Choose the deceased's clothing
Regardless of whether the deceased will be Buried or Cremated, you may want to choose what specific clothing they wear for their Final Disposition.
The deceased may have requested a specific item, but if not, choose something they loved, looked good in, or is meaningful. For example, veterans often wish to be buried in their military uniform.
If you're unsure, or don't have access to their clothing, speak with the Funeral Home, Funeral Director or cremation provider, also known as a Crematorium. They most likely have items for you to choose from.
Some funeral homes may even allow you to dress the deceased yourself.
Good to Know
Cremation providers will need to remove any prohibited materials from the deceased before the cremation process. Most often these include any rubber, metal, plastic, and glass.
Important
If any religious traditions and customs are guiding the funeral service and final disposition, make sure to review what attire is most appropriate.
Helpful Tips
How to select an outfit and hair and makeup for the deceased
When choosing clothing for the deceased, it's best to involve any interested Surviving Family members so as to not cause conflict.
A funeral home can also help to provide any requested hair and makeup services. If a particular hairstyle is requested, provide reference photos.
Other important items to consider include:
- Evaluate any unique items like jewelry and only include if family members are comfortable parting with it forever
- Ensure that the spouse or other immediate family of the deceased is comfortable parting with the clothing selected
- Provide a complete outfit with undergarments
- Give any additional dressing instructions to the funeral home, especially if they are non-traditional
Religious traditions for burial attire
Christianity: Family's discretion Catholicism: Family's discretion Judaism: White shroud, men may be buried with their torn funeral shroud Islam: White shroud Buddhism: Family's discretion, cremation is favored Hinduism: Family's discretion, cremation is favored Orthodox Christian: Family's discretion, formal Jehovah's Witness: Family's discretion, formal Latter-Day Saints (Mormonism): Family's discretion, formal, endowed members in temple garments
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