Loved Ones Remembered…

It is important to remember significant friends and family members who have passed at your wedding. But for some couples, it can be a struggle to find the best way to do so. Listed below are several tasteful ways to honor those you love without casting a somber tone over the event.

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - Allison29

Ideas for Remembering Your Loved Ones

Bridal Bouquet Charm – By simply attaching a photo charm or locket to your bridal bouquet, you can keep your loved one close to you. If your father is the one you wish to remember, this could be a particularly meaningful way to pay tribute to him because he can still “walk you down the aisle”. Or, if you prefer to recognize someone privately, simply pin a charm or locket to your crinoline instead.

Photo Credit: MyJeanM.com

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - JourneySeek

Accessories – Wearing something handed down from your mother, father, grandmother or grandfather such as a veil, gown, earrings or cuff links allows you to subtly honor them in your celebration while incorporating something old. However, if something new is what you need, you could create a custom charm bracelet that includes the photos of any family members or pets who have passed.

Photo Credit - shop.fineartoffamily.com

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - LittleMandCo

Remembrance Trees - If there are several family members that you would like to honor at your wedding, you could create a memory tree that would be displayed during your ceremony, cocktail hour or reception — Natural Manzanita Branches are the perfect material for this purpose. The branches could be adorned with beautiful photo ornaments of the loved ones you wish to remember. Or, if you prefer to embellish it a bit more, you could also add candles, flowers or poetry.

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - LowellandSon

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - lesliejanson

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - tfakler

Single Empty Chair - Another meaningful way to pay tribute is by featuring an empty chair at your ceremony. Create an elegant embroidered sash that displays the names of each person being remembered that day. Or, simply leave a single flower on the seat of the chair.

Photo Credit - Flickr.com - Rachel Ann Photography

Candles - Candles can be a beautiful feature at any wedding and candlelight can be associated with life. They can also allow you to celebrate your loved ones in a more private or personal way. Create a nice vignette by incorporating some candles with a few other elements (ie. photos, flowers, etc.). Or, if drama is what you are after, you might consider creating a display that includes several candles of various sizes and shapes. On the bottom of each candle affix a photo or a label that includes the name of the person you are remembering – the candle light would represent the light of their life.

Music – Sound is something that can be easily linked to experiences — immediately upon hearing certain songs, you think of specific people, places or things. If the person you wish to remember can be associated with a particular song, consider incorporating that song in your ceremony or reception in some way. Better yet, have someone you know sing it live. Not only will that song have special meaning for you, but it will assume new significance with regard to your wedding day.

Donations - Making a donation to a cause that was important to the person you wish to recognize is a wonderful way to honor them. If your loved one did not support a particular charity, look for one that compliments what they once enjoyed. For example, if your grandmother was a teacher, supporting DonorsChoose.org would pay tribute to her by celebrating her life’s work.

Remembering those who have passed can be as simple as including a mention in your program. As long as they are honored at your wedding in a personally meaningful way, celebrating their memory will only add to the entire experience.