The process of dressing a loved one for their funeral or memorial service can be a profound act of love and respect. For many families, selecting their loved one’s final outfit is an important part of planning the service and can help honor their unique personality and style. The clothing chosen can also be a symbolic reminder of a happy life and cherished memories. Involving family members and close friends in this decision can be a comforting and meaningful experience.
When deciding on appropriate attire, it’s best to take into account the deceased’s personal and cultural preferences. For example, if your loved one typically wore suits or dresses to work, it would be fitting to have them dressed in those pieces for their final journey. Likewise, if they had specific requests or wishes in regards to their burial attire, honouring those requests is an important part of the grieving process.
For adults, the most common choice of clothing for a funeral is a suit or dress. However, if your loved one preferred a more casual approach to style, you can select a sweater or sweatshirt that was a favorite or even an old pair of jeans. Many people also choose to bury jewelry, like a wedding ring or pendant, with their loved ones. It’s best to consult with a professional when choosing a suitable piece of jewelry for your loved one as they can offer helpful guidance and recommendations.
Choosing the perfect outfit for your loved one can feel overwhelming, especially at a time when you’re already grieving. A professional funeral director can help guide you through the selection process, making sure your loved one is dressed appropriately for their final journey. In addition, they can provide insight into any cultural or religious traditions that may affect the attire selected.
When dressing your loved one for their final journey, it’s also important to consider the amount of detail you want to add to their look. While it’s usually fine to rely on a simple gown or shroud for most cases, you can also create a more detailed ensemble by adding lace, embroidery, or other embellishments.
For example, this baby burial dress was sewn from a cotton fabric and features cluny lace on the bodice, gathered skirt, and matching bonnet. It was designed for babies weighing two to eight pounds. The wrap and gown were stitched using a sewing pattern by Melinda’s patterns.
The project has been a labor of love for the MOV Memorial Gown team, which is composed of local women who share a passion for making beautiful and special clothing for infants in need. Their hard work helps to ensure that babies who die shortly after birth, or are lost during pregnancy or birth, are covered with a beautiful gown rather than an impersonal hospital blanket. The team’s efforts have been appreciated by the parents of many angels, as well as hospitals, funeral homes, and midwives. If you’re interested in learning more about the group or making your own burial gowns, check out the website.