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When a loved one passes, it can be difficult to navigate the grieving process and make decisions. It is important to consider your loved ones style, preferences and religious beliefs in order to choose appropriate clothing for their funeral or memorial service. In addition, you may wish to incorporate traditional garments or symbols into their burial attire in an act of respect and remembrance. Many people who have experienced the loss of a loved one have been asked by family members to provide them with a set of burial clothes, such as clothing that they wore to work or school. This can be a great opportunity to honor a person who was close to you and reflect on their life’s journey. Burial gowns can be casual or formal, but they should reflect the person’s personality and style. You may want to consider the things that they liked to do or the hobbies that they enjoyed. If you are not sure what to choose, ask a friend or relative for their advice. They can help you find the garments that best represent your loved one. In antebellum America, people were buried in what are now known as burial shrouds and funeral clothes. They were similar to a modern day dress and typically opened from the back, making it easy to put on. During the Civil War, the death of a woman who was dressed in her wedding gown caused such a stir that the local newspaper reported that “she was a beautiful bride who had worn her white bridal robe to the tomb.” Today, funeral directors can supply you with a variety of different clothing to be buried in. They are available in a wide range of fabrics, including those that are eco-friendly and suitable for woodland burials. Some are designed to resemble evening wear and others, such as those with false shirt fronts, are meant to resemble daywear. A burial shroud is made of linen, a fabric that is eco-friendly and a natural material for green funerals. It is available in a variety of sizes, and can be embroidered or decorated. It can be used in conjunction with a casket or on its own. A funeral gown is a dress for a person who has passed away and is usually made of a dark-colored material such as black or navy blue. It is meant to evoke feelings of dignity and respect, while also providing a soft, comfortable cover for the body. It can be adorned with embroidery or other decorative elements, and can be tailored to reflect the person’s personality and preferences.

In the aftermath of your wedding day, many brides choose to donate their dresses rather than hang them up in storage. Not only does this free up space in your closet, but it also helps those who cannot afford to buy a dress their own. And, according to GreenDrop, the production of new clothing and textiles contributes 10% of global carbon emissions, which means donating your used wedding gown is a great way to help save the environment. Several charities offer a variety of ways for brides to donate their wedding gowns, whether it is by reselling the dress or giving it directly to someone in need. Some of these include: Brides for a Cause This nonprofit bridal store resells wedding dresses and raises funds for dozens of women-focused charities in cities across the country. It accepts dresses that are five years old or less, and bridal accessories like veils. The organization has donated more than $1 million since 2012, including to charities that support military wives, single mothers and those impacted by cancer. Donations can be dropped off at a local store or mailed. The Emma and Evan Foundation This charity turns wedding gown donations into burial gowns for infants that have died in infancy, as well as bonnets and other keepsake items to give to grieving families. It accepts any type of wedding dress, mother-of-the-bride dresses and flower girl dresses, but the dresses should be no more than five years old. Donations are tax deductible, and the organization has specific instructions for mailing the dress. Adorned in Grace This faith-based nonprofit works to bring churches together to fight human trafficking, and they do this by selling used dresses and formalwear at their stores. The sales from these sales help to fund anti-trafficking mentoring for young girls, awareness publications and more. Donations can be dropped off at redesigned boutiques in Washington and Oregon or through the mail. Before you decide to donate your wedding gown, make sure it is clean and in good condition. This will prevent it from developing mold in the storage facility or becoming a health hazard for those who receive the donation. It is also helpful to label the box with all of the pertinent information, including the size of the dress, the brand or designer and the year it was purchased. This will save volunteers time and prevent them from mistaking your dress for another. It will also keep the charity informed if there are any alterations or repairs that need to be made to the gown. The organization may contact you with these details if necessary.

