Author: angelgownsbydiane

From spit-ups to blowouts, your little bundle of joy is going to go through multiple outfit changes a day. Choosing clothes that are easy to dress and undress can save you time and stress, especially during a busy diapering routine. Look for snaps, zippers and elastics that are easy to use and don’t rub against your baby’s sensitive skin. Closure options like safety tabs (small pieces of fabric that cover zippers or snaps) and double zippers with two pulls are also helpful. Lastly, choose fabrics that can handle multiple washes and are soft against your baby’s delicate skin. Start with bodysuits and onesies (3-6 months) and add in pants (3-4). Depending on your child’s gender, consider adding a few dresses and skirts (4-9 months) that can be worn for special occasions. Dresses and skirts are great for bringing along to the park or on a family outing, as they provide a comfortable and fun alternative to more formal clothing. A few pairs of socks (6-8 months) and hats (2-3) are always useful as well. Stylish accessories like hats and socks can help to make your baby look more adorable. If you plan to swaddle your newborn, you’ll want some swaddle blankets (8-9 months). These snuggly wraps are designed with just the right amount of stretch and are made with cotton that feels comfortable against baby’s skin. They help to mimic the womb environment and can help babies sleep longer, which is helpful for parents! For colder climates, it’s essential to have a few wintertime clothes on hand. Besides having a warm fleece jacket, you’ll want to stock up on hats and socks and a pair of baby snow pants (6-8 months). Having a few pairs of winter gloves and boots (2-3) will allow your infant to play outside safely and comfortably. You’ll also want some diaper bag essentials, including a changing pad cover and baby wipe case, as well as a pack of newborn diapers, rash cream and teething powder. Finally, don’t forget a few small toys and books to keep your little one entertained while you change her or take her out for a walk. Shop our collection of baby clothing to find a variety of adorable outfits for your new arrival. Don’t be afraid to try out a few different brands, as size discrepancies can be normal and babies grow quickly. When in doubt, it’s usually best to size up. From rompers and striped tees to dressy A-line dresses and twirl-worthy skirts, our collection has everything you need to complete your newborn’s wardrobe.

The clothing worn by a loved one at a funeral can have an effect on the way family members view that person, and what they say about him or her. For many people, dressing their dead relatives in clothes that honor their identity and personality is a comforting act of love. While traditional burial attire tends to lean toward formality, the choice of what a person wears after death can vary widely according to cultural norms and personal preferences. Dressing a loved one for a funeral is not only comforting to the survivors, but also helps those who come to pay their respects. “There is an intimacy in the process of choosing what someone will wear for his or her final resting place and putting it on,” says Basile. “It’s like saying goodbye.” In addition to a family member’s closet, the deceased can also be dressed in clothing that was purchased specially for this purpose. Many of these garments, which are designed to resemble daywear or evening gowns, are available from funeral homes or online retailers. Others are made for specific events such as a memorial service or a visitation. Some are designed to look more like a shroud, suitable for green funerals or woodland burial grounds. A recent innovation in the production of burial clothes has been a process called “digital embalming,” which makes it possible to preserve the body for public viewing with little need for a casket, making these types of garments even more popular. The digital process allows for detailed work in areas such as stitching and embroidery, which adds a sense of elegance and dignity to the outfit. One of the most difficult decisions for families arranging a funeral is what to wear their deceased relative in when they are being buried or cremated. While there is no legal requirement that a person be dressed for this occasion, the practice can make the final moments of a loved one’s life feel less sterile and clinical. Although it is possible for anyone to be buried in any clothing, most people choose garments that reflect their lifestyle and religious beliefs. Some common choices for men include suits, dress shirts and ties, while women tend to select dresses or skirts. In the past, funeral directors sometimes sourced burial garments from local businesses or private suppliers that specialized in lingerie and wedding apparel. More recently, a number of companies have begun producing such clothing themselves. For example, Abigal Press, a New York company that dates back to 1936, offers a variety of different styles and fabric options, including a line of burial gowns. While most burial gowns are made from white or light-colored fabrics, some designers have also incorporated accent colors and decorative trim to create unique designs that are suitable for any occasion. Another important consideration is the material a gown is made of, as some materials are not appropriate for certain types of funerals or for those who wish to be buried in nature or a woodland burial site.

