clothing & jewellery

Choosing Clothing

Many families find comfort in choosing the clothes their loved one will wear. You may choose:

• Their own favourite clothes.
• Smart or formal clothing.
• Casual clothing that reflects their personality.
• Nightwear, if that feels more appropriate.
• A gown supplied by the funeral director, if you prefer not to provide clothing.

If you choose your loved one's own clothes, remember to provide:

• Underwear.
• Socks or stockings, if required.
• Appropriate footwear if you would like it included (your funeral director will advise whether shoes are necessary, depending on whether there will be a viewing).

Your funeral director will explain what is needed and answer any questions you may have.

Personal Items

Some families also like to include small personal items with their loved one, such as:

• A favourite piece of jewellery.
• A wedding ring (if appropriate).
• Glasses.
• A favourite scarf or tie.
• A photograph.
• A letter or card.
• A small keepsake.

If you are considering placing personal belongings with your loved one, speak to your funeral director first. They will explain what can safely remain with them for burial or cremation, as some items may need to be removed before the funeral.

Please Note

If your loved one is to be cremated, some clothing, footwear or personal items may not be suitable for cremation. Your funeral director will advise you and ensure your wishes are respected wherever possible.

Jewellery and Personal Belongings

Many families choose for their loved one to wear jewellery or have special personal items with them. This is entirely your choice.

Some families choose to:

• Leave a wedding ring on.
• Leave a favourite necklace, bracelet or watch.
• Include a cherished photograph.
• Place a handwritten letter or card in the coffin.
• Include a small keepsake or memento.
• Place a favourite blanket, soft toy or other comforting item with a child.

Other families prefer valuable or sentimental jewellery to be removed and returned to them before the funeral.

Should Jewellery Remain or Be Removed?

Before making your decision, consider whether the jewellery has sentimental or financial value. If your loved one is to be buried, you may decide to leave jewellery with them. If your loved one is to be cremated, remember that any jewellery left with them will normally remain with them during the cremation and cannot be returned afterwards. If you would like jewellery returned to the family, please tell your funeral director before the funeral. They will ensure it is carefully removed and returned to you.

Please Let Your Funeral Director Know

If there are any items you would like to:

• Remain with your loved one.
• Be removed before the funeral.
• Be returned to the family.
• Be placed in the coffin at the last visit.

Please discuss this with your funeral director as early as possible. They will explain what is possible and make sure your wishes are clearly recorded.

Top Tip

Take a few moments to think about jewellery and personal belongings before bringing clothing to the funeral home. A simple conversation with your funeral director can help avoid last-minute decisions and ensure your loved one's personal wishes—and your family's wishes—are respected.

Please Note

If your loved one wore dentures (false teeth) and they are not with them when they come into the care of the funeral director, please let your funeral director know as soon as possible and provide the dentures before your loved one is prepared for viewing, if you would like them to be worn. 

Dentures can help support the natural shape of the face and provide a more familiar appearance during viewing. If the dentures are not available before preparation takes place, it may not be possible to fit them afterwards.

If you would prefer the dentures to be returned to the family rather than remain with your loved one, please discuss this with your funeral director, who will explain the available options.