We’re all familiar with the saying “you only wear your wedding dress once.” After the big day, most brides carefully fold it away to be stored in a closet or drawer for years to come. But a Pennsauken woman is taking that gown and putting it to good use. Jean Lee helps turn donated wedding dresses into tiny onesies for babies who have been born prematurely or lost due to miscarriage or stillbirth. The outfits are known as angel gowns or angel wraps. In her spare time, the retired schoolteacher enjoys repurposing bridal gowns and creating keepsake items for grieving families. She’s made several dozen angel gowns for families and has a few more in the works. She has also created baby blankets, sleeping bags and fabric hearts for the babies. The creations allow the parents to feel like their babies have a little piece of them with them in heaven. Every year, thousands of infants are born too soon or with medical conditions that lead to their deaths. Many of those are very small, which limits what type of clothing they can be dressed in for photos or burying. Alberta Angel Dresses is a volunteer organization that provides repurposed bridal gowns for these infants. The gowns and wraps are offered to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes or directly to the families for free. Metha Alberda is one of 18 volunteer seamstresses across the province who help create these precious angel gowns. As a nurse in the cardiovascular surgery ICU at Mayo Clinic, Lynn Gaber has seen many children lose their lives to premature delivery or severe health conditions. She has seen their parents endure unfathomable pain, and she wants to do what she can to comfort them. Gaber has worked at the clinic for 37 years, and she knows that despite her best efforts, sometimes there is nothing a physician can do to save a child’s life. But she also believes that giving the grieving family something to hold on to and remember can bring them a little measure of peace. ABOUT ANGEL GOWNS OF WNY In April of 2014, Missy Ray founded Angel Gowns of WNY, a nonprofit that takes donated wedding dresses and turns them into final photo and burial gowns for children who were sadly born too early or lost their lives. The group was able to secure 501(c)(3) non-profit incorporation in September of that year and is now accepting donations of wedding dresses for their next project. The group distributes the angel gowns to any hospital, infant loss organization or funeral home in WNY at no charge to the family. They hope to be able to provide one to every family that needs it. Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center is proud to partner with Angel Gowns of WNY to offer these beautiful gowns for families in need. The hospital’s Labor & Delivery and NICU nurses were delighted to receive their first box of angel gowns in July of 2023.

In the grand tapestry of life, there are moments of immense joy and heartbreaking sorrow. Parents whose babies are born stillborn or die shortly after birth often find comfort in receiving a special angel gown. These one-of-a-kind dresses are made from donated wedding dresses, transforming them into tiny works of art that honor and comfort families who have experienced a loss. They are a beautiful way to celebrate a child who may never come home. A few years ago, a nurse named Judi Gibson launched a program to provide these gowns at Riley Children’s Health in Indianapolis. She recruited local seamstresses to help make the gowns, but the need for gowns quickly became too much for just one person. That’s when Edith Wright came on the scene. Wright, who lives in Portsmouth, Virginia, is a seamstress coordinator for the international program. She has been a part of the organization since 2015. Wright has given hundreds of gowns to Sparrow Hospital, now AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, and has even seeded other ministries through her work by sharing the patterns she uses to make these small works of art. “It’s a sad job, but it’s done with love,” she says. The gowns are made from wedding silks and satins, beads, pearls, lace, and tulle. The women who make them spend about two hours a day sewing each dress. They use a small machine and a needle that is smaller than a sewing needle, making the process painless. Many of the seamstresses are retired or live on a fixed income and still find the time to devote to this project. They also find that it is a healing experience for themselves. In the United States, it is estimated that more than 626,000 babies are born through stillbirth or miscarriage each year. For families whose children are born or lose their lives in the NICU, this one-of-a-kind gown is a meaningful and symbolic keepsake of their loved ones. The nurses who hand these dresses out to their grieving patients say they are the most precious thing they do. Each angel gown is a symbol of hope, comfort, and love for the family who receives it. They serve to help the parents heal and move forward with their lives. ND Angel Gowns has distributed the gowns to hospitals like Sanford and CHI St. Alexius Health and hope to continue to reach more families in need. “They are so beautiful, and they bring tears of joy, and that’s what I really want to see for these families,” said ND Angel Gowns director Michelle Bjornstad. To learn more about how you can help, visit the ND Angel Gowns website or call (701) 580-4560. You can donate money or a new or used wedding dress to the cause. You can even get involved through volunteering. You can also find the Facebook page for ND Angel Gowns here.

