Memorial Ideas

One of the most bittersweet things about getting married is knowing that someone you love, someone who would have loved to be there on your special day, will be there in spirit only.

There are a number of heartfelt ways to honour a deceased loved one at your wedding.

1. Pin their photo or a piece of their jewelry to your bouquet or lapel.

2. Set up a “memory” table; a special place at your reception for a table filled with framed photos of family and friends who've passed away. Consider adding a sign with a relevant message.

3. Reserve a seat; lay a flower from your bouquet on an empty seat at your ceremony.

4. Include a reference to them in your ceremony, such as “Before we begin our celebration today, _____ and _____ would like us all to take a moment to remember those family members who can be with them today, solely in spirit, (especially ________).”

5. Include a note on the program; an "In Loving Memory Of" tribute on your program with the rest of your ceremony details.

6. Place a flower arrangement in their honour at the altar; include their favourite flowers, or simply pick ones that signify remembrance, such as gladiolus, rosemary, pansies and statice.

7. In response to the question, "Who presents this Bride in marriage?" the response might be, "In memory of her Father <insert dad’s name>, I _______ do.

8. Light a candle for them; either at your ceremony or reception, take a moment to light a candle in their honour.

9. Cut a heart shape from a favourite shirt, and have it sewn into the lining of your wedding gown or suit jacket.

10. Wrap your bouquet or boutonnière with a strip of lace from their wedding gown.

11. Dance to their favourite song (or their wedding song) and dedicate the dance to them.