Year: 2025

A bride’s dress is often her most cherished wedding keepsake, but what happens to it once she no longer needs it? The good news is, many charities that accept gown donations give them new lives, helping brides find the perfect dresses at prices they can afford. While some charities have a specific focus like supporting cancer patients, others are general in scope and can help all women who don’t have the means to purchase new dresses at full price. In addition, many thrift stores and resale shops that sell used wedding dresses will take gown donations to make them available to budget-conscious shoppers who might not be able to afford a brand new dress. KEMP Wyre Forest Hospice, based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, is one such charity that takes dress donations for its Bridal Floor at the hospice’s Coventry Street Charity Shop. The funds raised from the sale of donated dresses go toward care and support services for individuals suffering from life-limiting illnesses, their families and carers. Dresses are either sold on the shop’s website or made available to a local network of bridal consultants to be given to brides-to-be who may not be able to afford a new wedding dress. “The feedback we get is really uplifting,” says the hospice’s community support specialist, Lisa Chapman. “People are so grateful to be able to have a gown that they can wear and love on their wedding day.” A bride-to-be in need of a gown will fill out an online form to request a dress and provide measurements. The charity then sends the requested dress to the bride, along with a veil and shoes. The charity will also resell the dress at its next Operation Wedding Gown event for military and first responder brides, which are held twice a year. The charity’s website includes a page that outlines their vetting process, with guidelines that include whether a dress should have been worn and how to prepare it for donation, including having it professionally cleaned. It’s worth doing your research as not all charities will accept every gown, even if it’s in excellent condition. In addition to local charities, look for buy/sell/trade groups on social media and online forums that can match you with someone in need of a dress. Those groups may have threads specifically for wedding dress donations, or the option to post your dress in the appropriate section. For instance, Shared Dream Dresses, a Facebook group started by former PEOPLE bride Stulgis, connects donors with brides-to-be who need a gown through a private group where members share photos and size information. The group’s 19,000 members have helped connect more than 200 pairs. The brides-to-be have had compelling stories, such as one woman who lost her original dress in a fire and reached out to the group for assistance. The pair successfully matched, and the dress was shipped to the bride. Donated dresses can also be repurposed into something else, such as a baby gown for a child who passed away in the hospital.

ND Angel Gowns knit broken hearts all over the world together in love, hope and healing. Their beautiful work gives families a piece of their baby’s memory to hold onto. Every year, nearly 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage and 24,000 babies are stillborn in the United States. That is a lot of families struggling with heartbreak. Judi Gaber is a nurse at Riley Children’s Hospital in North Dakota and has been working with these families for the past 37 years. She says losing a child is one of the most heart-wrenching things you can experience in life. She began to notice that many families didn’t have anything special to take home with their lost infants. Then she found a solution that is now in use at hospitals nationwide. Angel gowns are made out of donated wedding dresses and are used as burial outfits or keepsakes for a baby who was born too soon. Several local moms and grandmothers have taken up the task of making these special garments. They are donated to hospitals and birthing centers for families who are facing the loss of their unborn or newborn baby. The idea of repurposing a wedding dress is not new, but this particular project has grown to reach beyond just Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. Mangiaracina has since received a message from a mother in Puyallup who read her column. She and her husband lost a daughter and could relate to Sarah’s story of missing birthdays and other milestones. They decided to donate their own wedding dress and it was turned into an angel gown for her daughter’s grave site. In the months that followed, she received more messages from people all over the country who were interested in donating their dresses to be turned into angel gowns. She now has 85 gowns in various stages of completion and is supplying them to hospitals in Oregon, Texas and Montana as well. Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center is proud to partner with ND Angel Gowns in their effort to provide these families with a piece of their little one’s memory. Our NICU nurses are grateful to have these garments available for our tiniest patients and their families. Visit this link to learn more about the hospital and their services. A special thank you to our friends at ND Angel Gowns for bringing this heartwarming story to our attention. We can’t imagine the pain and grief that these gowns bring to families but are so happy to be able to help them in their time of need.

