Regardless of whether your funeral arrangements include an open casket or not, choosing the appropriate attire for your loved one is an important decision. There are a number of factors you’ll want to consider, from your loved one’s personal style to your attachment to their items. To help make this critical decision easier, here are three helpful tips.

3 Tips for Selecting Clothing for the Deceased

1. Choose Clothing That Adequately Reflects Who They Were

If you’re unsure of what attire would be appropriate for your loved one, think about how they preferred to dress. Selecting clothing with a personal association can be comforting and help you move through this difficult life transition.

Consider whether your loved one enjoyed getting dressed up or whether they preferred to be more casual and comfortable. While many people choose formal attire, this isn’t a steadfast rule. For instance, if your loved one was an avid music fan, a shirt from their favorite artist might be more appropriate.  Maybe a themed neck tie or sports Jersey (Sweatshirt) or even a spots cap would be a more accurate representation of how they dressed.

2. Consider Special Items or Accessories

In addition to selecting attire of personal significance, consider other special items. For instance, did your loved one have a favorite piece of jewelry that they always wore? Perhaps they had a special handkerchief or accessory that they frequently carried with them. You may wish to include these items for sentimental reasons. However, communicate whether or not you’ll want these items returned to you as you plan the funeral arrangements.  That Coach purse or baseball/hockey puck/golf club placed in their hands; may seem out of the norm, but when anyone sees it they will smile and say “Yep, he/she loved that!”

3. Consider a New Burial Outfit

If you’re having difficulty selecting pre-owned attire for your loved one or have a personal attachment to their clothing, you may wish to consider purchasing a burial outfit instead. Simple burial clothing for women is tastefully designed and will typically resemble a luxury gown or cocktail dress. Simple clothes for a men could be a golf shirt or suit shirt with sports coat.  Purchasing fresh clothes can also help symbolize a new life transition, which may assist with the grieving process. 
 

If you need help making funeral arrangements for your loved one’s celebration of life, contact Arndt Funeral Home LLC in Rochester, NY. Providing compassionate and caring service for over 50 years, their licensed funeral directors have helped families of all faiths plan memorable funerals. For more information about their services, call (585) 225-6350. Visit them online for more information.