Year: 2025

If your wedding gown is a size too big or you simply don’t wear it anymore, there are plenty of places to donate it. Many bridal shops and charities accept preowned dresses to help brides who can’t afford to buy their dream dress or raise money for other important causes, such as breast cancer research. Some of these organizations resell the dresses, while others turn them into christening gowns, cocktail dresses or accessories like purses or shawls. You can also give your old dress new life by repurposing it as a quilt or a decorative wall hanging. It’s best to check the guidelines of your chosen charity before you start cleaning or packing your gown. Some have specific rules about how old your dress can be, for instance. For example, a charity that resells used wedding dresses may only accept gowns that are no more than five years old. This is to ensure the dress has not been worn out or damaged, which can damage the fabric and leave behind stains. Similarly, some charities only take lace dresses and not chiffon or polyester ones. The charity will likely wash the gown before they resell it or pass it to someone else. If the dress is clean and dry, the process will be much easier for the charity volunteers. In addition, it’s a good idea to label the box of your dress before you send it off, as this can save valuable time for the charity volunteers. The label should include helpful information such as the dress’s size, the name of the brand or designer, the year you bought it and its original price. A wedding dress that is stored for too long can become a haven for rats and insects. It can also develop mold if it is exposed to moisture. If your gown has been in storage for a while, it’s best to wash or dry clean it before donating it. The dress should also be inspected for any signs of stains or rips that need to be cleaned. You should also ask about the organization’s COVID-19 policies before you drop off your dress. Some charities have been updating their guidelines during the pandemic. This may affect how they accept and store the dresses, as well as how they distribute them. Some of the resale charities have a singular focus, such as Brides for a Cause, which collects gowns to sell and then donates the proceeds to dozens of women-focused charities. This charity also accepts bridal accessories and tiaras. There is also NICU Helping Hands, an organization that turns donated wedding dresses into angel gowns for infants who die in the womb or shortly after birth. These babies often spend a lot of time in the hospital, and their parents are overwhelmed with grief. The gowns can give their baby a beautiful funeral and send them off on their next journey in style.

After her daughter died in the NICU, Kathleen Hulet’s heart ached for families who would not get to bring their babies home. Then she remembered an article she’d seen about a seamstress who transforms wedding dresses into infant burial gowns, known as angel gowns. These beautiful little dresses are offered to hospitals, birthing centers and funeral homes — as well as directly to grieving parents – free of charge. Those little gowns are changing lives, and they’re being used to help families remember their tiny baby in a meaningful way. Across the country and around the world, many families struggle to find clothes to dress their baby for their final photos and for internment. So the gowns created by volunteers like Kathleen are a gift that helps ease some of that stress, a way for families to hold on to their baby for a little longer. One such family is at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, in the NICU and PICU. Earlier this month, the hospital received its first package of precious angel gowns from volunteer seamstresses. These beautiful, custom-made gowns, along with matching blankets and bonnets, will be given to families when a child is born stillborn or dies during or shortly after birth. At no cost to the parents, Sunshine State Angel Gowns uses exquisite wedding gowns donated by caring people across the nation to make small, delicate burial gowns for infants who die before, during or immediately after their birth. These glorious gowns, called angel gowns, are then delivered to hospitals, hospitals’ neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and funeral homes – and to families who have lost their child – all over the country and in four countries worldwide. This is not an exhaustive list, but it shows that the need for these gowns is truly global. And it’s an incredible testament to the compassion and dedication of volunteers like Kathleen and the rest who make it possible. ANALANE POWELL: The first time I met Kathleen, she told me her story. Her daughter was born at 24 weeks and weighed just 1 pound. She lived only four days and died from a rare lung disease. Her mother was unable to find clothing small enough for her, and that’s when she decided to become a seamstress to make angel gowns for other grieving families. Since that article was published in May 2018, Kathleen has sewed thousands of angel gowns, and she’s not alone. Volunteers from all over the country — and in four other countries — have joined her cause. The gowns are made from a variety of fabrics, including bridal gowns and formal dresses. Each one is washed, cut and sewed by hand, and some are machine-stitched. They’re offered to families all over the United States and in many other parts of the world, as well as at hospitals in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas. They’re also being sent to hospitals in Oregon, Texas and several other states.

