Final Fashion: You're Dead. What Are You Wearing?

In this mini-sode, Karen and Farewelling Funeral Guru Elizabeth Karansky tackle a topic they both think should get more attention: What to Wear...for Forever. At first glance it may seem a silly or frivolous subject, but choosing clothing for loved one’s funeral (or planning for yourself) can sometimes be more complex than you might expect. Karen and Liz start with a discussion of an old Gilmore Girls episode that involves funeral planning and clothing choices. They explore changing styles (including eco-friendly burial clothing), styling, and the unique personal wishes for accessories that have surprised Liz along her journey as a funeral director.

What to Wear: Eternal Edition

If you had a choice, would you want to specify what you’d wear for your own farewelling service? Have you ever had to choose funeral clothing for a loved one? 

Tradition often dictates how a person who has died is dressed or shrouded for their funeral. But more and more, we may want to take charge of what reflects our style, and even our values. 

Liz and Karen talk eco-friendly options, interesting accessories, how funeral professionals often double as fashion stylists, and why it’s important to leave clear instructions for your loved ones.

Are you a MadMen fan? If so, you might want to revisit this episode where Betty spells out her funeral wishes (and her choice of fashion) in detail for her daughter Sally.

If you'd like to read more about eco-friendly funeral clothing and shrouds, check out the Green Burial Council's page on green funeral shrouds. Also, take a look at artist Pia Interlandi's truly beautiful "garments for the grave," which are delicate and biodegradable. Just as a note, do be aware, there are burial-related photos on both sites. But hey, this is what Farewelling is all about--helping us to look at death differently, and to think about celebrating a beautiful life, beautifully, down to the last detail. 

Thanks for checking out this mini-sode of Farewelling: The Podcast. Do you like what you hear? We’d be mighty grateful if you’d review us on Apple podcasts or maybe send a link to someone you think might find the show helpful or interesting.  And by the way, if you’re inspired to make your own plan, download our free Farewelling Worksheets here.