When a loved one dies, there are a number of decisions to be made about the funeral service and what sort of clothing they should wear in their coffin. For many families, the clothes chosen are important and reflect their loved one’s personality. Whether it’s a suit and tie or Grandma’s baking apron, the right outfit will help family members remember their loved one fondly. This guide will explore seven prudent tips for choosing burial clothes, with special emphasis on the importance of being true to your loved one’s personality and style.
When it comes to choosing a burial garment, your local funeral director will be able to advise you on what is suitable. They will usually provide a gown that will fit over the body to resemble pyjamas, but if you want your loved one to be dressed in something more special, then you will need to provide your own clothing. The best choice of clothing for your loved one will depend on their individual style and personality, as well as any religious guidelines that may apply to them.
In addition to gowns, funeral directors also sell shrouds which are wrapped cloths that wrap the whole body. They are designed with false shirt fronts and other embellishments, so as to resemble day wear or evening attire. They are suitable for green funerals in woodland burial grounds and can also be used with a traditional casket.
If you’re looking for a specific garment, there are many online shops that sell burial dresses and shrouds. Some even offer bespoke designs, so that you can be sure your loved one is being remembered exactly the way you want them to.
Alternatively, you can try your hand at sewing your own burial garment. You can find a range of tutorials on the internet, and many people are happy to share their own work and advice. For instance, the Sew & Tell website has a thread dedicated to this subject, where people can submit their projects.
The Sew & Tell group was set up by local seamstresses who wanted to give back in memory of their own lost family members. They were inspired by a friend of theirs who had lost her baby to SIDS in 2016. The group now meets twice a year to cut and design the garments, which are donated to hospitals, funeral homes, and midwives.
It’s worth noting that certain items of clothing cannot be buried or cremated, such as clothes with rubber, plastic or metal. This includes wedding rings, which can be kept on the person’s wrist for a viewing or funeral, but they are not allowed to go into the crematorium chamber with the deceased. It’s also advisable to avoid tying your loved ones up in any clothing, as this can restrict their breathing. However, if you’re organising an open casket service, it’s normally fine to include any personal belongings that you feel are particularly meaningful.