When the wedding festivities are over and your beautiful gown is hanging in your closet, a new bride might be wondering, “What now?” Instead of leaving it to collect dust, donate it! Many bridal charity outlets (like Oxfam in both Dublin and Bangor, Barnardos Bridal in Dun Laoghaire and Wexford and St Vincent de Paul in all counties) are happy to take your dress off your hands. Plus, donating your dress has other benefits: it’s potential tax-deductible and helps reduce the amount of carbon emissions created by the textile industry, according to Zola. As a bonus, it frees up more space in your closet for the next bride to make her own memories in! And, if you do decide to sell or store your dress, keep in mind that a local thrift shop is another way to give it a second life while supporting a great cause. For instance, Cherie Sustainable Bridal in Maryland accepts donated dresses and other bridal accessories to support Success in Style, a program that helps people in need get jobs. The nonprofit also runs a retail boutique, Cherie Amour, where it sells the gowns for less than their original cost and donates the rest of the proceeds to the organization. Other shops accepting gowns and other bridal accessories include Brides for a Cause in Portland, which donates the majority of the revenue from each sale to charities that benefit women. In addition, the Emma and Evan Foundation repurposes wedding dress donations into infant burial gowns, known as angel gowns, and bonnets that are given to grieving families for free. This non-profit, which focuses on supporting families who have lost children, has several locations in the US and Canada. Before you take your dress to a charity outlet, Chapman recommends doing some research on the company to ensure it’s reputable and that the proceeds from your dress are actually going to the charity you choose. She also suggests getting in touch with the charity to confirm its dress acceptance criteria and donation guidelines. Ultimately, if you’re not interested in reselling or donating your dress, consider keeping it as a piece of home decor. You could display it on a mannequin, use it as a backdrop for photos or turn it into a cherished keepsake for your children. If you’re a crafty goddess, you can even transform it into pillows and other home décor pieces! Remember to clean your dress before donating it, as some organizations might not accept dresses that have been worn. And before dropping it off, check with your chosen charity to see if they have any additional requirements, like having a certain time frame within which you need to donate the dress. It’s important to do your research so you can be confident that your wedding dress will help a worthy cause and bring joy to a new bride, too.

During this season of giving, many are searching for ways to give back. For some, the most fulfilling way to contribute is by providing comfort for others during times of grief and loss. For families whose infants are lost, at any stage of pregnancy, angel gowns can offer them a small bit of peace during their time of mourning. These gowns are created by seamstresses across the country using donated wedding dresses and donated material. The women work on a volunteer basis, which means there is no charge for the gowns and they are offered to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes, and directly to families. The NICU at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center extends its deepest gratitude to this special group of volunteers and their hard work. Each gown has been made with so much love, honoring the life of a baby taken too soon and helping to ease some of the pain associated with these tragic circumstances. Brandy Smith, a nurse in the NICU at Riley, knows first-hand how meaningful these gowns can be. The family of a young woman who recently passed away received one of these gowns, and she says it meant the world to them. “To know that someone took the time to make a beautiful dress in her memory, it helped us to not feel as suffocated and hopeless as we were feeling,” she says. Judi Mangiaracina, the founder of Angel Gowns, says she is proud that her organization has grown to include seamstresses throughout the United States. She credits the dedication of these women as the reason behind their success. Some of the seamstresses are retired, and some are stay-at-home moms, but they each find the time to sew these angel gowns during their free time. They even have a Facebook group where they communicate and share ideas about how to best create these garments. The program accepts bridesmaid dresses, mother-of-the-bride dresses, and prom gowns that are less than five years old in light shades of blue, pink, or purple. They also accept accessories such as shoes, jewelry, veils, and pins. The seamstresses use these items to create the angel gowns, which are then provided to hospitals, funeral homes, and directly to parents. Lisa McCoy, the placement coordinator for Angel Gowns, enjoys connecting with grateful hospital staff and arranging placement for the gowns. She has a passion for making people smile and feels her job is a great way to do that. She lives in Utah with her husband and six children, and when she isn’t sewing, she is volunteering at her local church. Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach is dedicated to delivering high quality, compassionate care to patients and their families. Visit the website to learn more about the services they offer.

