their rubber waders and hat with favorite lures and flies can be a comforting touch for loved ones to remember them by. Likewise, if your loved one was a baker, you might like to have their apron and baking gloves available for viewing or to take with them when they are cremated. Alternatively, you can opt for traditional cultural attire to pay homage to the deceased’s heritage. This can include a kimono, kilt, or kurta that can be used to honor their ethnicity and cultural identity. These are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and materials to ensure there’s a perfect option for every individual. If your loved one was a member of a religious community, you can also find many religious-themed burial gowns that are beautifully crafted to provide a peaceful final outfit. These are available in both male and female styles, with or without sleeves, and in a variety of colors and fabrics to match the deceased’s personality. Another option is a burial robe. These are designed to make it simple for funeral directors to dress a loved one with dignity. Usually made from soft, satin-like materials, they can be tailored specifically for men and women or as a unisex option. They can also be adorned with religious motifs such as the Sacred Heart for Catholic funerals. Lastly, you can also find special garments for small babies (often referred to as angel gowns) through a variety of charitable organizations across the country and globe. These are often donated to NICUs, where they can be used as comforting remembrances for families who have lost a baby in the early stages of pregnancy or during birth. Depending on the organization, these are usually free or low-cost and provide a unique opportunity to help families move forward with love and healing. In addition to preserving their memories, they help ensure that tiny babies are properly cared for during the most difficult time in their lives.

If you’re a recently married bride who wants to give back, there are plenty of charities and thrift stores that accept wedding gowns as donations. Before you drop off your gown, do a little research to ensure that the charity you’re giving it to is legitimate and worthy of such an important piece of clothing. In addition, you should make sure that the dress is in good condition, preferably new or almost new. It won’t do anyone any favors if it has holes or visible stains. One of the biggest benefits of donating your wedding dress is that it can help you cut down on textile waste. According to a survey by the Council for Textile Recycling, more than half of the bridal dresses sold at bridal outlets are bought secondhand. While it may seem like a hassle to clean and mend your dress before donating, this is a great way to give it a second life and keep it out of the landfills. The Emma and Evan Foundation repurposes wedding dresses into angel gowns—burial gowns for infants who die before their first birthdays. The foundation provides these memorial gowns to grieving families to provide comfort and a sense of closure. Gowns are accepted year-round, and the foundation provides instructions for mailing or dropping off your donation. Another excellent charity that accepts wedding gowns is NICU Helping Hands, which converts donated dresses into tiny burial gowns for babies who have passed away before their first birthdays. The organization has about 180 seamstresses from all over the country who painstakingly transform wedding dresses into tiny burial gowns for newborns to use on their final journey. Each dress can be used to create around 12 tiny baby burial gowns for families in need. Many thrift stores also accept wedding gowns as donations, such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army. However, it’s essential to contact the store in advance to find out their specific requirements and donation process. For example, some thrift stores require that your dress be professionally cleaned before it can be donated. Others require that you fill out a form and wait for their approval. Some stores will only accept certain types of fabric. If you want to donate your wedding gown, choose a cause that’s close to your heart and that makes you feel passionate about making a difference in the world. The money raised from the sale of wedding dresses can go toward a variety of charitable causes, including breast cancer research and women’s shelters. You can also support veterans and first responders by donating your gown to a nonprofit like Brides Across America. The charity holds free wedding dress giveaway events for military and first responder brides twice a year. If you’re donating your wedding dress during the COVID-19 pandemic, you should have it dry cleaned before sending it off to a charity or thrift store. If possible, you should place the gown in a garment bag to protect it and prevent any accidental spills or rips.