When a child dies, planning their funeral can be difficult and emotionally draining. While it may seem like a task that can’t be completed, it is important to make these decisions in order to move forward and find closure. It is recommended to talk to a bereavement specialist about how best to discuss this with your children. You will also need to decide whether your child is going to be buried or cremated and the type of service you would like to have. Explaining the funeral to your children is a vitally important part of helping them understand what will happen and determining if they are ready to attend. The key is to be honest and break it down into small chunks that they can manage. Talking about where the funeral events will be held, who they are likely to see and what they will do can help children feel prepared and comfortable. You may also wish to arrange for a point person to look after your child at the ceremony and take them for a walk or offer a quiet activity if they need a break from what will be a very upsetting event. If your child is going to be able to view their deceased sibling at the visitation or at the funeral, it can be comforting for them to know in advance that the body will be fully dressed and that the casket isn’t scary. Explaining that the body will be cool to the touch and that the body won’t hurt them can be helpful too. It is also a good idea to let children know that they will see people showing a wide variety of emotions at the funeral, including tears and laughter. Reassure them that their feelings matter and that it’s ok to cry, even if the rest of the audience are laughing. Inviting your child to light candles, place flowers or engage in other ceremonial activities at the funeral can be a great way to help them feel included. If they are old enough you may want to allow them to read a poem or short piece, sing a song or say a prayer during the service. After the ceremony you can encourage your child to keep a memory box at home and fill it with photos, things that remind them of their sibling, favourite memories and stories. You may also wish to involve them in other memorial ceremonies such as planting a tree, placing a stone or releasing a flower into the sea or river. The decision of whether to let your child touch their deceased sibling or not can be a very personal one and it is best to trust the decision they make. However, if they are young enough and if they have been prepared ahead of time, many children do enjoy this opportunity to say goodbye to their loved one.

Baby clothing is not cheap, so it’s a good idea to get an idea of what sizes your baby will need and how many outfits of each size you will need before you start shopping. Many parents find that the best way to figure out what size baby clothes to buy is to look at a clothing brand’s sizing chart and compare it to their infant’s measurements. Keep in mind that different brands tend to run a little smaller, bigger or longer or shorter than others. You will also want to keep in mind that babies grow very quickly, so if the size on the tag is too small, it’s often wise to go up a size. The right baby clothing will be comfortable and easy to take care of. You will want to look for clothes made of cotton, which breathes well and is gentle against your baby’s sensitive skin. You will want to avoid any materials that might irritate your newborn’s skin, such as wool or synthetic fibers, especially in PJs. Look for stretchy jumpsuits that fasten at the front or have envelope necks so they are easier to put on your baby. You will also want to consider whether you will be dressing your baby in PJs or a more dressy outfit during the day. Some families find that they prefer to keep their newborns in pajamas during the day, while other families like to have their babies dressed up in cute outfits for photos or visiting friends and family. A couple of sets of footie PJs are usually a good choice, along with one or two gowns. Some brands even make gowns with snaps, which can be easier to use than zippers on babies. You should also have some “special occasion” outfits on hand, such as a pretty pink or blue floral dress that can be worn to meet grandparents and other relatives for the first time. You may also want a few pajamas that have cute holiday prints to wear to Christmas or Valentine’s Day celebrations with your family and friends. There are many great baby clothing brands to choose from, including Little Sleepies patterns that are fun and colorful, Target’s Cloud Island, Carter’s, Old Navy and a few other favorites. Some brands are even themed with popular kids’ characters, such as Disney and Marvel. It’s also worth considering whether you can find some pre-loved baby clothes to use for your newborn. You can find many gently used pieces online, or you can check out a baby clothing rental service such as Rent-a-Romper that offers a monthly subscription to have clothes delivered to your home. You can even return them once your child outgrows them, which will save you a lot of money and space!