A child funeral is a very personal event, tailored to your family’s needs. You can choose a service in a place of worship, a funeral home, community venue or even hold a memorial at your own home. You can also choose a funeral director, independent celebrant or even a close friend or family member to lead the ceremony. If you decide to go with a religious funeral, your chosen priest or celebrant will help you design a ceremony that feels right for you and your baby. It is important that you talk to your child about what will happen. Children often have questions and concerns, so if you can answer their questions in a clear, simple way it will make them feel more prepared. It is also helpful to visit the cemetery or crematorium with them so they know where it will be held and can look at what it will be like. Most people will choose a coffin for their baby, although some parents prefer a urn. You can decorate it with flowers or special items that your child loved, such as a favourite toy or balloons. Many families also like to write a letter for their baby or young child, which can be placed in the coffin or urn. This is a chance to say ‘I love you’ one last time. Siblings may also want to write a message or poem for their brother or sister. These letters can be kept in a memory box afterwards. You should also consider whether you want a guest speaker at the funeral. This is a great opportunity to share the story of your child, and it can comfort other people too. However, if you don’t feel up to speaking at the funeral, don’t let anyone discourage you. It is more important that you speak from the heart than to try and sound ‘professional’. Children can sometimes become restless or bored at a funeral so it is a good idea to bring something that will keep them occupied. A book, a favourite toy or even a small snack could help. It is also worth bringing an extra adult with you who can take care of them, especially during any pauses in the service when they may be tempted to wander off. Many people find that a spiritual element is very comforting at a funeral, so you should decide if you would like to have a reading or prayers or not. You should also choose someone to carry your child out of the ceremony if they become distressed or overwhelmed, and you may wish to ask this person to stay with them after the service too. Finally, it is a good idea to protect your child from fawning sentimentality by not letting other mourners touch them or give too many hugs. This is particularly important if you have other young children. If you are going to enlist help, make sure they have a quiet space to retreat to when needed.

Newborns are small and delicate, so they need special care when it comes to their clothes. A good baby clothing brand prioritizes environmental and social responsibility by using organic materials, reducing their ecological impact, and providing healthy products that will not irritate the skin. These companies also use safer dyes to ensure that babies do not get any harmful chemicals on their skin. They are also concerned about the welfare of workers involved in production processes. This way, they can make sure that the people who work on their clothes are treated fairly and well. The best brands offer high-quality and durable baby clothes that are long-lasting. They are designed to withstand spills, infant spit-up, and other messes. In addition, they are made from soft materials that do not irritate the skin. They are also made with breathable fabrics to prevent heat buildup in hot weather. This way, the baby will feel comfortable and warm all day and night. Many parents are concerned about the quality of their newborn’s clothes. They want to choose a quality brand that provides a range of functional clothing options, including dresses, bodysuits, sleepwear, and outfits. They also need to consider their budget and the number of pieces they want to buy. It is important to remember that babies grow very quickly, so they may outgrow their clothes in a short period of time. It is a good idea to purchase a few sizes of each outfit so that they can be worn again. Most new parents know that organic cotton is the ideal material for baby clothing. Organic cotton is soft and durable, and it is naturally hypoallergenic. It also resists shrinking, pilling, and fading. This means that the clothes will last longer and be less expensive in the long run. In addition, they will be able to be worn and passed down by future siblings or friends. Babies are delicate, so they should be dressed in soft and breathable materials. Tight clothing can restrict their breath, which can cause discomfort and lead to rashes. It is also important to keep in mind that a newborn’s skin is sensitive, so it is essential to use only mild detergents when washing their clothes. In the colder months, the most important thing is to keep the baby warm. The best way to do this is by wearing a few layers of clothing, a thick hat, and mittens. It is also important to protect the baby’s bare skin with a coat or zip-up down snowsuit when going outside. A baby romper is a one-piece suit that covers both the top and bottom of the body, making it easy to dress and undress. Baby bodysuits are similar, but they have fasteners between the legs for diaper changes. Newborn footie pajamas are another option, as they combine comfort with warmth by covering the feet. Some of these garments even have attached mittens to help keep the baby’s hands from scratching themselves.

