There are so many beautiful ways to honour a love one on your wedding day. Whether it's a grandparent, a parent or a dear friend, it's ok to remember them on your very special day and make them still part of it.
People chose to do this in a variety of ways, Laura and Alec wanted to visit the resting place of Laura's late father, but she also wanted this to be captured. She still wanted her visit to her dad to be part of her day. I wanted to do this in a tasteful way, I didn't want it to be intrusive. So I stood back and captured it from afar. It was a poignant moment, and a privilege to capture. He was part of her day and I was able to make this part of her wedding story.
There are many other ways which they can be remembered and I have put together a list of some which my couples have used. I'm not going to lie, i pretty much always well up when I see how they've done it, it really doesn't need to be morbid either.
Pin their photos to your bouquet.
Lucy and Laura both had a photo of their dad hanging from their bouquet. Their photo was placed in an ornamental case (they used a locket), and it was pinned to their bouquet wrap for you to walk down the aisle with.
Set up a memory table.
Reserve a special place at your reception for a table filled with framed photos of family and friends who've passed away. Maybe add some of their favourite things, such as their favourite drink, Lucy even got her late father his very own button hole.
Reserve a seat.
Lay a flower from your bouquet on an empty seat at your ceremony. For very close family members this is a beautiful thing to do.
Include a note on the program.
Add an "In Loving Memory Of" tribute on your program with the rest of your ceremony details.
Read a poem or share a memory.
Place a flower arrangement in their honour at the altar.
You can include their favourite flowers, or simply pick ones that signify remembrance, such as lilies.
Have a moment of reflection.
At the beginning of your ceremony, have a moment of reflection or silence before carrying on with the celebrations.
Light a candle for them.
Either at your ceremony or reception, take a moment to light a candle in their honour, this would be good do do in a church or even as part of a memory table.
Provide favours in their honour.
Offer a special favour for your guests at your reception in your loved one's memory and include a note to explain the token. For example: "A miniature of their favourite spirit'
Give a toast.
Toast to them at your reception alongside all of your guests for a special moment you'll remember forever.
Make a donation to a charity that your loved one supported.
This is often combined with the favours, with a token from the charity, such as a pin.
Create a Photo Ladder
A beautiful way to include lots of your loved ones. This gentleman was stood looking at his very own wedding photo which Laura and Alec had included, he told me how it was him and his wife on the photo - I can safely say there was something in my eye after that!
These were just a few ways to remember your loved one on your wedding day. They can be part of your day whether it be a big or small gesture, what ever you choose I am sure it will be very special.
In Loving Memory
Those we love don’t go away
They walk beside us every day
Unseen, unheard, but always there
Still loved, still missed and very dear