Burial gowns are a simple and respectful way to dress a deceased loved one before their funeral service. Whether you’re planning a traditional casket or an open-casket ceremony, these garments are available in a wide range of appealing fabrics and styles. They are designed to be easy for the funeral director to put on, with details like false shirt fronts that help to hide the person’s body from view. You can also find a selection of designs that include religious motifs such as the Sacred Heart for Catholic funerals. There are burial outfits that are sized for men and women, as well as bariatric versions for people of larger build. The type of clothes that you choose for your loved one to be dressed in at their funeral will depend on many factors including their cultural background, personal style, and religious beliefs. Involving loved ones in this decision-making process can be a comforting and thoughtful way to honour their life and legacy. For most people, the choice of burial attire is a matter of personal preference. Some prefer a more formal look, while others may opt for more casual clothing that is a reminder of their love of a particular hobby or activity. For example, a man who loved to fish might wear his favorite pair of rubber waders and hat adorned with his favored lures and flies. For women, a smart dress or blouse in a subtle pastel color might be a good option. Alternatively, a simple white ensemble can be a good choice to convey a sense of peace and serenity. This could include a white dress or skirt paired with a white blouse or tailored shirt. The outfit could be accessorized with a conservative, matching tie and polished dress shoes. It’s important to remember that the clothes you select for your loved one to be dressed in at the funeral and service must be suitable for cremation as some materials cannot be burned. If the funeral is to be held in a crematorium, it’s a good idea to consult with the funeral home regarding their policies on this issue. You can also find a variety of burial shrouds and casket sheets that are suitable for green funerals and woodland burial grounds. These are typically made of natural fibres, such as calico or linen, and are free from man-made materials, making them a good choice for green funerals. These are often designed to resemble smart night gowns, pyjamas or dressing gowns, and are available in a wide variety of attractive shades and fabrics. You can also select a burial shroud or casket sheet that has been printed with an image of a person. These can be a lovely way to create a unique and personalized appearance that will be a lasting memorial to your loved one. They can be a particularly touching touch when used for a child’s funeral or for an open casket ceremony for those who prefer not to have their bodies embalmed.

Donating your wedding dress can help give a new bride the chance to have the wedding of her dreams. Many bridal or thrift shops accept gowns, while other nonprofits take in other items like jewelry and accessories. During COVID-19, donating dresses is an especially good choice because the virus can live on some fabrics and materials for a couple days and can be dangerous to touch and wear. Regardless of whether the charity you’re donating to takes gowns or other items, it’s best to follow the dress donation guidelines to ensure your dress is in good condition for its next owner. Before you begin the reselling process, you should first contact your chosen charity and ask what their requirements are. For example, some charities will only accept dresses that are less than five years old, while others require the dress to be professionally cleaned before being donated. Some will even offer to clean the gown for an additional fee, which saves you money and time. Some organizations also have specific deadlines for gown donations, so make sure to check the website for dates and instructions. Alternatively, some bridal or wedding expos may host gown sales that benefit local or national charitable causes. These events are a great option for brides looking to sell their used dresses because they often attract a large audience, making it easier for brides-to-be to find what they’re looking for. Some charities that take in dresses will post them online to help match them with brides who are interested. Shared Dream Dresses, started by PEOPLE writer Emily Stulgis, is one such group that’s currently connecting 19,000 brides with their perfect dress. Stulgis says that the group’s success is partly due to its transparency. The private Facebook page allows brides to share photos of their dresses, along with size and fit details. Other brides then reach out to connect. You can also donate your gown to a general organization like Goodwill or the Salvation Army, which has an extensive network and can make your dress available to more people than you might expect. In addition, some community theaters or schools will accept gown donations that can be repurposed as costumes for stage productions. If you decide to donate your gown, be sure to store it in a sturdy, acid-free box. This protects the fabric from stains, which can occur when a dress isn’t properly stored and cared for. The box should also be labeled with helpful information about the dress to save charity volunteers time, including the name of the dress, the brand or designer and the year purchased. While reselling your dress can be an excellent way to recoup some of the money you spent on it, the time and effort that goes into the reselling process might not be worth it for you. Moreover, donating your wedding dress helps you declutter your closet and reduces the amount of space it takes up in your home.

