When it comes to dressing your loved one for a funeral or memorial service, the details are important. You’ll want to provide a comfortable, clean, and respectful look for your loved one. Choosing clothes that reflect their personality and style is an important way to honor them.
Many people choose to outfit their loved ones in their own clothes for the service. This can be a very personal touch, and can also help keep your loved one’s clothing intact for future generations to see. Alternatively, you may opt to provide a gown or wrap for your loved one. This allows you to be more precise in your choice of color, fabric, and style.
The general standard for attire at funerals and memorial services has been historically more conservative, favoring darker colors that symbolize mourning. For men, this usually means a dark suit or button-down shirt paired with a jacket and tie. For women, a dress or skirt at or below the knee paired with a blouse and polished dress shoes are typically considered appropriate attire.
If your loved one was a member of a religion with specific customs, be sure to respect those traditions in terms of their burial clothes as well. These can add a layer of depth and meaning to the ceremony that you may not otherwise be able to express in words or gestures alone.
Even though the style of clothing for a funeral has been more relaxed over time, it’s still wise to avoid very brightly colored clothes or flashy accessories. The goal is to make an impression of dignity and respect, which you can’t accomplish with a brightly colored shirt or pants that show too much skin. You should also be mindful of the weather, especially if you’re planning to hold a graveside service or visitation in an outdoor space.
Many families who choose cremation are concerned about what their loved one will wear in a casket after the funeral or memorial service. If you’re planning on a cremation in Fieldston, NY, there are plenty of options for what to outfit your loved one in.
While some families like to choose simple, basic gowns for their loved ones, others prefer more elaborate garments, similar to what they would wear to a hospital visit. Whatever your preference, you can rest assured that the staff at your local funeral home will be able to assist you with the process of selecting an appropriate outfit for your loved one.
If you are interested in sewing your own garments for use as funeral attire, the Sew & Tell Group at MOV is a wonderful resource to connect with other people who are interested in creating their own memorial garments. The group meets twice a year to cut, design, and sew gowns for infants, toddlers, and children up to age eight. Gowns and wraps are then donated to hospitals, funeral homes, and midwives to aid in the care of these small angels.