Author: angelgownsbydiane

Wedding dresses are often treasured keepsakes from one of the happiest days of your life. But if you’ve had enough of your dress collecting dust in your closet and you want to give it new life, there are plenty of charities that can use it. Plus, it’ll free up some valuable closet space! For instance, there are some surprisingly unexpected places you can donate your wedding gown to. Some of them, like the Angel Gown Organization, are based locally in Albany, New York. These volunteer groups are composed of people who sew beautiful infant burial gowns (also known as Angel Gowns) to support families who have lost their tiny babies too soon. The gowns are offered to hospitals, birthing centers, and funeral homes completely free of charge. Another way to donate your wedding dress is to post it on a Facebook group called Shared Dream Dresses. Stacy Stulgis, who founded the group, says that it’s been an amazing experience for her. Thousands of women have already joined the group, posting pictures of their dresses with size information and other details. Other brides who have gotten engaged can then leave comments to let the donor know if they are interested in the dress. Then it’s up to the donor and bride-to-be to work out details. If you don’t have much time to find a new home for your old dress, you can always sell it in person at a consignment shop. But that route can take up to three months or longer to sell your gown. And you may have to pay commission fees, which can cut into your profits. There are also some e-commerce websites where you can post your dress for sale. But beware of scammers. Make sure you’re using a reputable seller, and check out customer reviews. Alternatively, you can recycle your wedding dress by turning it into something else. There are tons of fun ways to reuse your gown, from making pillows and baptism dresses for kids to transforming it into a cocktail dress. And if you’re not into cutting up your dress, you can always save the fabric and turn it into a gorgeous quilt. If you’re thinking of donating your dress, it’s important to have it dry cleaned before handing it over. Even though most organizations don’t require it, it will make the process easier for everyone involved. Plus, it will make sure there are no major stains that might be difficult to get out. And if you do have a small stain, just be grateful that it’s not a bigger problem and that your dress can still be used by someone else. And don’t forget to label your donation box with useful information, such as the dress’s size and brand or designer name, the year it was purchased, and its original price. It will save the charity volunteers a lot of time and effort in sorting through your donation! And remember, when you give your wedding dress a second life, you’re helping a future bride feel beautiful on her big day.

In the grand tapestry of life, there are moments of incredible joy and heartbreaking sorrow. During the most difficult times, families must find a way to endure. In those instances, there is a beacon of hope that shines brightly. This hope is embodied in the work of a group of dedicated and passionate seamstresses who are sewing bereavement gowns for babies who lose their lives before, during, or immediately after birth. This small gesture, known as an angel gown, is a special keepsake that provides comfort to grieving families. In the United States, 626,000 infants are stillborn or die from miscarriage each year. These precious angels are often the last thing on parents’ minds as they are trying to focus on their surviving children, preparing for a funeral or memorial service, and saying goodbye to a loved one. This is why the work of groups like Angel Gowns of WNY, which is based in West New York City and was started by Missy Ray, is so important. Missy’s organization receives donated wedding dresses, which are then transformed into beautiful, one-of-a-kind angel gowns for infants who don’t get to go home with their parents. The Williamson family is one of many who have experienced the loss of a baby in the NICU. After their son, Eli, passed away at nine months gestation, they wanted to do something in honor of him. That’s when they discovered Hillary’s Cherished Gowns, a volunteer organization in Akron that sews bereavement gowns for infants who do not survive their NICU stay. Earlier this month, the nonprofit’s seamstresses and volunteers delivered their first box of angel gowns to Providence Little Co Of Mary Hospitals in Torrance and San Pedro. Each angel gown kit comes with a special gown, blanket, two hats, and heart and memorial trinkets. They are designed for smaller babies and can be used for the very first and last photos, at memorial services, or when family arrives to say goodbye. The goal is to provide one of these angel gowns to each newborn that will pass through the NICU, and it’s an ongoing effort for Missy Ray. She says that people can help by donating dresses, spreading the word about her organization, or simply donating money to help cover the cost of materials. Next time you see a dress at the local thrift store or garage sale, think twice before putting it back on the rack. Instead, consider donating it to an organization like Angel Gowns of WNY. You may never know how much it will mean to a grieving family. To learn more, visit the organization’s Facebook page.

