How do you honor loved ones at your wedding who have passed away? We’ll show you thoughtful ways to honor him or her. Be sure to subscribe here for more tips and helpful planning ideas for your big day.

We received this heartfelt Ask Emmaline question from Cassie, who is getting married in a few months. Her grandfather passed away and she wants to honor him on her wedding day. She writes,

“Hi Emmaline Bride, My grandfather passed away a few years ago and I would like to include a mention to him in some way at my wedding. Is there an appropriate way to do so? Do you have any ideas on how to honor loved ones at weddings in a special way? Thank you.”

First of all, we are sorry to hear about your grandfather’s passing. That can be a tough thing to experience, especially leading up to a special moment in your life. It is a nice thing to have a special memorial or “in memory of” mention at your wedding; here are some helpful tips and ways to honor loved ones at your wedding who have passed away. We hope it helps.

1. Put your loved one’s photo inside a locket.

When Abby’s father passed away, she placed his photo inside a locket. On her wedding day, she wrapped the locket around her bouquet so he could be with her as she walked down the aisle.

You could do the same with a locket and two of your favorite photos of your grandfather. All you need is a beautiful locket, like one of these (spotted at Love Montreal:

This locket even offers “something blue“:

Wrap the locket around your bouquet handle and secure it with pins. After the wedding, you’ll have a beautiful keepsake necklace you can wear.

2. Place a floral arrangement inside a memorial vase.

You can set it on a special photo table or at your ceremony in honor of him or her. This vase is by Great Little Favor Co.

3. Play their favorite song.

Did he or she have a favorite song or band? Add it to your playlist for dinner (slow song) or reception (dance music) in honor of them.

4. Create a photo table.

Display photos in picture frames on a table at your reception. Include a decorative sign, like this:

5. Mention loved ones who have passed in your ceremony program.

In a section of your program, include a mention underneath ‘In Loving Memory’ with name(s) listed. We spotted ceremony programs which offer an “in loving memory” mention here.

6. Light a candle.

At your ceremony, light a special candle in honor of loved ones who have passed.

7. Save a seat.

Tie a ribbon on a chair, place a ‘reserved’ sign, or put a framed photograph of a loved one who passed away to save them a seat. You can get a personalized sign in memory of a loved one who has passed from The Ritzy Rose.

Just because someone has passed away doesn’t mean they aren’t there to celebrate with you in spirit. And remember, this is a happy occasion. Smile and remember that they wouldn’t want you to be sad; they would want you to celebrate and enjoy your special day.

We’d love to read your suggestions. Let us know how you plan to honor loved ones who have passed at your wedding. Please feel free to add your comments below.

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma

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