Your wedding day is an unforgettable occasion where you can celebrate your love with all those close to you. But what if the person you really wanted to be there can’t be? Whether a loved one’s passing was recent or you’ve had time to heal, their absence leaves an unmistakable void in what should be one of the best days of your life.
Your lost loved ones may not be able to be there to celebrate with you in person, but paying homage to their life as you start your next chapter is a brilliant way to honour a lost loved one and make your wedding the happy occasion it should be.
In this blog post, we reveal the subtle ways you can pay tribute to loved ones on your big day. Read on to discover more.
Personalise your bouquet
Your bridal bouquet is a must-have accessory that will stay with you for most of the day and be documented on almost every photo, so it makes sense to personalise your bouquet with your loved one in mind.
Incorporating a sentimental piece of jewellery or swatch of fabric that’s associated with your lost loved one is a beautiful and poignant reminder of those who can’t be there with you.
Follow in the footsteps of the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle. Her sweet tribute to Princess Diana saw her hand pick and use her late mother-in-law’s favourite flower, the forget-me-not, in her bridal bouquet arrangement.
Save a seat
The most difficult time for those who have lost loved ones is the ceremony. Exchanging your vows with the person you love should after all be done in front of everyone who matters to you.
Saving a seat for them on the front row at your wedding ceremony and placing a photograph of the person on it will ensure you can look out and see their face looking back at you. You can also place a flower or a favourite item of the loved one to mark their presence at your wedding ceremony.
Play their favourite tune
If your lost loved one had a favourite song, pay tribute to them by including it in your reception playlist. Before you press play, take to the mic and dedicate the song to them.
Music is very sentimental which makes playing their favourite tune a subtle way to get everyone who knew your lost loved one dancing and paying their own special tribute.
If your lost loved one was more of a foodie than a dancer, incorporate the family recipe that they were known for into your wedding menu.
Remember with a memorial table
If you’ve lost multiple loved ones or have many memories that you wish to share with your wedding guests, make space for a memorial table within your reception venue. Wedding Dresses explains how to choose the perfect spot for your memorial table:
“Choose a quiet location, removed from the celebration, for guests to privately pay homage to the deceased. Include a mixture of photos and sentimental items that will help visitors connect with the departed’s memory. Consider sprinkling the table with petals from your lost loved one’s favorite flowers as well as lighting candles in their honor.”
Use your wedding theme
If your lost loved one had a favourite colour or style, why not add it to your wider wedding theme?
If your granny’s favourite colour was hot pink – which is a top wedding colour trend this year – adding splashes of the shade to your wedding décor or bridesmaid ensembles will give them a presence at your wedding, even if they can’t be there physically.
