Dressing and grooming services are part of traditional burials. Hence, for those seeking cremation services in Walla Walla, WA, a common question is whether their loved one will be cremated with clothes on. The answer is it depends.
When it comes to cremation and clothing, most cremation professionals agree clothing is optional. For cremation providers, covering the body with a sheet is enough before it enters the cremation chamber.
However, for families who want their loved one to wear proper clothing, the kind of outfit and who does the dressing is a matter of which cremation service you choose.
How Clothing Works in Traditional Cremation
Since traditional cremation is much like traditional burial, with viewing and funeral service included, the funeral home does the dressing. The body is embalmed, groomed, and dressed in ceremonial clothing for public viewing.
With this option, the professionals will dress the deceased in clothing and accessories appropriate for cremation. And if you prefer to dress your loved one yourself, if the funeral home allows, they can help you make cremation-acceptable choices.
How Clothing Works in Direct Cremation
In direct cremation, the story is slightly different. Since the service does not include embalming or dressing, any ceremonial dressing has to be done on your own. Otherwise, a simple sheet is used to cover the body before it heads into the chamber.
The dressing can be done at home or the cremation center. The deceased can also be cremated in whatever they wore at the time of passing if it’s combustible and safe for the cremation chamber.
However, suppose you wish to dress a loved one in ceremonial clothing for direct cremation. In that case, it’s necessary to know what clothing and accessories are allowed.
Acceptable Materials for Cremation
Here are the clothing and accessory materials your loved one can wear before their body is allowed to enter the cremation chamber:
- Clothing made from natural materials
- Wood
- Cardboard or paper-based materials
Unacceptable materials that must be removed before the cremation include:
- Metal
- Glass
- Synthetic clothes
- Plastic
- Battery-operated objects and mechanical devices, e.g., silicone implants, hearing aids, pacemakers, etc.
Also, cremation equipment varies between providers. Aside from these, confirm what’s acceptable from your cremation provider.
How to Dress a Loved One for Cremation
If you’re dressing your loved one by yourself, here are the simple steps you should follow:
- First, remove the clothes they had on at the time of death or cut them with a pair of scissors.
- It is unnecessary, but if you wish, use soap, water, and a washcloth to clean the body. Then use a dry towel to wipe their skin dry.
- Next, split the garment you want them to wear at the back. This applies to skirts, dresses, and shirts. Wear the split cloth over the body by wrapping it around them.
- If the outfit is sleeved, slide the sleeves up their arms before tucking the cloth behind them.
- For pants, compress the bottom cuff, so the entire length goes over their leg at once. Then grab each leg and slide the pant as high as possible. Roll the body over and use a belt or your hand to drag the pants up to the waist.
Apply any other grooming practice as preferred. You can apply makeup, comb the hair, or wear accessories like bracelets or any memento you want as part of their final look.
That’s it. The dress doesn’t have to be elaborate. It only has to make the deceased person look dignified and combustible in the chamber.
Contact us for additional questions about cremation services in Walla Walla, WA. We are here to help put your mind at ease and take adequate care of your loved one. Call us now to get your questions answered or get started with arrangements.
