Honoring Loved Ones
When a parent or other close relative has recently passed away, it may be necessary to you to find an appropriate way to remember them without ruining the joyous tone of the wedding. After all, a wedding is a celebration, and while a missing parent is undoubtedly sad, it shouldn’t overpower the wedding day.
Art Photography by Valerie
Some ways to remember a lost loved one:
• Set up a unique small table at the wedding reception with a floral arrangement and a card saying “In memory of those loved ones who are not with us today” or more specifically, “In memory of Martina Jensen, mother of the bride.”
• At the wedding reception, display wedding pictures of family members or pictures of loved ones with the bride/groom.
• Wear a piece of jewelry or article of clothing. (For example your mother’s wedding dress, your father’s cuff links or your grandfather’s signet ring).
• Attach small charms that hold pictures of you and your loved one to your bouquet. This is a nice way to have the father of the bride walk his daughter down the aisle, even if he has passed away.
Malick Photo
• Carry the same flowers that your late mother or grandmother had in her bouquet.
• At the end of the wedding program, it is appropriate to add a memoriam line. For example, you might write “Today we honor those who could not be with us, specifically the bride’s stepmother Alison Janet Brooks.”
• If the person who is conducting the ceremony is someone who knew the deceased relative, it might be appropriate for him/her to say something during the ceremony —particularly if they are saying a homily or other sermon-like speech. They might say “Today, we have come together to celebrate the love of these two people and the life they are building together. As many of you know, the groom’s father recently passed away. And in times like these, it can be more important than ever to honor love and family. I know (groom’s father) was so happy to see (groom) find the love he has with (bride). Although it would be easy for his recent death to make this a sad occasion, (Groom’s father) would want to see you all so happy today, celebrating and full of joy. So today, let’s remember how precious life is, and be thankful that (bride and groom) are creating a new family together.”
