Ways to Remember a Lost Loved One at Your Wedding
Are you looking for thoughtful ways to remember
a recently lost loved one at your wedding
without bringing sadness to your joyous occasion?
My mother died recently,
and my great-niece got married the day after her funeral.
It was in another state, and with the current pandemic, not many from away could attend the wedding.
But I got to wondering, if this had been Emily’s parent or grandparent, instead of great-grandparent,
would she have wanted to honor the loss in their ceremony somehow?
If the death of a near one is so near the wedding, they might even change the date.
However, if the death had been six months or a year earlier, they might want to acknowledge the person they were expecting to attend the wedding, but now will be missed so much.
Ways to Remember Your Lost Loved One at Your Wedding
If the loss is less than six months before the wedding it would be okay to mention “the late _____” on the invitation.
However, if a year or more has passed since the loss, and the family’s lives have moved on somewhat, more subtle ways of remembering are more appropriate.
Here are a few ideas that come to mind:
- Mention your wish to remember your lost loved one to your officiating minister. Then he can include a few words as is fitting into his talk or prayer.
- Use your loved one’s favorite flower in the wedding bouquet or table centerpieces.
- Add a small card or stand-up sign into the decor with a tribute to the missing one or ones.
- Release a balloon bouquet after the wedding as family and friends gather around to wish you well as you leave.
- Incorporate a hymn or song that was a favorite, or reminds you of the missing one.
- Wear or carry something that belonged to your loved one, such as a watch or monogrammed item.
- Include a written tribute on the wedding programs.
- Did your loved one have a signature scent? Spritz some on a handkerchief to carry with you on your wedding day. This is a subtle way to privately remember.
- Choose an entree or dessert for your wedding meal that was a favorite as a way to remember your lost loved one.
