Honoring a loved one at your celebration
How do you honor loved ones at your celebration who have passed away? I would like to suggest a few thoughtful ways to honor them.
Your big day is a celebration with loved ones, so it’s only natural to want to include those friends or relatives who’ve passed away before your special day. Your inclusion of a deceased relative can be as subtle as a symbolic white rose in your bouquet or as public as a moment of silence at the ceremony. You may want to check in with any close relatives who may be sensitive about this and from there, you can decide how you’d like to honor them without turning your celebration into something that feels like a heavy memorial service.
Here are some helpful suggestions that will hopefully point you in the right direction.
1. Play their favorite song. Did he or she have a favorite song or band? Add it to your playlist for dinner (slow song) or reception (dance music) in honor of them.
2. Create a photo table. Display photos in picture frames on a table at your reception. You can include a decorative announcement with your display as well.
3. You can mention your loved ones in your ceremony program. In a section of your program, include a mention underneath ‘In Loving Memory’ with name(s) listed.
4. Save a seat. Tie a ribbon on a chair, place a ‘reserved’ sign, or put a framed photograph of a loved one who passed away to save them a seat. You can get a personalized sign in memory of a loved one as well and place it on the chair or table. (I did this at the 1st family dinner celebration after my Father passed away and it was so well received.)
5. Have a moment of reflection or silence before carrying on with the celebrations. Paying respects is a heartfelt way of remembering someone who is no longer with us.
Just because someone has passed away doesn’t mean they aren’t there to celebrate with you in spirit. And remember, this is a happy occasion. Smile and remember that they wouldn’t want you to be sad; they would want you to celebrate and enjoy your special day.
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