In the world, 1 in 4 pregnancies end in a loss, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth or a heartbreaking diagnosis. When a baby dies, the parents’ hearts break, too. But a Central Florida organization helps ease their pain by turning wedding dresses into remembrances of their beloved little one. “It’s a beautiful thing, and I just love it,” said Edith Kalahar, 66, who has volunteered to sew for the program since 2014. A lifelong seamstress, she was inspired by an article in a local newspaper about the Angel Gown Program at Riley Children’s Health in Indianapolis. The nurse who started the program had reached out to her friends, asking them to help her recruit seamstresses to make gowns for infants who pass away in their hospital’s NICU. Kalahar has donated hundreds of dresses to the cause. She washes them, cuts them into small sizes and sews them together. She has also made bonnets and sleeping bags for the babies. “These are things they will remember, so we want them to be nice,” she says. The gowns are free to families, and some are even embroidered with the baby’s name. “It’s a special moment when they see the gown and are able to take it home with them,” she says. The program has grown exponentially since its inception in 1998, with donations of dresses coming from all over the country and beyond. Its founder, Dawn Corey, a longtime seamstress, created the nonprofit to ensure that families who have experienced loss can receive a special keepsake for their child. Today, Touching Little Lives provides about 25 gowns per month to hospitals in Ohio, and the organization is expanding to other states. “We are trying to reach as many families as possible,” said infant loss coordinator Katrina Durst, whose organization also distributes blankets and other items for the tiny babies. Levine Children’s Hospital has a comfort team that works with nurses and families who are caring for babies who may not survive their stay in the NICU. One of the members of the team, Melissa Tyo, a neonatologist, says they identified the need for angel gowns and are working to improve how they are distributed. Tom and Deanna Williamson lost their son, Eli, shortly after his birth in 2011. They rely on a program at their hospital that uses donated angel gowns to dress babies who never come home. They know the gowns give parents a sense of dignity and peace. They are among many NICU families who have used them. The Williamsons are grateful to the seamstresses who volunteer to make the garments, including Mary Bauer, a member of Columbus Christ Child Society. She has helped make about 200 angel gowns and offers kits to people who want to try sewing them before they commit to it long-term. She has found that some people are just not cut out to be seamstresses, but she wants to help as many as she can.

In the first stages of grief it can be hard to find the energy to think about arranging a funeral or memorial service for your child. However, this is something that needs to be done, and research shows that a service can help manage grief and promote healing. If you decide to hold a service for your child, it is important to discuss what kind of funeral you would like with the funeral director. A service can be anything from a religious or traditional ceremony, to an outdoor or celebratory event. You can choose which casket or urn you wish to use and whether you would prefer to have the body buried or cremated. It is also worth considering the location of the ceremony and the order of events. For example, you may want to arrange a public service so that family, friends and acquaintances can say their last farewells. This is particularly appropriate if the death was sudden and unexpected. During the funeral, it is important to consider your children’s needs and feelings. They may be confused about what is happening and why people are crying. You should make sure that you explain everything to them in a way that they can understand. You should also prepare them for the event beforehand so that they know what to expect. The funeral is also an opportunity for you to honour your child. This could be in the form of a service, a celebration of life or a memory jar. Many parents find that if they can find ways to honour their child, it helps them feel connected and less isolated during the grief process. If your child is being buried, it is important to talk with the funeral directors about what kind of coffin or urn you would like to use. There are a variety of caskets and urns available, and you should take the time to look through them so that you can decide which one is right for you. You should also give the child a chance to participate during the ceremony. This could be as simple as allowing them to sign an autograph book or matted photo frame and it can be a good way for them to express their feelings. You might also want to ask them to pass a microphone during the ceremony and encourage people to share stories or memories of your child. If your child was stillborn, you may be able to apply for financial assistance from the Children’s Funeral Fund in England or Wales or from other sources. This will help with the cost of a funeral, burial or cremation. If you would like to find out more about this, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

When it comes to baby clothing, there are so many adorable options that the possibilities can be overwhelming. To help you choose the best clothing for your newborn, take into account a few key factors: Newborns typically wear simple cotton bodysuits or babygrows for daytime and nightwear, supplemented by bibs during feedings. For special occasions, they might wear scaled down versions of adult clothes like mini-tuxedos. It’s important to keep in mind that infants go through lots of clothes and do laundry often, so it is best to buy in bulk (if possible). Babies also grow quickly, so size up a bit from the tag; it’s always better to have more than less. As a general rule, it’s best to buy clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton and linen. These fabrics are hypoallergenic, breathable, and soft on delicate newborn skin. However, some parents prefer to avoid synthetic fabrics because of their potential health risks. If your child has sensitive skin, opt for a hypoallergenic fabric that is labeled as such. In addition to avoiding certain fabrics, make sure to read labels and sizing charts carefully. It’s a good idea to compare the baby clothing sizing charts between brands; different manufacturers’ sizes run slightly differently, so it’s crucial to double-check. If you’re shopping in-store, try on a few outfits to see which fit well. It’s also a good idea to do some trial and error by buying a few of each size to see which ones your newborn grows into fastest. Whether you’re looking for a new set of cuddle-worthy baby clothes for your own little one or are picking out some gift-worthy basics for a friend or family member, these mom-and-pop shops have got you covered. They offer a wide variety of cute baby styles, including dresses, bodysuits, and outfits. Plus, these mom-and-pop boutiques curate only the best brands in the basics and essentials lane using safe and soft materials that your little one will love to snuggle up in. From the ultra-soft and breathable Lunaluxe material used by Kyte Baby to the incredibly comfy bamboo viscose blend of Little Sleepies, these brands use high-quality fabrics that are as comfortable as can be on teeny newborn bodies. Plus, they all have velcro fronts to allow for easy diaper changes during the first few weeks.