Paying Tribute:
Ways to honor loved ones that have passed away
– even on your wedding day.
Article by | Hannah Holbrook
While weddings are often exciting, joy-filled celebrations, pangs of sadness sometimes surround this day. The pain of losing a parent, grandparent, friend, sibling, or any other loved one, does not disappear on our wedding days. There are chairs that sit empty, toasts that cannot be made, and hugs that will not be exchanged. It’s okay to acknowledge that loss and to grieve it (even on such a happy day). Be honest about where you are at, lean on those around you for comfort and support, and know that acknowledging sadness doesn’t negate the joy of your engagement.
As you plan your wedding while missing those that you have lost, you might want to find a way to incorporate their memory into your special day. By doing this, you carry them with you into your next season. Here are some ways that real brides in the Brazos Valley have chosen to remember those that could not be with them on their wedding days.
WEAR SOMETHING THAT REMINDS YOU OF THEM | Design a custom accessory, wear a piece of their jewelry, or incorporate a few of their favorite flowers into your bouquet or boutonniere.
Groom | Joshua Puerta
Photographer | Uncle Tio Photography
BRING THEM TO YOUR BRIDAL SESSION Take photos in your wedding attire with a framed picture of your loved one.
Bride | Elizabeth West
Photographer | Photos by Caroline
DISPLAY FAMILY PHOTOS Memory boards, display tables, and wall galleries featuring family photos are great ways to pay tribute to your loved one.
Bride (left) | Katelyn Duance
Photographer | Kristina Ross Photography
Bride (right) | Mallori Frenzel
Photographer | Jaime Burrow Photography
RESERVE A SEAT IN THEIR HONOR Save a seat for your loved one with a framed photo or an item that represents them / belonged to them.
Bride | Caitlin Curbello-Rodriguez
Photographer | Jerrell Trulove Photography
ADD AN HEIRLOOM TO YOUR BOUQUET OR DRESS Attach a photo of your loved one to your bouquet, or sow a piece of fabric from an article of their clothing to the underside of your wedding attire.
Bride (left) | Taylor Choate
Photographer | Kelley Craig Photography
Bride (right) | Chancey Tamborello
Photographer | Created by Noah
| Additional Ideas |
SERVE THEIR FAVORITE DESSERT, PLAY THEIR FAVORITE SONG, MAKE A NOTE IN YOUR CEREMONY PROGRAM HONORING THEIR MEMORY
| Planning Tips |
- If you recently lost your loved one, consider your triggers, capacity, and comfort level before choosing to publicly honor them at your wedding.
- You do not have to plan anything special if it is going to be too much for you.
- Be sure to check in with close relatives who may be sensitive to the death and communicate what they can expect at the wedding.
- Have tissues nearby for happy tears (and sad ones too if they happen to come).