What Everybody Ought To Know About Honoring Loved Ones on Their Wedding Day

Losing a loved one is never easy.

This may be an obvious statement, but when it comes to very important life events like weddings, not having that special family member or friend present can make the festivities seem just a little bit different. Thankfully, quite a few beautiful traditions exist which couples can incorporate into their ceremony in order to honor those individuals and keep them a special part of the wedding day!

Whether you want to keep the process of honoring loved ones small and simple, or make it a key part of the ceremony, there is no doubt that taking a moment to remember those who couldn’t be at the wedding is a special memory that many won’t soon forget.

Let’s take a look at a few of our favorite examples.

Save a Seat

Regardless of how many loved ones are unable to physically attend your wedding, saving them a seat within your gathered family and friends is an excellent way to bring honor to their memory. Subtle but sweet, this tradition can be accomplished through methods such as placing a framed photograph, flowers, or a personal item of that individual on a chair. Having this seat located in the front row will make it easy to look out into the crowd and remember your loved ones during this special occasion.

Ring Chimes

This is a beautiful tradition that many people may not know about. If you are getting married outside, you can honor the memory of your loved ones by hanging up a small chime. Every time the wind blows, the comforting sound of soft chimes will wash over everyone-giving a sense of remembrance for the loved ones that have been lost. If chimes aren’t your thing, a string of small bells or framed glass mobiles could also be enchanting replacements.

Have a Memorial Table

Decorating a little table with photos and trinkets from your loved ones is a whimsical and memorable way to honor loved ones at your wedding. Whether you want to have it as part of the ceremony, reception, or both, this tradition is perfect for showcasing the memory of beloved family and friends that couldn’t be a part of your special day. This is also a perfect option if there are multiple people you want to remember without taking up too much space. With a large enough table, each person can have a personalized section that best honors their memory.

Wear a Treasured Accessory

Do you have a necklace from your grandma? Perhaps a coin or ring from your grandpa? Maybe you even have your mother’s old wedding dress that you’d like to incorporate into your own! These personal items are incredibly special and make honoring loved ones on your wedding day a breeze. Simply incorporate them into your outfit, hair, or bouquet for a unique way of keeping those special people near and dear to your heart.

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Include a Special Song to the Dance List

If dancing will be included at your wedding, try selecting a song to represent the loved ones that have been lost. This uniquely special tradition can be a bit emotional, especially for those who may be choosing the song for their lost mother or father who can’t be there for the dance, but what a wonderful way to incorporate those important people into your day! Hold close to the loved ones that are present and honor the memory of those who aren’t through the magic of music. There is no doubt that it will be a memory to last a life time.

While these traditions are just a few of the many ways to honor lost loved ones during your wedding, there is no doubt that they are unique, easy to accomplish, and perfect for remembering the special people that were part of your life. Don’t be discouraged if none of the above options were up your alley though! Feel free to take inspiration from one, or all, of them and put your own twist into a new tradition. Whatever you decide to do, it will be an extremely special way to add to your wedding and keep those who mean so much to you close.