A child funeral is a special service that allows parents and family members to say goodbye to their baby or children who died. This service often includes a memorial ceremony or a visitation followed by a private burial. A child funeral can be a comforting way to help families process their loss and find a way to honour their loved one. Whether you decide to hold a child funeral or not, it’s important to talk with your children about it and understand what to expect. It is also important to know that if your child chooses not to attend the funeral, that is okay. Attending without preparation or information may cause a child to feel confused and scared and can lead to feelings of regret or resentment later. Many adults who have attended a child funeral say it was a beautiful and empowering experience that helped them to begin to heal. For some children, however, the decision to go to a funeral is difficult. Usually, this is due to a lack of information. If your child does not want to attend, listen to them carefully and try to determine the root of their reluctance. Talk to them about the service and what to expect, but don’t pressure them into going. If they change their minds, that is fine too. Explain what to expect at a funeral and make sure your child knows that it is normal to see people grieving and crying. They may be surprised to see a variety of emotions, including laughter. This will help them understand that their own feelings are normal too. It’s also a good idea to let them know what they will see at the funeral, especially if there will be an open casket or urn on a memorial table. If they will be able to view their sibling’s body, help them understand that the body looks different when it is dead. It is often cool to the touch, and there might be marks or scars from birth defects. Explain that it is a good idea to touch their sibling’s hand or arm but they should be careful not to cause any harm to their body. Explain that they will see people wearing all sorts of clothing at a funeral. Some people will be in formal clothes and others in casual attire. It’s important for children to understand that there are no right or wrong ways to dress for a funeral. Encourage your children to bring a picture of their sibling with them to the service and to sign a memory book or other mementos during the ceremony. It’s helpful for them to have something physical to hold during the service and to be able to share their thoughts with other family members and friends. Be aware that your children will likely spend a long time in a dark, quiet, and unfamiliar environment. Ensure that they have plenty of snacks and water and that you check in on them periodically. Plan for them to leave early if necessary, and give them an activity to do before or after the funeral such as playing a video of their sibling’s favorite songs or writing a letter or card to their sister or brother.

Choosing your baby’s clothing is an exciting part of preparation for the arrival of your little one. However, there are many options out there and it can be confusing, especially for new parents. As such, it’s important to prioritise comfort, safety and practicality when deciding what to buy for your newborn. Babies grow extremely fast and their clothes are worn only a few times before they outgrow them. For this reason, it’s a good idea to look into rental services that allow you to purchase and then return newborn clothing. This reduces clutter and waste in your home, allows you to trial different brands of clothing and even helps to support the local economy. The best type of baby clothing to choose for your newborn is cotton. Not only is it soft and breathable, but it also helps to regulate body temperature so your newborn will stay comfortable in any weather. Depending on the time of year, you’ll need to consider your newborn’s wardrobe needs and whether they will need long-sleeved sleepsuits for warmth or short-sleeved ones for summer. In addition to these, a couple of pairs of booties will help keep their feet warm and are a cute alternative to socks. Baby hats are another must-have, protecting their delicate head from the sun and helping to retain heat. Lastly, some babies love to wear dressing gowns after bathtime and these are ideal to keep them warm and dry. If you want to purchase baby clothing, it’s important to remember that newborn sizes can vary between manufacturers and so it’s a good idea to check sizing charts before making any purchases. You’ll also need to keep in mind that newborns aren’t as big as they might look on the packaging, so it’s often a good idea to go up a size if you’re worried about it being too small. When choosing newborn clothes, try to avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester and PVC. These fabrics can irritate your baby’s skin and are also not biodegradable. Instead, opt for organic cotton or a natural fabric like silk or wool. As your newborn grows, you’ll likely find yourself needing to replace their baby clothing quite frequently, especially if they’re a large eater or have a lot of milk. You’ll also need to stock up on bibs, scratch mittens and nappy covers. As you’re buying newborn clothing, it’s a good idea to invest in some special occasion outfits for when they come home from hospital or to meet family and friends. These can be used for photos and special occasions and it’s a lovely way to create lasting memories of this very special time in your life.

