It's hard when we lose someone we love and when it comes to your wedding day, it's only natural that the longing for those that can't be there becomes stronger.
Grief is tough and at times it rears its head when you really wish it wouldn't. Speaking from experience, I know how hard it can be when you always imagined your wedding as being a day that you're surrounded by those that matter the most, yet the reality is quite different...
But, that doesn't mean that they can't be there.
You can bring loved ones and the memories you hold dearly into your wedding day in a way that brings a smile to your face.
Something Old or Something Borrowed
Photo Credit: Snippet & Ink
A beautiful way to incorporate someone special into your day and have them walk down the aisle with you is with something they once treasured. Whether it's a piece of your Mother's bridal gown, your Grandmother's earring, or a locket filled with loved ones tied to your bouquet or buttonhole - carry the memories of those you love with you down the aisle.
I proudly held the photos of my dear Nan and Grandad close to me as I excitedly walked down the aisle towards to my future husband. They were right there with me as we exchanged vows and they were there in my hand as I stood for my photos; and with the locket acting as my 'something old' I have something to treasure forever.
Photo Credit: Style Me Pretty
A Way With Words
It goes without saying that words have the power to spark the deepest emotions, and some find it easier than others to write from the heart. Whether your wish is to acknowledge those that can't be with you in the speeches, or you find putting pen to paper much easier, both outcomes can have beautiful results and are likely to bring tears to the eyes of those attending.
Photo Credit: Bride Magazine
If you're like me, the thought of public speaking is terrifying. Combine that with an emotional subject and the outcome isn't pretty. Keeping this in mind, below are some suggestions for how you can keep those 'in memory' in printed form.
Photo Credit: J&M Photography
Incorporate kind words into your order of service with a poem, a tribute or a thank you. There's no right or wrong answer for this, just choose something that you're comfortable with and that fits with the style of your service and the relationship you had with your loved one.
Say it with Signage
There are some beautiful handmade signs out there and they make a lovely addition to any wedding day. Placed at the entrance to your ceremony, or placed at your reception venue.
Save A Special Seat
Now, I find this to be quite a bold reminder and something I can imagine being difficult for other family members to come to terms with. But, leaving a chair open for the loved ones you wish could be there on your wedding day can create a sense of having them right there with you celebrating too.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Dressed with a bouquet, photographs or a simple remembrance sign, reserved seating creates a simple and sweet wedding memorial idea to remember your loved ones.
Photo Credit: Jacquelyn Poussot Photography via Wedding Chicks
Memory Table
Creating a table dedicated to loved ones is a great way to honour the relationships you cherished and I have to say, this is one of my favourite ways of incorporating loved ones into the weddings that we create.
Photo Credit: Green Wedding Shoes
Dressed with photographs, trinkets and personal possessions, memory tables let guests know that you're celebrating those that are no longer with you in a stylised setting so that they're truly a part of your wedding day.
Choose photos of happy moments shared together or just those that mean something special to you and place them on a table in picture frames, add some memorial candles and a sign with an 'in loving memory' quote.
Photo Credit: Wedd Magz
Favours Full Of Meaning
Maybe it's a sign of the times, but a whole host of charities now offer an alternative to traditional wedding favours with personalised donation cards and pin badges.
Perhaps you've lost a loved one to illness, or maybe they were passionate about fundraising; either way, a charitable wedding token is a great way to honour them and continue their legacy.
Use saved money to donate to the cause of your choice, or have guests donate in lieu of a wedding gift. Even just replacing traditional wedding favours with something charitable, they'll make a wonderful contribution to a worthy cause and either way, you’ll be giving back in someone special’s memory.
Of course, the are plenty more ways to remember that special someone in your wedding, such as raising a toast, releasing lanterns and lighting a candle; but however you choose to remember them, just know that they'll be right there with you.