Planning your wedding is a happy and exciting time in your life. However, during these moments we are often reminded of our loved ones who are no longer with us and can’t be a part of our special day.
There are many creative ways to incorporate a “nod” to friends and family members who have passed as a way to honor their memory and celebrate the role they have played in your life. Here are just a few ideas to help you get started.
Photographs
Displaying photographs of your loved ones who are no longer with you, but still in your heart, is a popular choice. There are a variety of ways to incorporate photographs into your décor to feel like your loved ones have a presence in your big day. You can frame their photo and place it on the table where guests sign your guest book. Consider including a note or “open letter” to the loved one to help your other guests understand your relationship to them. For a bigger impact, you can hang framed photos of your loved ones on seats during your wedding ceremony so you are visually reminded of them during this special time.
Hidden Details
Incorporating hidden details into your wedding day is a meaningful, but subtle way to remember a friend or family member who cannot be with you. Sew a swatch of their favorite shirt into the hem of your wedding gown or tux. Or have this fabric turned into a hanker-chief or wrapped around the stem of your bouquet. You may choose to wear a loved one’s piece of jewelry or place a meaningful trinket they once owned on your sweetheart table. These details are perfect for making you feel like your loved one is honored, without call too much attention to it.
Video Montage
Your wedding day is all about uniting two people as one as well as celebrating the joining two families together. A video montage of your lives with all your loved ones is a great way to honor and remember those that cannot be with you – as well as those who can! The photos or video clips will remind you of happy times and celebrate the memory of their life in a special way.
Candle Lighting
Candle lighting is a beautiful and spiritual way to remember loved ones on your wedding day. There are many different ways to use candles to symbolize someone’s life and memory. Light a candle during your ceremony and explain in your program booklet the meaning behind this gesture. Or have a display of candles lit next to your loved ones’ photographs at the entrance of your reception so your guests are greeted with their memory. Finally, you can also display some unlit candles and invite guests to light one in memory of their own loved one that they are missing today. This will help bring a positive light to an emotional moment and get everyone involved.
Are you planning a wedding and looking for ways to incorporate the memory of a loved one? Ask us a question by commenting below!
