Remember a Loved One at Your Wedding
Light a Memorial Candle
Provide a second table at the altar or near the front of the church. On it, place a Memorial Candle in tribute to your loved ones.
Ask your officiant to include them at the beginning of the candle-lighting ceremony. For example, "Before (Bride) and (Groom) light a candle to symbolize their union, they will light a candle in honor of (Loved One), whom they dearly miss, and who they know is present with them here today."
Then, light the Memorial Candle, ask the officiant to say a prayer, then move to the altar to light your Unity Candle.
Light Taper Candles In Memorium
It's traditional to have one or both parents light the individual tapers for their children before the bride and groom light the Unity Candle. If one or both of your parents is deceased, the bride or groom can light the taper and ask the officiant to acknowledge the act before the Unity Candle is lit.Also: consider using candelabras, and having sisters, brothers, or other family members light a candle for each relative who's no longer with you.
July 9th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Hi, I’m wanting to remember my Dad by incorporating cotton boles into my flower arrangements at the church and reception (he was a cotton farmer). Will this look ridiculous? Also, does anyone have any other suggestions as to how to incorporate cotton boles? Thanks so much.
September 6th, 2007 at 8:20 am
If you need more ideas, we just added an updated new article on the blog: Remembering Loved Ones at Your Wedding. Please add your comments and thoughts!
June 24th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Have a seperate “Memorial Table” at the reception, with a small
flower arrangement in colors similar to the bride’s bouquet.
A wedding portrait of a woman in your life who has pasted away,
or a wedding portrait of a couple (if both parties have passed on)
is appropriate. Find a frame similar in style to those you are using for the photos,and place a poem or song lyrics inside. Or, if someone close has recently passed away, have the DJ announce that a favorite song of the one you have lost is going to be played and have a “Dance in honor of ———, who loved this song”.
April 19th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Before my grandmother passed away in Dec. she gave her ring to my fiance. He took the ring and designed a new setting, we were engaged Sept 10 so she was able to feel her ring on my finger before she passed. Doing something symbolic for her gets me all teary and I love the idea. Thankyou Cynthia
March 18th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
with our wedding we are putting pictures of our loved ones in a pretty frame and lighting a candle next to them. Its going to be in front of the church and at the reception there will be a table set aside just for them, so that everyone can take a closer look.