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.