If you have lost a loved one, choosing the attire they will be buried in is an important part of funeral planning. It is a way to honour them and to pay tribute to the life they lived, including their cultural, religious and personal preferences. In some traditions, the outfit can even convey a message of hope or love. The clothing a person is buried in can have a powerful impact on the people who come to the funeral and memorial service. Traditionally, men and women choose to wear formal attire for their funerals and wakes. Whether it is a dress or suit, this clothing reflects their personal style and contributes to the overall tone and dignity of the ceremony. While suits are a popular choice, there is no right or wrong dress for a loved one’s funeral. The choice depends on the individual’s personality, cultural background, religious beliefs and personal preference. When selecting attire for a loved one’s funeral, it is often a good idea to involve family members and friends who knew the deceased. This can be a comforting and humbling experience, as it is an opportunity to reflect on their memories of the person. Many families also choose to add personal touches to the ensemble, such as jewellery or other cherished accessories. While it is common to include a wedding ring or other precious items, this should be discussed with the funeral home to make sure it is safe for your loved one’s cremation. Many funeral homes offer a selection of burial gowns that can be worn during the service and at a graveside or columbarium burial. The gowns are typically made from a light fabric and are designed to drape over the body. This allows the deceased to be dressed by a loved one and provides ease of movement, which is important for people who are grieving. Funeral homes can provide a range of burial gowns from various manufacturers. They are available in a variety of colours and materials to suit the personality of the deceased. Some are patterned, which can be a comfort for loved ones who may feel the loss of a physical connection to their beloved. Others are simple and elegant, allowing the deceased to be dressed in the same fashion they would wear for everyday life. For infants, burial clothes can have a particularly deep significance. Out of every thousand births, five infants die, and for many families, this loss can be unimaginably difficult. A seamstress in Utah is helping to ease the burden by sewing burial clothes out of donated wedding dresses for babies who die soon after their birth or for miscarriages and still births. KUER’s Ciara Hulet reports.

Many brides have the heartfelt desire to give their wedding dress a second life, donating it instead of selling it or keeping it stuffed in the closet. Donating your gown can help people in need, or support a charitable cause. In addition, donating your dress can help you get a tax deduction, depending on how you choose to donate it. Many charities accept wedding dress donations and sell them in their thrift stores at a low price. Many of these charities have specific causes that they fund with proceeds from dress sales. For example, Brides Against Breast Cancer focuses on early detection and awareness of the disease. The organization also provides financial assistance to women fighting breast cancer. Other charities may focus on helping those in need, or providing opportunities for young girls and women. Goodwill, for instance, uses proceeds from its clothing donation sales to provide jobs, housing, and other support services for the homeless, veterans, and other people who need it most. Some of these charities offer online platforms for donors to connect with potential brides looking for their dream dresses. For example, Shared Dream Dresses was created by Stulgis to match up pre-loved bridal gowns with new brides. The private Facebook group has more than 19,000 members, with about 200 successful dress connections made so far. These online resources allow brides in need to find the dress of their dreams while allowing donors to feel good about helping others. In addition to bridal gowns, some charities also accept flower girl and bridesmaid dresses and even accessories such as veils and tiaras. Some of these organizations have a specific focus on giving back, while others aim to make the wedding industry more sustainable. The cost of a wedding gown can be overwhelming for many couples. With so many individuals experiencing financial hardships due to the pandemic, a donation can help a bride in need have her wedding day without breaking the bank. Other charities, such as NICU Helping Hands, transform donated wedding dresses into beautiful infant burial gowns, called angel gowns, to be given to families who have lost babies too soon. In addition to helping others, donating your wedding dress can also help the environment. According to GreenDrop, producing new clothes and textiles releases toxins into the atmosphere that can affect air quality and human health. By donating your dress, you can help reduce the amount of waste in landfills and the world. As with any charitable donation, it’s important to be aware of the requirements of each charity before donating your dress. Be sure to follow all guidelines, including dry cleaning your dress before donating it and packing it appropriately for shipping. Don’t forget to keep copies of any correspondence, agreements, or receipts for your records. If you have any questions, contact the charity directly to get a better understanding of its procedures.

