How to Honor Deceased Loved Ones at Your Wedding

Sketch created for “The Honest Planner” by Susanna Richardson

In loving memory… 

The hardest part of getting older is saying goodbye to people you love. When you are getting married you are reminded that those you have lost will not be there with you in person on your wedding day and let me tell you… it sucks. 

My sister and I are both getting married this year (my sister a few weeks ago and me in a few months) and there have been countless phone calls about how we would do anything to have our Pa around for just a little while longer so he could see us enter this next big stage of our lives. I’m not going to lie, I am getting a little choked up just writing this. 

I know we aren’t the only ones deeply missing someone on our wedding days, so today we wanted to share a few ways to keep their memory alive on your wedding day and forever after. 

I’ll save a seat for you

Save a seat for your loved ones in the front row of your ceremony. Decorate the seat with flowers and either a photo/ sketch of them or a sign with a note saying “In loving memory of those who cannot be here today but are forever present in our hearts”

Click here for a custom person sketch

I’ll always remember you

Have SamiaLynn illustrate your wedding photos to include those who have passed and will not be photographed with you on your wedding day. This is a great way to forever embed them in the memories of your wedding. 

Click here for the “Family Group” Illustration

Click here for the “Wedding” Illustration 

To all who couldn’t be here today

If you and your fiancé have loved and lost too many people before your wedding day, set up a table at your ceremony in memory of all of those who could not be with you on your big day. Include framed photos of them, florals from your other centerpieces, and even some candles to bring attention to the table.

To have and to hold

Hold your loved ones close to you as you walk down the aisle by including a memento from them in your bouquet. This could be a small charm or locket attached to the florals, or using a small amount of fabric from their wedding dress to wrap your bouquet together. I have also seen some beautiful examples of this, but sewn to the inside of your wedding gown. 

For those of you who are having to choose one of these options, I am sorry for your loss. You are so loved and including these little details in your wedding will remind you of that for the rest of your life.

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas City and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here