When a loved one passes away, the funeral planning process can be an extremely difficult and emotional time. There are many integral considerations to make during this time, and one important detail is what your loved one will wear when placed in their casket. This is a deeply personal choice for every individual and family, and there are several different ways to choose their outfit. Consider the following factors ahead of your loved one's burial service to help decide what aspect is most important to you.

How Does Religion & Culture Impact Dress?

Many religious traditions include certain clothing for a burial service. You may want to dress your loved one in traditional clothing from your region, or their religion may have guidelines that you can ask a religious leader about. For example, a Jewish man would likely be buried in a simple white shroud with a kippah, or skullcap, and tallit, which is a prayer shawl. A Buddhist should be dressed in everyday clothing, nothing out of the ordinary or particularly fancy. Islamic traditions detail a specific process for washing the departed and covering them in burial shrouds. Those with official roles in the Eastern Orthodox church should be buried in their robes.

Is There a Formal Clothing Guideline?

If your loved one wasn't religious or their faith doesn't have guidelines for clothing, another common choice is to dress them in their most formal clothes. This can mean a suit, tux, dress, a traditional pantsuit, or formal clothing from your family’s culture of origin. Finish the outfit with their favorite shoes and pieces of jewelry. If jewelry, such as a wedding ring, has been left to a family member, it can be removed before the burial.

Can You Dress Your Loved One Based on Their Preference?

To honor your loved one's life and personality, you might choose to dress them in some of their favorite clothes. Choosing from your loved one's wardrobe might mean selecting their favorite cap, a colorful blouse, or a cherished vintage fur coat. This is an especially smart idea if you're planning a unique funeral and burial service that also honors their life.

To plan a respectful burial service that honors your loved one's personality and traditions, choose Silver Creek Mortuary. Based in Gallup, NM, they have served McKinley County and the 200-mile radius around their location since 2003. They offer a range of options to suit your family's needs, including various cultural and religious mortuary services. Call (505) 371-3690 to speak to a representative or get in touch online.