Many of the parents who are helped by NICU Helping Hands have experienced their own personal tragedies. Some had miscarriages; others lost their surviving preemies to complications of premature birth or were stillborn. The organization’s goal is to provide families of babies who are stillborn or die shortly after birth with a beautiful gown or angel wrap that can be used for final photographs and dressing the baby for burial. The nonprofit has volunteers across the country, including at Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, California. This hospital provides high-quality, compassionate care for children and their families. As a nurse at the hospital for 37 years, Gaber has seen too many families deal with loss of their little one. She says the grieving is overwhelming and that she wanted to do something to help. Gaber found her calling when she began making small dresses from donated wedding gowns, called angel gowns, that can be worn by infants that are stillborn or who die in their first few days of life. These angel gowns are made by sewing together bits of fabric from a wedding dress or other formal gown, with or without a train, and adding accessories. The resulting tiny work of art is designed for boys and girls in sizes that fit the tiniest preemies up to full-term infants. They are often adorned with lace, embroidery, beads and pearls, and are meant to be a small tribute to the child. Across the country, volunteer seamstresses make these little works of art for babies who will never leave their hospitals. Some have added special touches like a cap or bonnet, bow tie, or vest, or sewed phrases such as “heaven’s angel” or “love forever.” The same intricate detail that went into the original wedding dress is passed into the tiny angel gown. In Florida, Sunshine State Angel Gowns operates out of an office in Altamonte Springs, but it reaches parents all over the state. Executive Director Michelle Cortes has personally visited hospitals such as Winnie Palmer, Florida Hospital and Tallahassee Memorial to ensure that a gown, blanket or wrap is available for every family in need. Cortes and her team are able to provide these items free of charge for any family who requests them. She also works directly with other hospitals in the area, such as Sanford and CHI St. Alexius, to ensure that each family has the proper materials during their time of need. Anyone can become a volunteer for the organization. The only requirement is a desire to provide comfort and support to grieving parents. Monetary donations are also accepted and go toward purchasing supplies, including the purchase of sewing machines for each seamstress. Gift cards are welcomed, too, at craft retailers such as Hobby Lobby and JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores. To learn more about how you can help, visit the organization’s website here.

When your baby dies, the decisions you make are some of the hardest you will ever have to make. Whether you choose to bury or cremate your child, a funeral ceremony provides a real opportunity for mourners of all ages to say goodbye and begin to find healing. While the idea of a child funeral might feel overwhelming, it is important to remember that thousands of parents before you have successfully navigated this difficult journey and there are many people willing to support you along the way. Assessing your children’s readiness to attend a funeral is a very personal decision. Children understand death differently depending on age and a funeral is often the first time they will have witnessed an event like this. Taking the time to explain what will happen in simple terms and allowing them to take a break if they need it is crucial. Encouraging siblings to participate in a ceremony is also something that can help with their grief and it may be beneficial to ask them to present a tribute to their sibling, but allowing them to do this on their own terms. If your children are attending a service where the casket will be on display it is important to prepare them ahead of time. Using pictures and stories from their childhood can help them understand what they will see and ensure they are not overly anxious. It is also helpful to reassure them that their sibling cannot see them or hear them at the funeral and that they will be in a safe place. If you are choosing a closed casket, it is also important to prepare your children for this in the same way by explaining that their sibling will be fully dressed, but not in any pain or fear and that they cannot feel cold. Choosing music and readings that were special to your child can provide a meaningful connection during the service. Including personal items such as favorite toys or a teddy bear can help with this as well. Allowing family members and close friends to offer eulogies and share memories is another way to create a meaningful ceremony. The rites of committal are the final step in your baby’s ceremony and you can ask that their coffin be hidden from view or removed completely from the room at this point. You can then choose to have the ashes buried at the crematorium, scattered in their garden of rest or collected and taken home. Whether you plan to have your child buried or cremated it is also important to think about what your family will do with their ashes after the service. There are many options available to you and you should do what feels right for your family. It is also worth considering how you will talk to your children about the ashes once they are back in your possession. This will probably require some more detailed explanation and discussion, but having this conversation in advance can help them better understand what has happened.