Choosing attire for your loved one’s viewing and funeral is an important personal choice that is deeply meaningful. This can be a complex decision that requires you to consider your loved one’s preferences, culture, and religious beliefs. Ultimately, your selection will be a final gesture of love and respect. Burial gowns are a way to pay tribute to your loved one and give them dignity during their final journey. Whether you’re looking for an outfit that matches their style or something that will honor their cultural heritage, there are many options to choose from. If you’re not sure where to begin, you can lean on the guidance of professional funeral directors who are trained to offer compassionate care and guidance during this difficult time. Historically, funeral attire has been designed to resemble day wear or evening clothing. For example, a man might choose a suit and tie and a woman might choose a formal dress or blouse. Today, however, funeral professionals can provide burial outfits in a range of natural fibers, which are suitable for green funerals and woodland burial grounds. Some outfits are even designed to look like a shroud. If your loved one wished to be dressed in a particular way for their final journey, it’s important to honour those wishes. Whether you have their written request or not, honouring those requests will help to ensure that your loved one is treated with the respect they deserve. Some faith traditions have specific guidelines for burial clothing. It is important to consult with a religious leader or clergy member to ensure that your choices comply with these religious customs. In addition, certain colors and symbols may hold special significance. For instance, if your loved one was an animal lover, you might want to consider a gown or coat made from fur or silk. You might also want to consider an outfit that is designed to be embroidered with their name or a special message. Another consideration is the weight of the garment you choose. The clothes you select should be light enough to fit into the casket without adding too much weight. In some cases, heavier clothing can interfere with the body’s movement and cause discomfort. While it’s tempting to add jewelry to an outfit, keep in mind that it will likely be buried with the body and will not be returned to your family after the funeral. Additionally, some pieces of jewelry will not lie well on the body while laying down and could end up misaligning or getting lost in the process. For infants who will be stillborn or die in the NICU, volunteers such as Ardath Hinds of Whittle Springs, Tenn., have been sewing beautiful burial garments for them. She and her team have sewed hundreds of tiny outfits for infants that will never come home. They are called Angel Gowns and include dresses, bonnets and a blanket. “They need this at such a tragic time,” she says.

After the guests leave and the gifts have been unwrapped, you might still find yourself staring at your wedding dress hanging in your closet. Instead of letting it gather dust, why not donate your gown? It’s a great way to give back, help someone else and make the world a better place. Plus, you can even get a tax deduction. If you don’t want to have your dress go unused, there are many charities that will take it off your hands. Some resell the dresses while others use the proceeds to support their missions. Some of the organizations that accept gown donations include the following: The Brides Project This bridal boutique with a heart in Ann Arbor, Michigan, sells donated wedding dresses to raise funds for free programming for families effected by cancer. The organization also provides high school girls with retail work experience. Angel Gowns for the Little Ones This nonprofit organization uses wedding dresses to create tiny baby gowns for infants who pass away before their first birthdays. The organization accepts donated dresses and also accepts donations from designers who want to contribute to the cause. Dreams in White This charity aims to provide wedding dresses and other accessories for low-income women who cannot afford the cost of a traditional wedding. Donated gowns are resold at discounted prices and the profits are used to fund the organization’s mission. The organization has been in operation since 2008 and has donated 28,000 dresses. Cherie Sustainable Bridal This Maryland-based company is a green bridal store that sells preowned gowns and accessories. Proceeds from the sale of the dresses are invested in international non-profits that empower vulnerable young women to choose an independent future for themselves. The company also focuses on reducing its carbon footprint by using recycled materials to make its dresses. The White Dress by the Shore This Massachusetts-based wedding dress rental company recycles and reuses gowns, which are restyled by its seamstresses to reflect new trends. The wedding dress rental business has a variety of styles available and offers a flexible return policy. The White Dress by the Shore has several locations in New England and offers a variety of rental packages to suit your needs. It also provides a number of customization options, including lace and embellishment upgrades. Before donating your wedding dress, contact the organization to see what they need and what their guidelines are. Some organizations will require that your dress be professionally cleaned. Others will not. Most of the charities that resell gowns will provide a receipt for your donation. You can use this as a tax deduction when you file your taxes, according to Zola. If you’re planning to donate your wedding gown, it’s a good idea to inspect the dress for any major rips and tears. If you notice any, have a seamstress repair them in advance of the donation. Lastly, wash or dry clean the dress and pack it up to ship it off in its container. This is especially important during the pandemic, as the COVID-19 virus can linger on fabrics and items for days.