The death of a child is one of the most painful experiences that parents can endure. While there is no comfort to be found during this time, the grieving process can be eased slightly with proper planning and preparation. Although it may be difficult to talk about with your children, ensuring they understand the entire funeral process is vital. It is important to remember that every child is different and they may feel the need to express their emotions differently. It is important to be honest with them and let them know that it is ok to cry or not cry during the service. It is recommended to give your children a clear roadmap of what will happen during the funeral services, including when and where they will take place. Be sure to include details about the casket (whether it is open or closed) and any notable changes that will be made to their body. It is also helpful to give your children a choice about whether they want to see their sibling’s body and if so, how long they would like to spend at the venue. Many children will find it more comforting to participate in the funeral services than just be a passive observer. This can be as simple as letting them light a candle or share a favorite memory during the ceremony. For those who are too shy to do so, it is a great idea to allow them to write a message for their sibling or to place a memento in the casket or urn. Some families will choose to bury their child immediately while others will prefer to have their cremated remains buried later. This can depend on religious beliefs, personal preferences and if you have any family or friends who will want to attend the funeral service. Once the funeral is over, it is normal for the family to feel both physically and emotionally exhausted. It is also not uncommon to feel a resurgence of grief as if your child had died all over again. It is a good idea to ask for help and support during this difficult time from family, friends and professional grief counselors. If you are not able to afford a funeral for your child, there is a nonprofit organization named Final Farewell that provides emergency funeral funds and guidance to families who have lost a child. They have helped thousands of families across the United States to say their final goodbyes. The charity has a very dedicated team of volunteers who are able to meet the needs of each family that they assist. You can learn more about their work by visiting their website. They also have an app for your smartphone or tablet to download so that you can access the information on-the-go. The website has a number of helpful guides and tools that will be of use to you during this difficult time. You can even request help from the charity via text messaging.

Whether you’re shopping for your own little bundle of joy or a baby shower gift for a loved one, there are plenty of fabulous choices when it comes to the best baby clothes. From the classic onesie to the must-have footed pajamas, it’s hard to go wrong with any of these adorable options! But when it comes to buying baby clothing, there are some factors that should be kept in mind. It’s important to choose clothes that are made of organic cotton or natural materials like linen because babies have thin skin that can easily absorb toxins from synthetic fabrics. Organic cotton is breathable and lets air circulate, so it’s not only good for your child’s skin but also for the environment. Babies should never wear clothing that contains chemicals, pesticides or herbicides because these substances can be harmful to their health and aggravate skin conditions. In addition to being soft and comfortable, organic cotton is long-lasting and durable so it can withstand repeated washings and use. It’s also hypoallergenic, which means it won’t cause any irritation to sensitive skin. Plus, it’s easier to clean and doesn’t pill as quickly as synthetic fabrics. Another great thing about organic cotton is that it’s sustainable. Conventional cotton uses 25% more pesticides and herbicides than any other crop, so avoiding these substances is even more important for the environment. Plus, organic cotton is biodegradable so it won’t leave any footprints on the planet! If you’re looking for a baby clothes brand that is known for its gender-neutral designs and quality, look no further than Carter’s. This is one of the best baby clothing brands for newborns because it offers a wide selection of onesies, bodysuits and graphic tees that are perfect for any little one. Plus, it’s also a fantastic option for gifting because its clothes are stylish and affordable. When it comes to buying baby clothes, keep in mind that infants grow fast. It’s recommended to purchase the size that fits your baby’s current measurements rather than their age. That way, you’ll have enough clothes to get them through the first few months until they start growing out of them. The most popular baby clothes are bodysuits and sleepwear, which include rompers that have open legs and arms and can be worn throughout the day or night. Other must-haves are footed pajamas, which are outfits that have easy snaps from head to toe, and sleeping bags, which enclose the body except for the arms and neck.

