When planning your wedding, it’s important to include elements that are meaningful to you and your spouse-to-be. One way to do this is by remembering loved ones who can’t be there on your big day. Here are eight meaningful ways to do this.
1. Display Photos
To honor the memories of loved ones at your wedding, create a photo collage or slide show featuring pictures of them. You can play this on a screen during cocktail hour or at the reception for all to see. You can even make it interactive by asking guests to contribute their photos of the loved ones being remembered.
2. Pin Photos to Your Bouquet or Boutonniere
One meaningful option is to pin pictures of those who have passed on or those who are unable to attend the wedding to your bouquet or boutonniere. That way, they can be with you as you walk down the aisle and throughout the entire ceremony and reception. It’s also a unique way to showcase photos and share special memories with your guests. If you want to go all out, you can ask your florist to incorporate special flowers that were significant to the person you’re honoring into your bouquet or boutonniere design.
3. Play Their Favorite Song
Honor a loved one’s memory at your wedding by incorporating their favorite song into the ceremony or reception. This can be as simple as playing the song during cocktail hour or as special as choosing it for your first dance. Another idea is to have the DJ announce the song and dedicate it to your loved one, letting other guests know why it holds such significance for you. No matter how you choose to do it, incorporating a beloved person’s favorite song will bring them even closer to your celebration. It may even inspire some cheerful dancing in their memory.
4. Use Your Wedding Program
One meaningful way to honor your loved ones at your wedding is by including a memorial tribute in your program. This can be a short biography or a simple photo with their name and dates of birth and passing. It’s a beautiful way to make sure they are with you on your special day. Plus, it serves as a tender reminder for those who had forgotten or may not have known about their passing. You can even go one step further by reserving special seats or placing flowers on their chairs during the ceremony.
5. Dedicate a Dance
Dedicating a dance is a special and touching way to honor someone you’ve lost at your wedding. This can be a slow song or even a silly dance that reminds you of them. You can also consider sharing memories or stories about the person during the dance, allowing your guests to laugh and cry with you as you remember them. No matter what song or actions you choose, this act will show that your loved one is always in your heart, especially on such a happy occasion.
6. Release Doves, Butterflies, or Balloons in Their Memory
This small gesture honors your loved one’s memory visually and symbolically, showing that although they may not physically be there, you’ll always remember them. Plus, it’s a touching moment for all your wedding guests to witness. Just be sure to check with your venue beforehand, as some may have restrictions on releasing animals. And of course, always handle any animals with care and respect.
7. Serve Their Favorite Food or Drink at the Reception
Consider serving your loved one’s favorite food or drink at your wedding reception. That could mean having a specific type of beer on tap or having the caterer prepare their favorite dish. Plus, it gives guests another tasty option for dinner! So why not raise a glass or take a bite in memory of your beloved friends and family members at your wedding?
8. Plant a Tree in Their Honor
A beautiful way to honor a loved one at your wedding is to plant a tree in their memory. It will serve as a living, tangible reminder of them and allows you to physically watch as the tree grows and flourishes over the years. You can even involve your guests by giving them seed packets as favors and planting them together during the ceremony or reception.
No matter how you choose to remember loved ones at your wedding, it’s important that the day is personal and special for you. These tips should help get you started, but don’t hesitate to get creative and come up with your own ideas. By incorporating the memories of those we’ve loved into our big day, we keep them close to our hearts always. What will you do to remember your loved ones on your wedding day?
