How to Honor a Loved One Who Has Passed
There are not enough words to describe the gaping hole that a loved one leaves, especially on a day that is filled with family traditions and joy. Remembering and honoring them on your wedding day can be a beautiful, confusing and sometimes difficult thing to do. How do I properly honor this person? How can I put into words what they mean to me? How can I remember this person on a day that is filled with joy and love and new beginnings? The hope is this short list of ideas will help give you options to honor those who have gone before us on your wedding day. This can be a small and private remembrance or it can be on display for your guests to be able to participant in or appreciate.
A small photo, laminated or in a locket is adhered to your bridal bouquet, kept to yourself, shared with your spouse or even the wider family.
A patch, name or photo stitched into the inside of a jacket.
Before the ceremony processional begins, siblings or important people of family members who have passed, process down the aisle and light a single candle together on a small side table in honor of a loved one. Without saying anything, your guests know who this is for based on the people lighting the candle. That candle will burn for the whole ceremony and then can be moved to a family table or head table after that
A reserved seat in the front row during ceremony or at dinner.
A traditional “memorial table” of photos of loved ones, a poem that they loved, small items on display such as pins, patches, a fishing bobber, etc. This can be placed at the entrance to your ceremony or in a lobby area where guests will be able to walk past and stop to take it all in.
Loved ones telling stories during speeches, making a toast or, in general, mentioning the passed loved on out loud, can be very meaningful.
White a short note in your ceremony program about this person/these people who have gone before us.
Play this persons favorite song, or their first dance song.
Wear a watch or a ring or some jewelry from this person, make sure to show this to other people who loved this person, this can be very meaningful to them as well.
Lastly, understand how your guests will feel of seeing a photo or a mommento of a close loved one of theirs who has passed. Make sure to mention to these people or ask if a photo can be displayed. You never want to catch anyone off guard, it is best to ask first if you can honor someone in this way.
