When we think of dressing for a funeral, we often think about what we should wear as guests. However, if you have a loved one who has passed away one decision you will need to make is what they will be dressed in for the funeral. While this can be a tough decision to make when you are dealing with feelings of sadness and grief, it is one that will need to be made. Directors of funeral homes in Elba, NY share these tips to help make the process a little easier.

Think About Their Style

When selecting what to have your loved one wear, it can be easy to think about what you would like to see them in, rather than what they might like to have on. For example, maybe there was a favorite that you loved seeing them in but that they didn’t really care to wear it that much. Make sure you are choosing an outfit that reflects your loved one’s style and tastes and not yours.

Personalize the Outfit

While it may be expected for guests to the funeral to be dressed in nice, dressy clothes, this doesn’t mean your loved one has to be. If your loved one had a favorite football jersey, for example, consider that for the outfit. Maybe they had a school uniform or favorite jacket, if so, consider using these items.

Considerations About Jewelry

Although jewelry can be a beautiful accent to an outfit, you need to consider a few things about it. First, once it is buried, it is gone from the family forever. Many times families would rather keep the special piece to ensure it stays in the family for the next generation.

Also, even though something may look great on a person while standing up, some pieces do not look that nice when the body is laying down. For example, you may want to add a necklace with a pendant, but that pendant may not lie nicely and instead fall to one side making it look messy or not be able to be seen at all.

What About Undergarments?

Although undergarments will not be seen, it is always nice and suggested that you add them anyway. This ensures that your loved one is properly dressed and will be buried with the dignity and respect they deserve.

What About Shoes?

Shoes are actually not recommended. One reason for this is that they are not seen in the casket. Another reason is that they can be very difficult to put on due to the body being swollen and rigid.

Additional Tips

Keeping a few things in mind will help ensure you select the ideal outfit for your loved one. Some of these things are:

• Avoid sheer or lace material that may show any sutures underneath
• Tops that cover the collarbone are suggested as this area can look hollow or misshapen after death
• Long sleeves are better than short dure to the skin appearing blotchy due to embalming
• Consider the color of the casket lining when choosing the colors of the outfit
• Select pieces that are slightly larger sue to the body possibly being swollen

Following these tips and working with the director from the funeral homes in Elba, NY, you will be able to select a flawless outfit for your loved one.