Bury me in these

We asked our editorial team to share their requests for how their body will be handled after death and what they’ll be wearing after they shuffle off this mortal coil. Here’s what they had to say.

I have one black Rachel Roy dress that I wear to interviews and wore to my father’s funeral. If I died today, I’d probably be buried in that. But I’d insist they also put me in some nicer shoes than any of the ones I own. And the Bernadette Peters wig I bought for a costume.

— Sara Jane 

I have an ivory, shantung silk fit-and-flare dress with a portrait collar. It has charming little bows down the back. It's very Jackie O, and you should bury my heart at Wounded Knee in this. No pantyhose. If I find out that my high school boyfriend-turned-mortician is having to wrangle my dead ass into pantyhose in the basement of Burnheart Funeral Home, I will absolutely haunt the land for generations to come.

— Jena 

If I died today, I think I want to be cremated. So, that begs the question — what would happen to my ashes? I spent a lot of time at the top of Kennesaw Mountain during a dark time in my life. It brought me great peace to sit up there alone reflecting on things, so perhaps I'll ask that my ashes be scattered there. 

— Angela 

I do not want to be buried. While getting my Ph.D., I had to opportunity to visit a funeral home (I was taking a class on Death, Dying, and Bereavement). I knew during that visit being buried was NOT for me. Nothing about the boxes seemed restful, even with the satin pillows and tufted trim. Spiritually, I also think I am more comfortable with knowing my body and soul to roam free with the wind (downwind of course).

— Kyle 

I’m donating my body to science (because obviously), but I figure I should look good on my way there, right? I’d like someone to blow my hair out smooth and Victoria’s Secret supermodel big. I cannot achieve that look: I lack the skill, the arm strength, and the will. Then dress me in a crisp, white cotton nightgown and a grey cashmere cardigan — my idea of Sunday morning sartorial perfection. 

— Erin 

I'm vain enough to want people to line up and see me off in my deep purple dress, which highlights my dark brown hair and pale skin. I feel like Nigella Lawson in it!

— Kara