Honoring Past Loved Ones
15 Meaningful Ways to Honor Past Loved Ones at Your Wedding
Weddings are joyous occasions, but they can also bring a bittersweet reminder of the loved ones who aren’t physically there to celebrate with you. Honoring their memory can be a beautiful way to keep them close to your heart on your big day.
Here are 15 sentimental ideas to incorporate their legacy into your wedding:
1. Light a Candle During the Reception
Create a moment during your reception to light a special candle in their honor. This can be accompanied by a few words about their impact on your life or have it simply out for your guests to view on their own time.
Below are some options we love to set this up:
Beautiful Signs:
Signs with the candle:
2. Dedicate a Song
Play a song they loved or one that reminds you of them during the ceremony or reception. Let your DJ or band introduce the dedication to make it extra special.
3. Include Them in the Officiant’s Speech
Ask your officiant to mention your loved one(s) in the ceremony, highlighting their role in shaping who you are today or taking a moment to remember them.
4. Create a Memory Table/Station
Set up a table with photos, keepsakes, or mementos that remind you of them. Add a sign that explains its purpose, inviting guests to reflect and celebrate their life.
Here are a few frame sets we love:
5. Reserve a Seat in Their Honor
Leave an empty chair at the ceremony or reception with a sign, flower, or their photo to symbolize their presence.
Here's a few ways to do that:
6. Incorporate Their Favorite Flower
Use their favorite flower in your bouquet, boutonniere, or decor. You can even make it a centerpiece on your sweetheart table.
7. Wear Their Jewelry or Heirlooms
Carry a piece of them with you by wearing their jewelry, cufflinks, or another cherished heirloom.
8. Display a Favorite Recipe
If they were known for a specific dish or treat, include their recipe as part of your wedding favors or dessert table.
9. Use Their Handwriting
Incorporate their handwriting into your wedding, like having a quote from a card they wrote to you turned into a decor piece or embroidered into a handkerchief.
10. Toast in Their Honor
Dedicate a toast to your loved one during the reception. Share a story or memory that makes you smile.
11. Carry a Photo in Your Bouquet or Boutonniere
Attach a small locket or charm with their photo to your bouquet or boutonniere.
Here's a beautiful pin to add a photo to:
12. Incorporate Their Favorite Drink
Serve their favorite cocktail, beer, or wine as a signature drink and name it after them.
13. Use Their Belongings in Decor
If they had a treasured item like a quilt, vase, or set of candles, use it as part of your ceremony or reception decor.
14. Add a Note to the Program
Include a tribute in your wedding program, explaining how you’re honoring them throughout the day.
15. Release Lanterns or Butterflies
End the evening by releasing lanterns, butterflies, or even biodegradable balloons in their honor - a beautiful way to send your love to the heavens.
16. Wrap Their Clothing Around Your Bouquet
Maybe you have an old wedding dress or a piece of clothing that means a lot to you. Use this piece to go around your bouquet. Make a moment out of it in the morning and have your photographer capture you and another family member doing it together.
A Personal Touch Goes a Long Way
No matter which of these ideas you choose, the most important part is that it feels meaningful to you. Honoring past loved ones during your wedding is a touching way to celebrate their memory while creating new, cherished moments.
As always, Happy Planning <3
Lynea
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