You’ve found your dress and your venue, hired your vendors, and designed your cake. However, you are still working on bringing all the small details together for your ceremony and reception. It’s those small details that can have the most meaning. Details such as honoring a loved one who has always been there for you. Here are 5 ideas you can use or personalize to express appreciation for those important in your life.
1. Create a memory table for family or friends who are unable to be there. Through our years of coordinating weddings, we have had the privilege of coming alongside brides who lost a loved one during their wedding journey. It can be an especially emotional time when grieving a loss while also experiencing the joy of preparing to be married. Helping our brides incorporate a personal way to honor that special person makes it easier for them to be take joy in the planning and on the wedding day, despite the yearning for their loved one to be there to celebrate, too. A memory table is a way many brides and grooms choose to honor those in their family who have passed on. It often holds pictures of their loved ones, a candle, and sometimes a saying such as, “In loving memory of those who are forever present in our thoughts.”
2. Incorporate an item that belongs to a loved one into your wedding. Take a swatch from piece of clothing and wrap it around the bride’s flowers or include a brooch in the bouquet or to secure the ribbon. Utilize a piece of their furniture at the wedding or reception, perhaps to hold the guest book or as the gift table. Wear a piece of jewelry such as earrings, a necklace, tie clip, or cuff links that belonged to that important person in your life. Find an item that is meaningful to you, and look for ways to include it in your day.
3. Give a tribute. Write or give a tribute at your rehearsal dinner, wedding, or reception to honor those who have significantly impacted your life. Many couples honor their parents or grandparents this way. If you don’t like public speaking, include the tribute in your wedding program or on a table with their pictures. Share a little about them, what it is that you appreciate, and how much they mean to you.
4. Honor someone with a special gift. While it is customary for the guests to give gifts to the bride and groom, the couple may choose to honor their parents or other loved ones with a special gift as well. This could range from a plaque to jewelry to an item supporting a hobby, or if affordable, a weekend getaway for Mom and Dad. Brides and grooms also usually provide gifts for their bridal party. These gifts are often jewelry to be worn at the wedding, or something practical such a getting ready package or manicure/pedicure for the bridesmaids, and pocketknife or tie clip for the groomsmen. A heartfelt letter written especially for the person being honored is very meaningful, and is affordable for those who are on a limited budget or for those who desire to express their thanks in a personal way.
5. Play a special song in honor of your loved one. Find out the song your parents danced to at their wedding, or a song that has special meaning to them, have it played and invite them to the dance floor. Another option is to choose a song that expresses what you want to say and have it played, with or without an accompanying powerpoint filled with pictures. Surprise them with a special song at your rehearsal dinner, if it doesn’t fit in the wedding day.
Honoring those who hold a special place in your heart can make your wedding day even more meaningful. It creates a special memory to look back on and it helps you remember and celebrate your dear ones who were unable to be there with you.
Do you plan to honor a special someone at your wedding? We would love to hear your ideas.