For parents who have suffered the unthinkable loss of their newborn, a small measure of peace may come with the gift of a beautiful angel gown made from a donated wedding dress. Each gown is lovingly crafted by hand with so much love to honor the life of a baby taken far too soon. The nonprofit NICU Helping Hands accepts 15,000 wedding dresses each year, which seamstresses transform into gowns for photo shoots and funeral services. The organization keeps a waitlist of families who have lost their baby and then matches them with nearby seamstresses. One of those seamstresses is Judi Gaber, a nurse who works with families who have suffered the same unfathomable loss that her own family experienced. The grandmother of six and mother of two says the experience is “so emotional” when she sees the parents whose babies are born too soon, especially when they receive their angel gown. It is for that reason, that Gaber volunteered to turn wedding dresses into gowns that she hopes will bring some comfort to the bereaved parents she works with. Gaber has helped care for countless families who have had to say goodbye to their tiny infants due to miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS or a traumatic birth injury. Last year, Gaber spotted an advertisement for the Little Angel Gowns program in a newspaper and knew she had to get involved. The Michigan-based non-profit turns donated wedding gowns into burial clothing for infants who don’t make it home from the hospital. Founder Dawn Lafferty has built an impressive team of women and men who turn wedding dresses into tiny wraps, gowns, headbands and hats for infants too small to wear regular newborn clothes. The sewing team is comprised of a group of retired and active community members who volunteer their time to the cause. The work is done by a team of highly skilled pattern designers, seamstresses and embroiderers. Lafferty and her team have been creating around 7,000 angel gowns for the past year and a half, which are delivered directly into the hands of grieving families in the hospital. Each gown takes between 30 and 60 hours to make, but for those who are interested in getting involved, the organization is looking for more seamstresses. It’s also accepting donations of wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses or formal dresses in light shades of pink, blue and purple. The International Program allows donors to follow their dress as it makes its way to a developing country (Guatemala is currently the country where dresses are going) and virtually meet with the seamstress who is working on the gowns you have donated. You will be able to see the process of making the garments and hear about how it is impacting her life and her community.

A child funeral—also called a visitation, wake, memorial service, homegoing service or celebration of life—is a ceremony that honors your child and helps everyone in the family process their grief. A service can be held in a chapel or home, place of worship, or at the graveside, depending on your preferences and your child’s needs. Some children choose not to attend a funeral or other services, which is completely normal and okay. If you decide not to bring your child, it is a good idea to designate a friend or family member to take care of them during the services and activities. This allows you to fully participate in the service and gives your child someone they can turn to if they become uncomfortable. If you choose to bring your child to a visitation or funeral, prepare them beforehand by explaining what will happen. If they are old enough to understand, you can also ask them what they want or need from the service. Some children like to help plan the service, so let them be a part of it in any way they are comfortable. This may include writing or decorating a tribute poster, choosing music or readings for the service and/or choosing flowers or gifts. Describe the casket to your child so that they know what to expect. It is helpful to use pictures or videos of the deceased to help them better understand what they will see. Many parents find that it is comforting for their child to see their sibling lying in the casket, especially if they were able to select the outfit their sibling was wearing. It is important to remind your child that their emotions are normal during this difficult time. If they start to show signs of being overwhelmed, encourage them to play or go to the bathroom. It is also helpful to explain that other people may be crying or having a hard time, too. It is a good idea to bring some quiet toys or books to help them during this time. Consider having a children’s room during the services, where kids can color, play or make a card for their sibling. This is a great way to keep them busy and give you a break from the crowd of people who may be grieving. If your child is buried or cremated, you can have a special headstone that is engraved with their name, birth and death dates and a graphic or photo of them. It’s a great way to remember them forever and share their story with the generations that come after them. If your child is a baby or toddler, you may wish to have them buried or urned at the same time so that you can hold a memorial service for both of them at the same time. This will be particularly helpful for young siblings who can’t quite grasp the concept of death. You can also record the memorial service for them so they have it to watch when they are older.