Have you been envisioning your wedding since you were a little girl? Were there certain people that you always envisioned being there who have since passed away?
Lost loved ones not being present at your wedding can be extremely difficult. It can be one of the most emotionally difficult parts of your day but can also be one of the most sentimental and memorable parts. There will definitely be some sadness associated with their absence but the best way to honor their memory on your wedding is in a uniquely special way!
There are a variety of different ways to honor their lives and what they meant to yours. Some go with a more traditional route and others come up with some extremely creative ways to remember their lives and what they meant to them!
I have seen a lot of things such as:
A photo on the bridal bouquet
Tip: Have your florist include a photo of your lost loved one hanging on your bridal bouquet, that way you have that person with you during the most special moments of your wedding.
Wearing something borrowed
Tip: Make your something borrowed a piece of their jewelry or pin their fabric on your dress to keep them with you the entire night!
A photo in an empty seat during the ceremony and reception
Tip: Leave an empty seat at your ceremony with a photo of them and maybe even lay a wreath on it as you walk down the aisle.
A photo attached to your shoe while walking down the aisle
Tip: Sort of like attaching a photo to your bouquet but a little bit more hidden, sentimental, and it would be just for you!
Make a toast in their honor
Tip: Include them in your toasts and cheers to their life and memory! It’s a beautiful way to remember them and talk about their impact on your life.
Include them in your wedding program
Tip: A small way to commemorate their life and let people know who they were to you. Maybe say in memory of…
Create a memory table with photos, notes and memories
Tip: A great way for guests to see photos and memories from their lives as they walk into your ceremony or reception.
Have a moment of reflection
Tip: Take a moment to remember them and reflect on their life and meaning to your life.
Light a candle in their honor
Tip: Keep a candle lit all night to honor the light that they shone on your life and keep the flame burning.
These are all such fantastic ways to honor somebody you’ve lost but there is one that I will always remember most…
I had a wedding where the couple got those floating lanterns customized with writing and some photos of the brides father who had passed away. They got all of the lanterns ready to float away and then had a speech and a small slideshow to commemorate his life and what he meant to the family. They then let the lanterns go while playing his favorite song. It was so memorable and sentimental and just an all around gorgeous commemoration of his life and what he meant to his family!
No matter what you do, just remember that there is no right or wrong way to honor a lost loved one. You need to do whatever you feel is best in your heart. Do whatever you think will truly honor their life and will show the impact they had on your life. It could be something grand or small and sentimental. Just be sure it means something to you and has a positive impact on your day!
P.S. – Most people only honor somebody of great importance in their life you may have passed away. That’s not to say you can’t do it for anybody, but it is more for an extremely close family member such as a parent, sibling or grandparent.
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