In Memoriam -- Remembering Loved Ones at Your Wedding Ceremony

Honoring parents and other loved ones who have passed can be done in a number of ways on your wedding day.

Memorial Candle Lighting

Lighting memorial candles during the wedding ceremony can be a way to honor the memory of parents, grandparents or other close relatives who have passed away. During the ceremony the memorial candles are lit on behalf of those being remembered, and the congregation pauses in a moment of silence.

Photos in Remembrance

Placing photos of those to be honored in a visible place in the ceremony is another way to recognize those who are no longer with you. The bride and groom could place a flower by the pictures at some point in the ceremony. A prayer in honor of the deceased can also be said before the ceremony.

Seat of Honor

You could consider a "Seat of Honor" at your wedding ceremony to honor family members who have passed away. A vacant chair decorated with flowers is placed near the altar. The minister can make an announcement of what the seat represents to the couple.

Wedding Program Remembrance

If you have a wedding program booklet for your ceremony, be sure to use that opportunity to remember deceased relatives and friends. This is one way to honor those people without an actual public memorial ceremony.

It's Your Decision

Some wedding couples are afraid that a tribute to those who could not be with you could dampen the happy mood of the wedding day. Others feel that keeping their memory alive will have an uplifting affect. The bride and groom together should decide if remembrance of deceased relatives and friends is appropriate for the their special day.

A memorial service, done in a respectful and uplifting manner, can be a special part of your wedding ceremony.

See Also:Memorial Candle Lighting

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