The death of a child is a heartbreaking tragedy that affects all members of the family. It’s important that parents and other caregivers understand what a child funeral is, how it differs from an adult funeral, and the many things that can be done to make it as smooth and healing an experience as possible for everyone involved. A child funeral can take place in a church, chapel, or at home and can be as simple or as elaborate as the family wishes. Typically, a funeral service for a child is a private affair, with only close family and friends in attendance. Some families choose to have a public memorial service for their child and invite friends and family to come and celebrate the life of their son or daughter. This can be a very emotional event, but it is also a great way to honor the deceased and to share memories of them. If you decide to have a memorial service, it may be helpful to have an older relative or friend act as “funeral buddy.” This person can play with the children during the services and help them stay engaged. They can also keep an eye on them and help them if they start to show signs of distress or discomfort. It is important that you explain to the children what will happen at the funeral in an age-appropriate manner. It’s best to give them as much information as they can handle at one time, but don’t be afraid to go over topics again later if they need it. Children will need to process grief in different ways and each will react differently at the funeral. Some children will cry and others may not shed any tears, while some may be angry or withdrawn. It is important to remember that these reactions are normal and that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Some parents choose to have their child’s casket or urn displayed at the funeral, which can be a comforting and familiar sight for the family. If you do choose to have your child’s body displayed, be sure to talk with the funeral directors about what options are available for the day of the funeral. You can also decorate the funeral venue with items that were special to your child. From flowers to teddy bears, it’s important that you choose decor that reflects their personality and life. If you have any concerns about the cost of a funeral for your child, it is worth talking to your funeral director as they can provide advice and may be able to offer financial support. If you need further assistance, the Money Advice Service has more information on help paying for funeral costs.

A baby’s wardrobe is a wondrous thing—an ever-changing assortment of clothes that speaks of endless snuggles, first giggles, and tiny toes tapping to the rhythm of their own heartbeat. But with so many different types of baby clothing available, navigating the best options for your newborn or infant can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are a few key pieces you should always have on hand to ensure your little one is cozy and comfortable, whatever the season may be. The backbone of any baby’s wardrobe is the versatile bodysuit. These one-piece outfits snap between the legs, allowing you to dress your child without fuss and without exposing any sensitive skin. The best bodysuits are made of soft materials that breathe and can be worn alone or layered for warmth. You’ll also want to select a few options in various sizes, as babies grow fast. Rompers are another outfit staple. Similar to a bodysuit but with added design features (like ruffles or a 2-in-1 convertible style that switches from footie pajamas to pants) these one-pieces can be dressed up for a casual playdate, a stroll around the block, or a photo shoot. Rompers are typically made of soft cotton and come in a range of prints, making them perfect for baby boys or girls. During colder seasons, layering is key. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton and wool, and consider selecting a few jackets or outerwear options to help your child stay warm. A light jacket is usually enough to keep your baby cozy, while a heavier option will be essential in harsher climates. Don’t forget to stock up on some hats and mittens too, as these can help your baby retain heat and protect their delicate skin from harsh winds or sunburn. As the weather gets warmer, you’ll want to include some short-sleeved tops and dresses in your baby’s closet. These can be layered with one of your baby’s favorite vests or blankets for extra warmth. You’ll also want to stock up on some summer-friendly accessories, such as a hat or sunhat that matches your little one’s outfit. A good place to start when searching for the best baby clothing is to opt for organic options. These garments are made from cotton and other natural fibers that have been grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. In addition to being eco-friendly, organic cotton is super-soft and gentle on babies’ delicate skin.

The death of a loved one can be a traumatic and confusing time for those who are left behind. In addition to coordinating funeral or memorial services, the grieving family must also decide on clothing for the deceased. This decision is based on a variety of factors, including the person’s wishes and cultural traditions. Traditionally, people have dressed their dead in nice clothes. The choice of apparel can also be influenced by the environment in which the body is buried. Some families choose traditional clothes, like suits and dress shirts, while others may opt for more casual clothing that is meaningful to their loved one. For those who prefer a natural burial, there are burial shrouds that resemble a light linen cloth, ideal for the type of earth-friendly funeral that is popular in some regions. These garments are typically crafted from ecologically produced fabrics and feature buttons made of nacre, a material that is naturally biodegradable. The gowns are available in a range of colors, sizes and styles, and can be worn by both men and women. Some of the most heartbreaking cases involve infants who die at a very young age, often before their first birthdays. For these infants, a special kind of gown is designed to help with the dressing process and offer a dignified cover for the tiny bodies. One Wisconsin mother is using her sewing skills to honor the life of her own stillborn baby by repurposing wedding dresses into burial gowns for babies who were born too soon. Hazel Jones’ workshop used to be part of her living room, but now she uses it to cut down formal gowns that she uses to make burial wraps and gowns for babies who die too soon. She is among a group of volunteers called Little Angel Gowns who sew these garments for mothers who have lost their children. The volunteers collect wedding dresses, prom gowns and First Communion dresses from friends and neighbors, aiming to make around 35 burial gowns each month for families who need them. Many of these families are unable to afford a traditional funeral dress or shroud for their loved ones, but the volunteers try to make it as accessible as possible. They offer different color and style options, as well as a unisex gown for larger babies and a range of sizes from two to eight pounds. They also make burial blankets and memory kits for those who have lost a child. The organization has helped more than 3,800 families. The Little Angel Gowns project is supported by donations from the public and local churches. Its volunteers are also grateful to the community for donating the dresses and other materials. To donate a dress, contact the local chapter of Little Angel Gowns. The group has a Facebook page and website. They accept a wide variety of fabrics, including silk, lace and velvet. Each garment takes a few hours to create, and the volunteers work in pairs to ensure that each is completed on schedule.