AKRON, Ohio (WKYC) — Every year, more than 24,000 babies are stillborn or die shortly after birth. This is a tragedy no parent ever wants to experience, but it does happen. And many parents are unprepared for how to respond when they do. That’s why a former labor and delivery nurse is using her new chapter in retirement to provide grieving families with something they never expected — tiny, handmade gowns stitched from wedding dresses. They’re called angel gowns, and they help families remember their baby. A few years ago, Kathleen Soholt spotted an old wedding dress at a thrift store in Golden Valley, Minnesota, and knew it was meant for something bigger than herself. Soholt contacted a local seamstress who could turn the dress into an angel gown for the infants at her local hospital, and the rest is history. She’s now donating her creations to hospitals across the country. In fact, she’s even sent her gowns to four other countries. Soholt says these special gowns — also known as angel suits or angel pockets — are not commonly available at hospitals, and it’s something she wanted to change. As a nurse at Mayo Clinic, she knows the loss of a baby is one of the most heartbreaking experiences a person can have. And while nothing can take away the grief, she believes these gowns offer families a little bit of comfort and hope. And that’s why she continues to make them — now in more than 30 states and four other countries. “It’s very gratifying to know that my gowns are making an impact worldwide,” she said. The gowns are made from donated wedding dresses, and a single dress can produce as many as 30 angel gowns. Each one comes with a cap or bonnet and a blanket to wrap the infant in. And while every gown is different, each one has the same beautiful detail and love that went into the original dress. Soholt’s goal is to keep making these gowns and share them with families in need. She has a back closet full of fabric, ribbons, gallon zip-lock bags and more — everything she needs to keep making the tiny angel gowns. And as she works, she keeps a plastic baby model by her side to remind herself why she does it. For more information about Sunshine State Angel Gowns, including how to donate a dress, click here. The organization is hosting a fundraiser Sunday at Rhythm and Smooth in Casselberry to raise money for the cause. To purchase tickets or contribute items for the silent auction, click here. The event runs from 1pm – 4pm. The proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward purchasing supplies for the next batch of gowns.

If your child wants to attend the funeral service, it’s important to respect their choice and support them. Children experience grief in different ways, and they can change their mind or become overwhelmed at any time. If they do decide to attend, it’s important that they have an understanding of what will happen and a chance to express their emotions. It’s also important that they are given the opportunity to say goodbye in their own way, whether that means leaving the service early or doing something special at home like telling a story or making a drawing. For young children who want to attend a service, planning is essential. Explain what they will see: the somber setting, people wearing dark colors, the casket or urn, and people talking about the deceased. Explain what to expect from the service, including speeches, prayers and rituals. This will help them prepare and feel less anxious about what to expect. It’s a good idea to have a buddy for your child at the service, someone who won’t mind taking them outside or into a hallway for a quick break if needed. It’s a good idea to select this person in advance so that they can be prepared for the role. Some children will be sad and cry during a service, while others may not show much emotion or appear unaffected. It’s important to remember that kids have a hard time processing difficult emotions, and their feelings will come and go throughout the day. In addition to a memorial or funeral service, you can hold a celebration of life to honor your child’s memory. This can be an intimate affair that takes place at your home, a private venue or in a park. During this event, guests can share stories, memories and words of encouragement. You can also display personal items such as a favorite toy, a baby blanket, photos or artwork. Many parents choose to dress their infant or toddler in a favorite outfit, such as a bib or onesie, for the funeral service. This can be comforting for the entire family, especially if they have to leave the service early. For older children, you can ask them to write or draw messages that can be placed in the casket or urn. You can also have children or guests dress in a child’s favorite sports team, cartoon or movie character outfit for the funeral service. Other creative options include using a child’s favorite cradle, doll bed, Moses basket or bassinet for the casket lining or ceremonial shroud; or displaying a youth or wagon padded with blankets in place of a casket. You can also record or have a guest read a favourite story or poem. All of these things can help children connect with the deceased in a way that feels meaningful to them.