Choosing what your loved one will wear at their funeral can be difficult, but it is also important to choose something that will honor them. Often, people will dress in clothing that reflects their personality and lifestyle. It’s also not uncommon to accessorize the outfit with jewelry that was significant in their life, such as their wedding or engagement rings. If they leave instructions on their final wishes, this will make the decision of what to wear easier as well. If they do not leave instructions, loved ones can look for clues to their preferences in their closet or take a look at what they wore regularly. While many funerals are viewed as solemn and somber, some cultures view them as celebrations of life. They encourage colorful clothing and tend to be more informal than traditional services. As a result, they can be more fun than other funerals, and can even feature a procession with motorcycles or classic cars. When selecting a burial outfit, it’s important to consider the culture of your loved one and their religion. For example, Catholics tend to prefer more formal attire, including a suit for men and a dress or blouse for women. This is because the church views such clothing as respectful and in keeping with their value of sanctity. A funeral gown is a type of outfit that’s designed to be easy for the funeral director to dress the body in while it is being prepared. These dresses are typically made of soft, satin-like fabrics and resemble night gowns or pyjamas. They are available in both men’s and women’s sizes and can be tailored to fit a person’s specific size. They can also be customized to include a religious motif, such as the Sacred Heart for a Catholic funeral. Many funeral homes provide a selection of burial clothes to choose from. In addition to the typical dresses and suits, some may also offer a variety of hats, shoes and accessories. In addition, some companies specialize in creating garments for babies and young children. Beverly Duckett, for example, handcrafts tiny angel gowns and other clothing for infants who are stillborn or die at birth. Another option is to purchase a custom-made burial dress or uniform from a designer such as Leon Harris of LH Design. His company offers dresses that can be worn by both men and women, and come in 16 colors for the lace styles and eight for the beaded pearl designs. In addition, they can be trimmed to different necklines such as boat, V or bateau. If you’re not sure what to buy, a simple white ensemble can be a dignified choice. A knee-length dress or midi-length dress paired with a matching skirt or dress pants and closed-toe shoes is appropriate for both men and women. Subtle pastel colors convey a sense of serenity and tranquility. For more information on purchasing burial clothing, or if you have questions about what to wear at a funeral, please contact us. A member of our team would be happy to assist you.

After a couple’s wedding day, their dress can become an item that collects dust in the back of their closet. Rather than putting it on display, a bride could donate the dress to a charity that can give it another life. Many charities and thrift shops accept wedding dresses for resale and even allow donors to receive a tax deduction, though some may impose restrictions on what’s accepted. Donating a wedding dress is not only environmentally responsible, but it also helps people in need. The production of new clothing and textiles produces huge amounts of carbon dioxide and other toxins, according to GreenDrop. When old garments are discarded, they also contribute to the waste problem, clogging landfills and polluting waterways. The best way to help the environment is to reuse old clothing and other household items, instead of throwing them away. One of the biggest charities that accepts wedding gowns for resale is Goodwill. It has locations across the country and sells donated clothes in its thrift stores at a discounted price. The proceeds are used to fund various charitable programs. It is important for women considering donating their wedding dress to check with their local Goodwill store first to see what their policies are. Each location has its own pick-up services and donation guidelines, so it is best to call in advance. Similarly, the Salvation Army accepts wedding gowns and other items for resale. The dresses are sold in its stores at a discounted price, and the proceeds are used to support its various charitable programs. Some of these include breast cancer awareness and detection, helping women overcome addictions, and providing education for families of young children with disabilities. The Emma and Evan Foundation repurposes wedding gowns and other bridal gowns into infant burial gowns, bonnets, and keepsake items for families that have lost an unborn or newborn baby. It accepts wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and other formal wear. The organization will also repurpose flower girl and pageant dresses. While donating to a nonprofit organization is the most common option for a wedding dress, there are also for-profit bridal consignment shops that can take your dress and other bridal accessories. Some of these organizations have online portals that can make the process easier, and they also provide receipts for each sale so that you can claim a tax deduction. When donating your dress to any charity, it’s important to research the organization in advance. Some will have strict guidelines about what is acceptable, such as requiring that the dress be professionally cleaned and in good condition. It is also a good idea to label your box with information about the dress, including its size and original cost, so that it saves charity volunteers time when sorting through donations. This will also prevent mistakes and confusion. Also, if the charity requires a cleaning fee, be sure to factor that into your overall donation amount. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some dresses and accessories can develop mold if they sit too long in storage.

