Weddings are a day of celebration filled with love and laughter, but they can also be bittersweet when a close loved one has passed away and cannot be there to share in the celebration. Many couples find it meaningful to remember and honor those who can't be there in person. They do so by incorporating special touches and tributes throughout their wedding day to keep their memory alive. Here are some heartfelt ways to memorialize your deceased loved ones at your wedding.

Create A Memory Table

A memory table is one of the most popular ways to honor the memory of your loved ones on your wedding day.  When creating a memory table, use a variety of frames.  Also, consider adding other decorative elements that are meaningful or that you find visually appealing. Using handwritten notes, their favorite books, jewelry or favorite flowers adds a special touch to the memory table.

Adding a battery-operated cancel or two creates a warm and gentle ambiance and it can symbolize that their spirit is present with you on your special day.

Another option is to create a memory book that features photos, memories, and tributes honoring your loved ones. Your guests can flip through the pages of the memory book to learn more about the people no longer here who played an important part in your life.

Reserve a Seat in Their Honor

Reserving a seat at your wedding ceremony or reception for your loved one is a subtle but powerful way to pay tribute to them.  Include a small sign or picture with a heartfelt message such as "In Loving Memory", "Forever in Our Hearts", or "Gone but Not Forgotten".

Tips for Reserving a Seat: Choose a seat in the front row to signify their importance in your life and decorate the chair with flowers, their favorite scarf/hat, or other mementos.

Another way to honor them during your ceremony or reception is to include them in your wedding program. One way to do this is to include a heartfelt note or include their favorite quote in the program.  Another option is to recite their favorite poem, give a short message about how much they meant to you, have a moment of silence, or play their favorite song.

Carry a Momento

Wearing or incorporating an item that belonged to your loved one can be a personal and comforting way to feel their presence on your wedding day. Make sure to choose something lightweight and easy to carry. This could be a piece of jewelry, a tie, a handkerchief, or even a small piece of fabric sewn into your gown or suit. These small tokens serve as a reminder that they are right there with you, sharing in your happiness.

One of my favorite things I have seen in all our weddings here at the Ballroom at Windsor is where a bride incorporated pictures and charms of her loved ones in her wedding bouquet.  This was such a unique and beautiful way to remember her loved ones.

Toast in Their Honor

At your wedding reception, consider giving a toast in memory of your loved one. For the toast, share a heartfelt story or memory to show how much they meant to you and how they are missed. Consider incorporating their favorite beverage into the toast or into the beverage selection for your wedding.

When you do a toast in their memory, not only does it honor their memory but it also allows others to share in remembering them and celebrating the love and meaning they brought to your life.

Incorporate their Favorite Flowers or Colors into Your Wedding Theme

Another great way to honor your loved ones is to incorporate some of their favorite things into your wedding. For instance, if your grandmother loved hydrangeas, you could incorporate them into your wedding bouquet or centerpieces on your reception tables.  Or if your grandfather's favorite color was green, accent your flower arrangements with greens or use shades of green in your attire or your linens.

A stunning and meaningful way to incorporate their memory is to work with your florist to create a custom memorial arrangement that features your loved one's favorite flowers. This can also be a beautiful keepsake that you can display or preserve after your wedding day.

Not a big fan of flowers?  Try incorporating some of their favorite foods or beverages into your wedding menu.  Another great idea is to incorporate something meaningful about them into your reception centerpieces.  Was your loved one a photographer?  Incorporate some of the photos they have taken or cameras into your centerpieces.  Books are another item that creates unique centerpieces to honor those who loved to read or were librarians.  The options are limitless!

These small touches can create a sense of connection and familiarity that can be deeply comforting on your wedding day.

Finding Comfort and Support

Honoring those who have passed is a beautiful and touching way to include them in your wedding day celebration.  There is no right or wrong way to do this.  Choose what feels right and holds the most meaning for you. It doesn't matter whether it's a small gesture or a significant tribute, these moments of remembrance will add a heartfelt significance to your wedding day, showing love to those that are no longer with you but are still celebrated and cherished.

If you're still in the planning stages and need expert advice, use our wedding planning guides and blogs to help guide you through the process.  If you are ready to start looking at venues, contact us today to receive more information and schedule a tour.

We are dedicated to using our platform to support locally owned wedding venues, like ours the Ballroom at Windsor. Here are some locally owned wedding venues who use their articles to support their colleagues and the wedding industry in ways that are not always recognized but are essential. If you are searching for a wedding venue outside of Delaware, please consider a locally-owned venue listed in the blog or our previous blogs.

Sunnyside Farm

Stone Ridge Wedding and Event Center

Triple T Farm

The Barn at Poplar Springs Farm

Legacy Farms TN