When you’re laying a deceased loved one to rest, determining what they will wear at their funeral—and subsequent burial or cremation—can be challenging. This decision is particularly difficult for those having an open-casket visitation or funeral service, as this will be the last way that people see the individual. Since every situation can be different, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for attire. However, keeping the following tips in mind can help simplify the planning process.

Follow Their Wishes

Above all else, it is essential to respect the wishes of the deceased. In some cases, individuals will select details about their final appearance if they pre-plan their service. If these guidelines are available, be sure to follow them.

If there aren’t any written instructions, consider what they may have requested in the past. Some, for example, may prefer to be buried in a favorite outfit. Typically, their hair, makeup, jewelry, and attire should embody who they were as a person. As such, you won’t want to be overly pretentious or formal if that was never how the individual dressed.

Consider Funeral Style

The nature of the funeral service can also determine what the deceased wears. If the deceased or their family prefers to have a formal occasion, they might fit better in a suit and tie or a modest dress. If the individual was proud of their military or police service, you might dress them in their uniform. If the event is more casual, it could be entirely appropriate for the deceased to wear a cozy sweater or Hawaiian dress shirt that they owned during their life.

It’s also a good idea to consider what the interior of the casket will look like. Consult with the funeral director to choose colors that will complement—not clash with—the interior.

While there are many decisions to make during the funeral planning process, Fossum Funeral Home is dedicated to making the experience dignified and memorable. Providing compassionate support in Onalaska, WI for more than 90 years, these professionals understand how to plan events that respect the wishes of the departed, while highlighting their unique individuality. To learn more about how they can help plan funeral services, cremations, and burials, visit their website or call (608)783-9777.