At almost every wedding, there’s someone whom we wish could have joined in the celebration. Whether it’s a parent or grandparent, family or friend, there are some beautiful and heartfelt options of honoring the memory of loved ones who passed prior to your vows.
Photo Display
A photo display may be the easiest. Utilize some beautiful frames which compliment your theme and have them set up at both the reception and ceremony. Displaying pictures of your grandparent’s wedding, if you have them, is also a great way to honor family. Your extended family will love to see these old photos and there is something magical and timeless about wedding photos from previous generations! If you have the photos displayed at both the ceremony and reception, be sure to assign someone to deliver and set up the display between the ceremony and the reception!
Jewelry
Wearing jewelry your grandmother gave you is another great way to honor the matriarchal women of your life. Pendants with family member’s photos or initials also photograph very well and may be a great memory for your wedding photo album for years to come!
Candles
Lighting candles at the altar to remember loved ones is a very common and traditional way to honor loved ones. Just make sure someone remembers to light them prior to the ceremony starting.
Ceremony Program
A simple tribute in the ceremony program is a thoughtful way to acknowledge the loved ones lost in your life.
Moment Of Silence
A moment of silence to remember loved ones is also a great way to incorporate their memory into your wedding, either during the ceremony or before the toasts at the reception.
Save Them A Seat
Setting aside a chair is also a way to acknowledge the love you have for the person missing.
When planning your tribute, be sure to consider the emotional impact it will have on you as well as your guests. If the loved one passing is very recent, emotions may still be sensitive to some of your guests. Be considerate – Honor your loved ones, but remember this day is a celebration of your love and new life together!