The moment a mother learns her baby will not live is a terrifying time. It’s even more devastating if that child is born in the NICU, where nurses and families have to care for infants with life-threatening conditions. One of the hardest things is finding clothes for the tiny babies. That’s why some nurses and others are turning wedding dresses into outfits for the ones who won’t make it home. NAPLES, Fla. — Lori Gulley lost her daughter Laura Lee when she was just four days old. She remembers trying to find clothes small enough to fit her daughter, but it was impossible. She never wanted another grieving family to have that problem. So she started sewing these small gowns from donated wedding dresses. Now, she’s one of many seamstresses nationwide who do the same. A lot of the gowns go to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are part of a program called Project NICU Helping Hands, which was started by two neonatologists in that hospital. Judi Gibson oversees the program, and she says they’ve had a need for the gowns for a long time. They can be used as baptismal gowns or burial outfits, and they help parents cope with the loss of their infant. Clarke-Pounder says some families don’t know what to do when they lose a baby, but she hopes the angel gowns will give them something that’s very special. Gowns can be made from a variety of materials, but the most popular are satin and silk. A lot of people donate their own wedding dresses for this purpose, but there are also places that collect dresses and make them into these outfits. Some of these groups offer their services in the United States, while others are international. One of the international organizations is called Sunshine State Angel Gowns. Its founder, Edith McCall, was a retired schoolteacher from an Indiana town of around 40,000 people. When she read a newspaper article about the need for angel gowns at Riley, she was moved to act. She recruited a friend and fellow seamstress to help her, and they quickly started getting orders. But the need eventually became too much for one person to handle, so Edith reached out to others in the community. Now, more than a dozen women volunteer to wash, cut and sew dresses into these special outfits. Some of the dresses go to a place like Guatemala, where indigenous seamstresses are paid to make them, and other gowns are sent to the US. The gowns are then delivered directly to a hospital or a grieving family. It’s an amazing way to bring a little love and comfort to a very sad time. You can donate a dress and make a financial donation on their website. If you choose to do the international program, you can follow your dress as it goes to its destination country (currently Guatemala), meet your seamstress, and see the impact your donation has made.

A child funeral is a special service held to celebrate the life of an infant or young child. It may be a full ceremony similar to one for an adult, or a simple gathering at the graveside, and it can include whatever the family wishes to do to honour their child, including a memorial. If your child is old enough to understand what’s happening, you might ask them if they want to take part in the service, whether it’s reading a poem, singing a song or giving a speech. They might also choose to draw a picture or write a letter, or leave something special like a teddy bear or photo in the casket. If they do decide to participate, it’s important that you help them prepare for what’s coming. It’s also a good idea to create an order of service booklet so that children know what’s going to happen and what they need to wear (for example, dark clothing). This can be printed at home or by a professional. It’s a good idea to have a copy of this to give to any children attending, so that they can refer back to it and feel confident that they’re following what the family has decided. If they’re old enough to understand, you might also ask them if they would like to help wash or dress the body and help carry it into the funeral room. This can be a very moving experience and can be a great way to help them understand that the body is not ‘sick’ or ‘bad’. You can also invite the children to touch their sibling’s casket or urn, if they wish, but make it clear that this is completely optional and not required. Explain that the body may have marks on it or may look a little different and that this is normal. It’s also a good idea to have someone available who can answer any questions that the child might have during the service, perhaps a family member or grief counselor. Some children will say that they don’t want to go to the funeral, and it’s completely normal for them to feel this way. It’s best to discuss why they feel this way and try to address their fears, but don’t force them to attend if they really don’t want to. They might just need a little more time to process, and forcing them could be very traumatizing for them. You might consider bringing a friend or relative with you to the service as their “funeral buddy.” This is someone who can support them during the services and who won’t mind taking them out of the room if they need to. This person can be there to play with them and distract them from any feelings of discomfort, or to explain the different parts of the service if they’re unsure what’s happening. This is also a good idea if you’re concerned that the child will be frightened by the sight of their deceased sibling.

