Traditionally, burial gowns were crafted from the clothes of the deceased. However, this has become less common, especially with many people choosing to honor their loved ones in clothing that reflects their lifestyle and interests. This could mean that Grandma’s apron is part of the funeral outfit, or Dad’s favorite pair of fishing pants is included. This can help to ensure that everyone at the service feels like they have seen their loved one, even if they’re not wearing the exact same attire they remember them in.
While deciding on the right clothing can be difficult for many families, there are several factors that come into play when selecting an appropriate outfit. Some of these include any special requests the deceased left in their will or notes, cultural guidelines, and color choices. For example, if the deceased wanted attendees to wear white to symbolize their peaceful passing, this should be adhered to at their funeral.
Other factors are more personal. For instance, some people choose to dress their loved ones in a uniform to show respect to their military or police service. This can be a great way for families to feel connected to their loved one, and it also shows others how their beloved person served their community.
When deciding on the right clothing to dress a loved one in, many families look to their closets for ideas. This is a wonderful way to get an idea of what your loved one wore in life, and it can be a very moving experience for those who attend the funeral or memorial service. Whether it’s a classic suit for your father or a favorite sweater that your mother always wore, these clothing items can make your loved one’s appearance at their service feel more personal and meaningful.
Aside from clothing, there are some other accessories that can be used during a funeral or memorial service. These can include a hat or scarf, and some people prefer to have gloves as well. When deciding what to wear, it’s important to keep in mind that you may be wearing the garment for an extended period of time, so it should be comfortable. For example, if you want to wear gloves to help protect your hands during a funeral or memorial service, you’ll need to consider how long you plan on wearing them.
Many people also choose to dress infants in their own clothes rather than the hospital blanket that they are often buried in. This is because it’s a much more personal choice, and it can be comforting to the parents who have lost their little angels.
There are a number of organizations that create and distribute burial gowns and wraps to help give a sense of peace and dignity to bereaved families. For example, the organization Sew & Tell makes tiny burial gowns for babies weighing two to eight pounds, and they are available in three different sizes. This is a beautiful project, and it provides an alternative to parents who might otherwise have nothing other than the hospital blanket to dress their baby with.