5 Ways to Honor Deceased Loved Ones at Your Wedding
Making a decision to honor loved ones who are no longer with you in some way during your celebration of marriage is a truly beautiful display of love. There are so many ways you can share your sentiments, both publicly or privately, that would justly honor the memory of who this person was to you.
We have taken the initiative to share some of the beautiful ways we have seen couples share in the past that touched not only our hearts, but the hearts of the wedding guests as well. We hope what we share inspires you.
List their name(s) on the wedding program
If you plan to have handheld wedding programs, you can list their names in a special place on the programs. You want to be sure it is understood that this would be in memory of this special loved one. You can be sure to discuss the sensible way to add this information with your wedding stationer.
A reserved seat
We have placed a single stem flower in a seat that would have been occupied by the person who had passed away. This was something subtle and understood by the wedding guests who were familiar with the family dynamic. It was also simple, sweet, and sentimental enough to show the person’s presence was not forgotten.
A memorial table
Setting up a memorial table is a way to be sure the memory of a loved one is recognized. This would be a clear visual of love and honor in celebration. A memorial table usually showcases a photo or heirlooms of some type of the person who passed.
A special tribute during the ceremony or reception
A special tribute in the form of a scripture reading, a poem, or even a song is a way to speak to the memory of a loved one. You want to be careful with this option, as sometimes remembering those who are no longer with us can take us to a place of sadness. You want to be sure whatever is shared is done in a way as to not overshadow the happiness and joy meant to be experienced during your wedding day.
Carry something of theirs on wedding day
The closest suggestion to my own heart is to carry something of that person’s during the ceremony. I grew up living in the home with my great-grandmother, and she had a blue handkerchief she used to keep in her pocket. I had the handkerchief with me, thanks to my aunt, as I walked down the aisle to meet Darius. Not only did I have to share it with my father to dry his tears, but I had to share it with Darius as well. She was still taking care of people, even on my wedding day.
These are just a few ideas on how you can incorporate the honoring of a deceased loved one in your wedding day. Just remember, you can do this publicly or privately, it is completely up to you. Whatever you decide, just be sure you don’t allow it to overshadow the day. Instead, allow it to be a sweet acknowledgement of the love and memory of that special person.
Until next time…
be sweet & happy planning!
~Tish
(photo credit: Simone Elise Events and Smash Studios Photography)
Premier Wedding Planning and Event Studio Owned by Husband and Wife Planner and Event Designer Team Darius and Tish Clay. Simone Elise Events offers Wedding Day Event Management Services, Full Service Wedding Planning Services, and Wedding and Event Design Services for all your Wedding, Social, and Corporate Events. Simone Elise Events caters to Weddings and Events in Memphis Tennessee and surrounding Tennessee areas.
For more about us, visit: simoneeliseevents.com/about-us
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