Newborns need a lot of clothing to keep them cozy and clean. The best baby clothes are soft and made from natural materials that don’t trap moisture against baby’s sensitive skin. They should also be breathable and absorbent. And of course, they should be easy to wash. Baby clothing is available in a wide range of styles and fabrics, from swaddle blankets to footie pajamas. If you’re registering for baby clothes, it’s important to keep in mind that babies grow very quickly. Most brands recommend sizing up when things fit a little snugly or when their toes start peeking out of the end of the sleeves (for example, in footie pajamas). When it comes to newborn outfits, remember that basics are best. Outfits with lots of buttons, ruffles, or other extras may be cute, but they won’t be practical for everyday wear. Instead, look for onesies, leggings/pants and pajamas with long or short sleeves and legs that will provide a comfy fit throughout the day and night. Onesies are a baby wardrobe essential, although most stores refer to them as bodysuits (Gerber has the trademark on “onesie”). They’re like regular T-shirts that snap at the crotch and can be worn with or without diapers. They’re typically a cotton knit with short or long sleeves. They’re available in many prints and colors, from plain onesies to striped options. Having plenty of oneies and other basic outfits on hand will help you save money by not having to shop for them as often. When you do need to buy more, check your local thrift store or online retailers for gently-used items that can be a great deal cheaper than brand-new clothing. You can find organic knit baby clothes at a number of online and brick-and-mortar stores, including Old Navy, Target, and Hanna Andersson. Another option is to buy baby clothes from a specialty retailer, like the eco-friendly Gerber Children’s Wear brand. These clothes are available at a slightly higher price point, but they’re often designed with fresh and on-trend colors and patterns. When choosing clothes for your baby, you should consider the climate in which they live. If you live in a cold climate, you’ll want to have a variety of outerwear to keep your baby warm. In addition to snowsuits, you’ll also need a jacket or coat that will keep your baby’s body heat in. In warmer weather, you’ll need a light jacket or coverup to protect your newborn from the sun. A sun hat will also protect their delicate scalp. Besides being an excellent choice for the environment, organic cotton is also gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin. This fabric doesn’t irritate or generate allergic reactions, and it can be washed at temperatures that are high enough to sterilize the garment. It’s also a good choice for babies because it breathes well.

When it comes to dressing the dead, there are plenty of choices. A funeral director may provide a garment to be worn with the coffin or cremation urn, or a family can bring their own clothing. The choice often depends on whether there is a public viewing, an open casket, or a wake, and what type of funeral it will be. In many cultures that shroud the dead, such as observant Jews and Muslims, there is a specialized art to it. They have long traditions that include a specific garment and a set of pieces, an order in which they are assembled, a special way that knots are tied, and even a prayer and song. The art of preparing for death is an incredibly beautiful and meaningful tradition that should be experienced by everyone. Generally, funeral gowns are made of white satin or other fabrics that are soft and drape well. They are often decorated with embroidery, lace or other embellishments. They are designed to be respectful and dignified, but also comforting and peaceful for the deceased. They are meant to be both a visual and tactile reminder of the life and love of a person. In the 17th and 18th centuries, some women even laid out the dress they wanted to be buried in before they went into labor. That way, if they died in childbirth, their family would already know what to dress them in. The clothing worn by the deceased can also help to tell a personal story. For example, a woman who loved cats might be dressed in a cat shaped cap or hat for her funeral. This is a beautiful and heartwarming way to honor her love for animals. Some families will even wear their loved one’s own clothing after they die, either for a viewing or at the graveside service. One funeral director recalled a woman who had saved her pink floral nightgown, satin quilted bathrobe, and rosary beads to be buried in with her. The outfit looked beautiful next to her mahogany casket and helped to reflect her sweet personality and thoughtfulness. There are also funeral pillows and wreaths that can be adorned with flowers for the casket or urn. Funeral wreaths are generally circular in shape and are a common symbol of eternal life or faith. They are usually crafted from red, pink, or white flowers and are sent from immediate family members. Funeral hearts are another floral arrangement that is popular. If you are planning a green funeral, there are burial gowns that are made with natural fibers like wool or cotton and free of synthetic materials such as nylon threads, elastic waistbands, plastic zippers or buttons. They are designed to be eco-friendly and biodegradable. Often, they are handmade by artisans you can find online or at natural and green funeral supply distributors.