There are many facets of funeral planning, including deciding what the deceased will wear. This is particularly important if you intend to have a viewing or open-casket service, or if your loved one intended to follow specific cultural or religious traditions regarding funeral attire. To make this funeral planning task more manageable, here are a few do's and don'ts to bear in mind.  

Do:

Consider their style. 

It's customary to dress the deceased in formal attire, like a nice suit or dress. However, you don't have to adhere to tradition if you feel your loved one would prefer something different. Think about factors like patterns, colors, and garments they loved, and consider incorporating these in their funeral attire. For instance, including a necklace or tie that served as a good luck charm or a special sports jersey from their favorite team ensures the final look will reflect your loved one as they were in real life. 

Think about religion and cultural customs. 

If your loved one was religious or followed specific cultural traditions, you'll want to factor these into funeral planning and their attire. If you are unsure what the customs are, ask a local faith leader for assistance. For example, Jewish burials often involve a simple white linen or muslin outfit called a tachrichim, while those practicing Islam dress the deceased in a white shroud called a kafan. Those of the Hindu faith traditionally prepared the dead with plain white sheets, though some families now prefer white attire for any ceremonies before the cremation. 

Don't:

Choose tight clothing. 

The body can become very rigid after death, so it's best to avoid tight, form-fitting clothing that is difficult to put on. Choosing looser fitting clothes also ensures the garments will lay over the body properly during the viewing. Even though an open casket typically only shows the top half of the body, it's important to provide trousers or a skirt for a complete outfit because the open lid will most likely show part of their torso. However, shoes are not necessary because they will be difficult to put on and will not be visible.

Select anything inappropriate or revealing. 

Even if the deceased had a penchant for humor, leave the jokes for the eulogies and take a more serious approach when dressing them. For instance, avoid an excessively revealing shirt or outdated, ugly outfit. Although some in attendance might appreciate the humor, others might find it distasteful or disrespectful. It's best to err on the side of caution and avoid a potential conflict.

For support with funeral planning in the Chattanooga, TN, area, turn to Covenant Funeral & Crematory. This family-owned funeral home has served the community for over a century, providing everything from memorial service and funeral planning to cremation and burial services. Call (423) 485-0911 to discuss how their compassionate staff can assist you in this difficult time, or visit the website to learn more about the funeral home.