The outfit your loved one wears for their final viewing and burial is an important aspect of a funeral. It’s not only a way to honor their wishes but also something that will be a permanent reminder of the life they lived. There are several things to keep in mind while choosing a clothing option including the deceased’s religion and the method of their final disposition.
Some people are buried in their own clothes while others choose to be dressed in clothing designed specifically for burial. Burial gowns are available in a wide variety of fabrics, colors and designs to suit any preference. They are generally designed to make it easy for a funeral director to dress the deceased. They usually resemble smart night gowns, pyjamas or dressing gowns and can be made to fit both men and women. Burial gowns can be embellished with embroidered details, false shirt fronts and more to create an attractive outfit.
Whether the clothing you choose is new or repurposed, you’ll need to consider how durable it will be. Some materials such as cotton or linen are more likely to hold up well for a long time and will stand the test of time, while synthetics like nylon or plastic may not be able to withstand a lot of handling. Choosing a material that’s easy to clean will also make the garment last longer.
A repurposed clothing choice will also be a green burial option as long as it meets guidelines for the specific cemetery or green funeral home you choose to use. Clothes for green burials are usually required to be biodegradable and made from natural fibers so that they won’t require a chemical decomposition process to break down.
Some of the most heartbreaking funerals involve infants that die for a variety of reasons. For some of these families, an angel gown can provide comfort and help them to grieve with dignity. Beverly Duckett of Whittle Springs, Illinois sews these little dresses in her bright second-floor sewing room to help families with their losses. Her sewing skills have allowed her to make intricate little gowns for babies who die at birth or shortly after — some as tiny as six weeks old.
Duckett and her husband, Tim, started Kennedy’s Angel Gowns last year to donate the garments to families that need them most. They make the gowns from donated wedding dresses – an average dress will produce about 20 of the small garments. “They’re so incredibly beautiful and they really bring people together,” she says.
When dressing your loved one in an angel gown, keep in mind that the fabric needs to be flexible enough for movement. It’s also important to consider how the outfit will look when your loved one is laying down in their casket or coffin. A good idea is to choose an outfit that reflects their personality and interests as it will be the last visual impression they’ll have on those who survive them.