How to Choose the Right Burial Clothes for Your Loved One

Losing a loved one is difficult. But despite the grief, there are many decisions to be made, including choosing the right burial clothes for your loved one. 

Some people plan their outfits in advance. However, some deaths occur suddenly, leaving no time to make their wishes known.

Picking burial clothing can be daunting. But look at it as an opportunity to honor their memory. Let's explore some tips to help you choose the right burial clothes for a respectful and meaningful sendoff. 

1. Consider Your Loved One's Style Before You Choose Their Burial Clothes

Reflecting on your loved one's personal style is a good place to start. Think about their fashion when they were alive. 

What clothes did they wear? 

What were the colors they loved? 

How did they show up in the world? 

Is there anything that stood out in their clothing?

Remember, this is more than just style. Use this chance to honor their identity and preserve their history. Maybe they loved a tailored suit or had a favorite dress. Or maybe they loved a cozy sweater.

Also, think about their culture and religion. Pick something that celebrates who they were and not just how they looked.

2. Consider The Funeral Service

Think about the type of funeral service you're planning for your loved one. The setting, tone, and traditions of the service can guide you in picking the right outfit.

A traditional religious service might have certain customs or guidelines you need to follow. Some faiths and cultures also require specific garments, like a white shroud or ceremonial attire.

This clothing carries spiritual beliefs and long-held rituals. It's a good idea to consult with a faith leader or funeral director to ensure you choose the right burial clothing.

For modern/ non-religious ceremonies, you may have some room for personalizing. Pick something that aligns with your loved one's personality, like a bright dress, a sports jersey of their favorite team, etc. Such choices bring some comfort and even smiles to the attending guests. 

3. Choose a Complete Ensemble

Dress your loved one as they would if they were going to a meaningful event. Pay attention to detail and do it with care and love. A complete ensemble is not just appearance; it also involves respect, dignity, and sending them off whole.  

• Pick the main clothing: a dress, a suit, or a traditional garment.

• Consider the smaller details: socks/stockings, undergarments, shoes, jewelry, etc.

Quick tip: If your loved one loved a specific scent or always carried a specific item like a photo, include that too. These little things offer comfort to those who come to say goodbye.

4. Seek Input from Others

You don't have to go through this emotional and significant process alone. MTL can help you find peace in this challenging moment.

But if the weight is too heavy, reach out to others who knew your loved one well. It could be siblings, children, close friends, or even caregivers.

They may point out something that you could be missing. It's a conversation that you'll uncover that'll bring meaningful details: 

"She never went anywhere without her lucky gold necklace." "Remember how he loved his blue shirt?"

Letting others participate eases the burden and creates an opportunity for remembrance, just as a digital memorial would.

In the end, Love is What Matters

Picking burial clothing is an intimate and tender way of saying goodbye. Fabric and fashion aside, it's all about remembrance. You honor their life, the things they loved, and how they made you feel.

Regardless of what you choose, what's important is your intention. So take your time and be gentle with yourself. And if you need to keep a digital memory of your loved one, there's no better way than our unique QR code plaque paired to a custom digital memorial page.