Honoring Your Loved Ones

Photo by Austin Gros, Flowers by Mary Love Richardson of Rosemary & Finch

Your wedding day is a time for everyone near and dear to you to come together and celebrate the beginning of your new life together. Unfortunately, not all couples are so lucky to have their loved ones present. When those we hold dear have passed on before the wedding, many couples find it appropriate and comforting to honor them in a special way on their wedding day. Here are a few ideas:

THE RUNNER

One of our couples had the names of loved ones embroidered onto an aisle runner. It was a beautiful way to pay respect to all of them and, in a symbolic way, they were there leading the couple down the aisle to their new commitment.

MEMORIAL PHOTOGRAPHS

I’ve had several clients display photos, on a welcome table, of their late family members. It’s a wonderful way to include your loved ones.

CHARMS ON YOUR BOUQUET

Florals by A Village of Flowers; Photo by Don Yeager

Another beautiful way to keep your loved one near you on your big day is to attach a photo charm, locket or something that represents the person (or people) who have passed. The broach in this photo is from the bride’s late grandmother.

A SPECIAL SEAT

Leaving an empty seat is especially appropriate if you are recognizing the loss of a parent or grandparent. You don’t need to necessarily place a sign on the chair or pew that says “Reserved in memory of _____”. I’ve had a bride pause on her walk down the aisle to leave a single rose from her bouquet on the chair that would have been her mother’s.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

One couple shared a memory of her father in a special way. He used to always pull a dime out from behind his daughter's ear when she was a kid. When she got older and left for college, her dad would mail dimes randomly to make her smile. Unfortunately, he couldn’t be there to walk her down the aisle, so instead of the flower girl tossing petals, she scattered dimes down the aisle.

Every relationship is different. When deciding how to honor your loved ones, we can make it as personal as you choose. They will be there with you, in their own special way.

This post was written in loving memory of my grandfather and mother-in-law who, thankfully, were able to attend my wedding years ago.

GV “Papa” Williamson

June 10, 1936 - October 5, 2021

Mary Jane “Meema” Read

October 27, 1950 - October 19, 2021