One of the saddest facts of life is that one day our loved ones will leave us. If a loved one has passed away before your wedding arrives, you may want to include them in the ceremony to make it feel as if they’re really there. Whether you’re interested in a private nod or a public tribute, there are plenty of ways to keep them in mind on the day.
Wear something of theirs
Did your grandmother have a favourite set of earrings? Perhaps your fiancé’s father never left the house without his pocket watch. Personal items like that can be perfectly incorporated into the wedding outfit for either partner. It also means you don’t have to explain the significance of these to everyone unless you feel comfortable enough.
Photo portraits
Whether your husband uses a photo for his cufflinks, or you have photos of your family in your bouquet, having a picture of your loved ones on your person will make it feel like they’re standing at the top of the room with you.
Consider them in your favours
Did a loved one lose a battle with cancer? Why not make a donation to the Irish Cancer Society in their memory in lieu of offering favours to your guests? Or, why not consider their favourite treat for each guest. If they bought a scratch card a week, give one to each guest. If they had a sweet tooth, give each table a bowl of sweets to be brought out with dessert.
Let off balloons or lanterns
Chinese lanterns set off at the end of the night are a beautiful way to remember someone who has passed away. If you’d prefer to release them in daylight, white balloons are also a great idea.
Hang their wedding photos
As you are remembering them at a wedding celebration, what better way than to put their wedding photo in a central place, such as beside the cake. It’s a lovely and fitting way of making sure they’re remembered in your wedding celebrations, and a nice way for your family and friends to take a moment to remember them too. You can also set out a table with a lit candle and photos of those you’ve loved and lost before the date.
Leave a space for them
Put a flower from your bouquet or something personal on a chair at the ceremony or the reception to keep it reserved for someone who will only be there in spirit.
Include them in your wedding programme
You can just have a short and simple “in loving memory” with a list of names, or perhaps you’re more inclined to include a short poem alongside their names or photographs. Maybe you could even wrap the programme in a dedication to your loved ones.
- Aoife Bennett
Image credits: Bouquet: All Women's Talk | Photo wall: Braedon Flynn Photography via Ruffled | Favour: Hitched | Lanterns: Chicago Wedding Blog | Empty chair: Wedding Chicks | Wedding programme: Inked Weddings