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How to Honor a Lost Loved One on Your Wedding Day

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As you plan your wedding, you’ll likely start thinking about loved ones who have passed on. Whether it’s your grandparents, a parent, a close friend, or any other special person in your life, it’s only natural to want to include them in this meaningful moment in your life. How to Honor a Lost Loved One on Your Wedding Day Photo by: Andi Hatch
Honoring a lost loved one at your wedding can range from something subtle that only you, your spouse-to-be, and your closest family members will know, to something shared with all of your guests. If you are struggling to decide how to pay tribute to a deceased loved one on your wedding day, consider one of these six suggestions.    

1Choose Meaningful Flowers

Select a flower to represent each loved one who has passed, and use the blooms in your own bouquet or a ceremony arrangement. If you’d like to share the gesture with your guests, include a note in your program along with the names of those who are represented. After the wedding, dry the bouquet to hold on to as a meaningful keepsake.

2Include a Candle Ceremony

If you want to make your memorial a bit more public, consider having a candle ceremony. During this ceremony, you and your partner can light a candle for each of the loved ones you have lost, or you can invite family members and friends to light candles in each person’s name. After the candles have been lit, you may want to ask guests to join you in a moment of silence and remembrance.

3Arrange a Photo Memorial

Another way to pay tribute to lost loved ones is with photographs. Frame individual pictures, or create collages of you, your groom, and any loved ones who have passed on. Arrange the photos on a table or use them to reserve seats in honor of those who can’t be there on the special day.

4Remember Them with Favors

Did your loved one have a famous family recipe? Perhaps she loved to garden, or he loved dogs. Send guests home with a favor that honors your loved one. Ask your caterer to whip up grandma’s chocolate chip cookies, or hand out small pots filled with packets of seeds. Tell guests you’ve made a donation in their names to an animal shelter, or another meaningful charity.

5Plan a Sky Lantern Send Off

Light up the night in honor of your deceased loved ones. Sky lanterns have become popular at weddings, and they’re a beautiful way to pay tribute to those you have lost. Write the names of the dearly departed on each lantern and send them off with your spouse or family, or involve all of your guests in this touching tradition

6Incorporate a Trinket

Did your aunt have a favorite broach that she always wore? Maybe you have your father’s purple heart? If there is a special trinket that reminds you of a departed loved one, incorporate it in your bouquet or attach it to your dress, so you can carry that person’s spirit with you down the aisle. Get the latest tips here: 6 Times NOT To Wear Your Wedding Ring This Summer How to Deal with a Bridesmaid Who’s Bringing You Down 11 Etsy Bridesmaid Gifts That You’ll Want to “Add to Cart” ASAP
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