How to Memorialize Those Who Have Passed Away at Your Wedding

Weddings are such special and joyous occasions, but they also can be bittersweet as we remember our loved ones who aren’t able to be there physically to join in the celebration. Life is so very precious and as you plan your big day, you can honor those who have passed away so that you can feel them close and to hold a space for them during your celebration. Read more here as we take a look at various meaningful ways to memorialize the loved ones who have passed away at your wedding so that why can be a part of your special day.

Why Memorialize Loved Ones at your Wedding?

Including a tribute to loved ones who are no longer with us at your wedding can be profoundly moving. It not only serves as a reminder of their importance in your life, but it also allows you to honor and cherish their memory during your special day. I wanted to share some heartfelt ideas for how to incorporate the presences of those you have lost on your wedding day.

Create a Memory Table

Talk with your venue about finding a space to create a memory table where you can set up a display of photographs and items of importance to those who you have lost. You can add flowers and flowers or here at Lavender on the Lake you could light candles as long as they are encompassed in glass. You could frame a special poem or quote to make things extra special.

Tips for Creating a Memory Table:

Choose a quiet corner of the reception space within your venue.
Include a sign that explains the significance of the table so that guests understand the importance.
Use a variety of photographs, both formal and candid.
Add personal items, such as favorite books or jewelry to make things personal and intimate.

Reserve a Seat

Reserving a seat at your ceremony for a deceased loved one is a special way to acknowledge that they are no longer with you. You can place a photo on the chair along with a flower or a small sign mentioning their name so that guests understand the significance of the empty seat.

Tips for Reserving a Seat:

Choose a seat in the front row so indicate the importance of your loved one.
Decorate the chair with a flower arrangement or a personal belonging.
Include a little sign or note explaining whose memory the seat honors.

Light a Candle.

Lighting a candle during your ceremony or reception is a lovely tribute to those you have lost because it symbolizes eternal presence and is a way to reflect during your special day.

Tips for Lighting a Candle:

Work with your officiant to include the candle lighting into your ceremony.
Choose a special candle holder or perhaps you can use one that belonged to your loved one.
Ask close family members to join you in lighting the candle.

Include Them in Your Program.

Dedicate a space within your wedding program to your loved ones. You can include a favorite memory, quote, or write a heartfelt note to him or her.

Tips for Including Them in Your Program:

Print out photographs that are high in quality.
Write out the special memory or quote for your program.
Ask close family members to join you in lighting the candle.

Play Their Favorite song.

Music truly has such a way to evoke emotions and memories. If there is a song that was special to your loved one and or reminds you of him or her, it is a nice touch to play the song at some point during the ceremony.

Tips for Including Playing Their Favorite Song:

Be sure to announce the significance of the song prior to it being played so that people understand the importance of that moment.
Choose a time during the evening where everyone can listen and reflect
Ask close family members to join you in lighting the candle.

Carry a memento.

Incorporate a small memento of your loved one into your wedding attire by tucking something into a pocket, sewing it into the lining of your dress, or by carrying a small item with you.

Tips for Carrying a Memento:

Select something that is easy to carry and is not too large.
Be sure that it is not something that will be too distracting; have it compliment your wedding attire.
Share the significance with close family and friends

Losing those we love is such a hard part of this precious life, and so honoring our loved ones adds an extra layer of meaning to the celebration. By including tributes, you can ensure that their memory lives on with you and through you; the memories of those we love are treasures.

Thanks for swinging by my blog! For those of you who are new here you will see that I believe in supporting other locally owned venues as small business and family owned businesses offer unique and one of a kind attention to all of the details that create the experiences here.

Thanks and have a lovely day!

Shelley