Many brides save their wedding dress as a keepsake or pass it down to the next generation, but some opt to donate it. The best part about this option is that it gives the gown a second life rather than simply sitting in a box in a closet somewhere, taking up valuable space, or being artfully destroyed by social media (it’s okay, we’ve all seen those). Plus, you can claim your donation as a tax deduction. While reselling can be an option, it’s important to keep in mind that the process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. You’ll need to clean and repair the dress, find a reputable retailer and take high-quality photos. In addition, some retailers only accept dresses that are in good condition and less than two years old. If you decide to go the reselling route, Chapman recommends starting the process within one to six months of your wedding. “This will give you enough time to find a buyer and negotiate pricing,” she says. There are a number of charities and thrift shops that accept donated wedding dresses, including Brides for a Cause, which sells the gowns to raise funds for women-focused causes, and Forever Angels of Virginia, which turns the gowns into infant burial gowns for families who have lost babies in the NICU. Other organizations, such as Adorned in Grace, which resells bridal accessories and gowns to help fight human trafficking, accept donations year-round. If you’re interested in donating your dress, it’s important to do some research to ensure you pick a reputable charity with a mission that aligns with your own. Some organizations only accept dresses that are in good condition and not more than five years old, while others may charge an additional fee for cleaning or alteration services. When deciding where to donate your dress, keep in mind that many of these groups are local. This can make the difference between your wedding dress being used by a bride in need and being sent to landfills, where it contributes to harmful environmental impacts. For instance, the Albany, NY-based nonprofit Shared Dream Dresses is a great option for New Yorkers. The private Facebook group connects people who have unwanted wedding dresses with potential brides who are looking for a dress at a discounted price. Shared Dream Dresses has already connected more than 19,000 brides and has a 100-percent success rate in matching brides with the perfect dress. Other local options include the Albany-based nonprofit Adorned in Grace, which uses proceeds from the sale of donated bridal gowns to help fight human sex trafficking. You can also donate your dress to a local thrift store, such as the People’s Place in Kingston, NY, which accepts dresses throughout the year. Be sure to label the box with helpful information about your dress, including the size and brand/designer name, to save the charity volunteers’ time and avoid confusion.

In a lifetime full of joy and heartbreak, there are few experiences more difficult than losing a child, especially in the neonatal intensive care unit. For grieving families, it often feels like one more cruel blow. But one selfless bride-to-be is using her wedding dress to help a very special cause. Lisa Grubbs of Fort Worth, Texas, collects bridal dresses and turns them into angel gowns for infants who pass away before leaving the hospital. Her efforts are a beacon of hope for families in their darkest moments. “I feel like it’s my calling,” she told KHOU. Grubbs founded NICU Helping Hands, which is collecting dresses from all over the country and turning them into gowns for babies who lose their lives before they leave the hospital. She and a handful of seamstresses have been sewing the gowns for about a year, but they’ve had a tremendous response since a news story on the effort was published in March. A man in Puyallup, Washington, who read the story saw himself in Sarah’s shoes. He retrieved his late wife’s dress from the attic and donated it to the project. Grubbs has even had people from as far away as California contact her, wanting to contribute to the program. Each gown takes about 12 to 20 hours to make. Grubbs’ team is making more gowns as fast as they can, but they need more to meet demand. She’s hoping the news story will spur more women to donate their wedding dresses, and she also hopes the program will encourage others to become seamstresses and make these gowns themselves. The gowns are being donated to hospitals in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, but the program is growing nationwide. Last week, it was announced that UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital will start receiving the gowns this summer. The hospital specializes in pediatric oncology, pediatric neurology, pediatric critical care and more. It’s the largest children’s hospital in the country and has an unwavering commitment to family-centered care and the comfort of every patient and their family. The gowns will be used for all tiniest patients, from newborns to infants and young children who lose their life before they leave the hospital. Families can choose to keep the gown or have it returned for another use. The hospital extends its heartfelt thanks to the seamstresses who volunteer their time to make these precious angel gowns.

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