Baby clothes come in all sorts of designs and sizes, but the most important thing is that they feel soft against your newborn’s sensitive skin. The best brands of onesies, pajamas, and pants are made from cotton, which is comfortable to the touch and washes well. In addition, look for a brand that makes its clothes with bamboo or another material that’s extra-soft to the touch. Those fabrics often have a higher price tag, but they may be worth it if your newbie is allergic to synthetics or just wants the best-feeling clothing. Onesies are a staple of your newborn’s wardrobe, but choose carefully. Many onesies have snaps at the crotch and neck, which can be difficult for babies to maneuver with their tiny hands. Look for onesies that fasten across the front or have envelope necks, which are easier to get over the head. Also look for shirts that have long sleeves, which are warmer in winter and protect baby from scrapes and abrasions while they’re still growing. In colder weather, your newborn will need a few pairs of footie PJs and socks, plus hats to keep them cozy. Babies lose a lot of heat through their heads, and thin hats will help keep the littlest members of your family warm. In addition, mittens prevent newborns from scratching themselves. Leg warmers are helpful for newborns, too: They slip over footies or pants, and they’re more comfy than regular socks. Your tiniest new member will likely change outfits multiple times a day, thanks to spit-ups and blowouts. To minimize laundry, consider buying clothes that are reversible or that have a zipper in the crotch. It’s also a good idea to buy a few hats and scarves in a variety of colors so that you can mix and match pieces to create different outfits for every season. Most newborns won’t wear matching outfits for a while, but you can pick up a few special sets to dress your little one in as they get older. These are great for photoshoots, to wear home from the hospital, and for visiting family and friends. For cute, affordable clothes that are designed with newborns in mind, look for brands like Old Navy and Carter’s. They have fun prints and patterns, and they’re available in both gender-specific and unisex styles. Other top-rated brands of baby clothing include Kyte Baby, Little Sleepies, and Hanna Andersson. If you’re looking for a special outfit, keep an eye out for clothing from brands that partner with kids’ favorite characters or sports teams.

When someone dies, their loved ones often take up the task of dressing their body for burial or a funeral service. This may seem like a small detail, but choosing the right outfit can be a profound act of reverence. For many people, poring through their loved one’s closet in search of a fitting outfit can be an emotionally wrenching experience, but it can also be deeply rewarding. A well-fitting suit or gown is typically appropriate for a man or woman to be buried in. This type of clothing exudes dignity and reflects the deceased’s personality. Many people choose to dress their departed family member or friend in a traditional black ensemble, a choice that conveys elegance and solemnity. A black dress or skirt can be paired with a formal white blouse and polished dress shoes to complete the look. Alternatively, some people opt for a more casual look. This is especially true if the deceased was a person who preferred a relaxed style of clothing in their daily life, such as jeans or a t-shirt and pants. A flannel shirt or dress can be worn with a tailored shirt in a subdued color, and the look is completed with closed-toe shoes and understated accessories. Some people also choose to dress their departed family member in a garment that honors the individual’s cultural heritage. Incorporating a traditional kimono, kilt, kurta or other garment into the funeral service is an excellent way to pay respect to a deceased person’s heritage and culture. Burial robes are another option, and they are typically made of soft or satin-like fabrics. They resemble smart night gowns, pyjamas or dressing gowns, and they come in both men’s and women’s styles. They can be tailored to fit both tall and petite bodies, and they are available in a variety of appealing colors and fabrics. Additionally, bariatric burial robes are made specifically to accommodate individuals who have lost or gained significant weight during their lifetime, and they can be found in a range of attractive sizes. Infant deaths are unimaginably difficult for parents and families, and the loss of a baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth is especially devastating. For some families, choosing the appropriate clothing for an infant’s casket can be an emotional challenge. A seamstress in Utah is working to ease this burden, as Ciara Hulet from member station KUER reports. If you’re deciding what to wear at your own funeral, start by looking through your closet. You may already have an outfit in mind, and if you don’t, a wardrobe consultant can help you find something that best reflects your personality and taste. If you’re planning an open casket, a consultant can help you plan what to wear during the viewing so that your loved ones and guests will have a peaceful farewell. They can also provide a wide selection of clothing for all budgets and preferences. They will work with you to ensure that the attire is in keeping with your religious and spiritual beliefs, if necessary.