Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. It should be filled with happiness, laughter and love for those present, and remembrance of those who can no longer be with you. It is understandable to feel the absence of your loved ones or friends and still want to include them as part of your day. If you’re in need of a few ideas of how to honor those who cannot be with you on your big day, keep reading to see some of our suggestions!
During your Ceremony
- Include a Program Note
A program is given to everyone at the ceremony and can include an “In Loving Memory” section along with all the important times and events for the day.
- Include Their Photo in Your Attire
We’ve seen these small locket type photos added onto the bride’s bouquet, the groom’s boutonniere or even on the back of a tie. This is a sweet way to keep your friend or family member close to your heart, both literally and figuratively.
- Reserve a Seat
In this seat, you can place your favorite photo of your loved one, a single white rose, or their favorite flower or anything that could be representative of them, such as a military jacket.
- Have a Moment of Silence
Talk to your officiant and ask them to announce a moment of silence before the ceremony begins for guests, and yourself, to reflect on those who are unable to attend the wedding. This is an interactive way to honor your loved ones but also allows for very personal reflection for the couple.
During your Reception
- Arrange a Memory Table
This table can be filled with pictures of your loved ones, a memory box or maybe something to symbolize their favorite activities such as a sport or hobby.
- Provide Favors in Their Honor
Did your loved one have a favorite flower? Have seed packets in their memory! Did they enjoy a certain type of cigar? Provide their favorite item with an “in remembrance of” sign or a “Take one for Aunt Sue” sign.
- Toast to Their Memory
Take some time to reminisce and toast to those who are unable to be with you. This will involve all your guests and make a lasting memory for all. If they had a favorite drink, consider using that for the toast to make it even more personal.
- Donate to a Charity or Organization in Their Honor
If your loved one was a service member, consider making a donation in their honor to a local veterans organization. If they loved animals, donate to the local animal shelter or ask guests to bring donation items rather than gifts.
An important note to remember, if you plan to bring a family heirloom item or something special from your loved ones, we suggest you designate someone to keep track of that item or use the item for photos only and then return the item safely to a family member or a safe location. Of course you want to honor those who you have lost, but you don’t want to worry about losing something special of theirs on your big day.
However you decide to honor those who you have lost, the team at CTC can’t wait to assist in capturing their essence however you see fit.
Cheers,
Kayley
Associate Wedding Coordinator | Content Creator
Kayley Russell
Cue The Champagne Event Planning and Design Chattanooga Tennessee’s Premier
Wedding Planning and Event Studio Owned by Chattanooga Wedding Planner and Wedding Coordinator Shaun M.Teague
Cue the Champagne Event Planning + Design offers Wedding Day Event Management Services formerly known as Day of Wedding Coordination, Full Service Wedding Planning Services, Chattanooga Wedding Flowers ,Elopement Planning and Event Design Services for all your Social and Corporate Events. Cue The Champagne Event Planning and Design also offer Chattanooga Wedding Flowers for your wedding and event planning needs.
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