When it comes to baby clothing, the options are endless. But which brands have the most stylish designs, and which ones will stand up to frequent washings? Read on for a round-up of the best pieces to add to your newborn’s wardrobe. Closures like snaps, elastics and zippers can have a big impact on how easy it is to dress your little one. Look for garments with easy-to-use closures, as well as safety tabs and snaps that cover the ends of fasteners to prevent baby from getting them caught on objects. It’s also helpful to have a few outfits that are simple enough for quick changes, especially when your baby is wiggling around. Newborns grow quickly, so it’s important to get the right size. Check the label for recommended sizing, but keep in mind that babies can fit into sizes much larger or smaller than what the tag recommends. If possible, try on a few different items and consider whether you can envision the piece fitting your baby at their full-term weight and height. You can also rely on online reviews to help you gauge fit. From spit-ups to blowouts, baby clothes are often going to need frequent washing. A high-quality cotton fabric is a good choice because it can withstand a lot of wear and tear, and it won’t lose its shape or color with repeated washes. Look for cotton jersey, as it’s soft and stretchy enough for infants but still durable enough to hold up to many uses. Another option is to shop for clothes made from organic cotton, which has been grown without the use of chemicals that can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin. Look for clothing with GOTS or OEKO-TEX certifications to make sure you’re getting the highest quality fabrics. Despite their small sizes, it’s possible to find baby clothes that are as stylish as your own, thanks to brands like Zara, which has a wide selection of cute styles that veer on the childish side or have a more sophisticated look. GH staffers who’ve bought Zara clothing for their own children say the company’s styles are a great way to inject some personality into your little bundle of joy. If you’re looking for a more classic look, consider shopping for brands like Cloud Island, which sells soft and cozy sweaters and tees in neutral colors. The brand’s knit cotton jersey material is incredibly soft and stretchy, and GH analysts who’ve purchased clothing from the line for friends and family say it’s comfortable, warm and durable, and doesn’t show signs of wear after many washes. The company’s clothes are a bit on the pricey side, but they’re a good investment because you can expect them to last a long time, and you can pass them down or sell them through sites like Poshmark and ThredUP after your baby grows out of them.

Burial outfits can be a deeply personal and emotional aspect of the funeral process. By considering the deceased’s cultural background, religious beliefs and personal style, you can select attire that reflects their unique identity. If your loved one has left specific instructions about their funeral attire, or if they did not leave any instructions, it can be helpful to consult with a professional funeral director who can offer guidance and help you carry out your loved ones wishes. The first consideration when selecting burial clothing is the personality of your loved one. Did they prefer casual clothing, or did they prefer to dress more formally? A simple black dress can be a classic choice, and will exude elegance and solemnity. It can be adorned with a ribbon or floral arrangement for an additional element of beauty. Some modern burial garments are designed with false shirt fronts and other embellishments to resemble day wear or evening clothes. When it comes to choosing burial clothing for a male, a suit is usually the most appropriate choice. A dark suit with a crisp white shirt can provide a refined and dignified look. Shirt buttons can be replaced with rhinestones or pearls to add a touch of sophistication to the outfit. For a more traditional burial, a burial shroud is an option that many people choose. This type of wrapping is made from linen, and it is ecologically produced. The material is also biodegradable, which makes it ideal for a natural or green funeral. Many cultures and religions have a specific set of guidelines about how to dress the dead. For example, Muslim and Jewish faith traditions call for the body to be wrapped in a cloth known as a kafan or tachrichim, respectively. If your loved one has a particular culture or religious tradition that they wish to be honored with their burial attire, it is important to consult with a professional to ensure that the attire selected will be compliant with these customs. If your loved one wanted to be buried with a special piece of jewelry, such as a necklace or watch, it is important to let the funeral directors know about these wishes. It is a good idea to communicate with your family members about these wishes as well, as it can be difficult for them to remember at such a sad and trying time. Ultimately, the selection of burial clothing is a personal and sentimental task that should be carried out with the utmost care and respect. By following these tips and working closely with your funeral directors in Elba, NY, you can choose an outfit that honors the life of your loved one. Whether you choose to use an outfit from their wardrobe or to go with something more traditional, you can be confident that your loved one’s funeral will be a beautiful and meaningful ceremony.