10 Ways to Remember Loved Ones Who Are Absent on Your Special Day

There are many days in life to celebrate: birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, weddings, baby showers, and more. As we age, we often think of these celebrations with all of the people we hold dear. It is difficult to ever consider a time when these precious moments will not include the people we cherish.

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Just as celebration is part of living, so too is dying. While we would rather not face a day without our loved ones, it simply is part of how we live. As we celebrate life’s big moments, how can we also remember those who loved us well on these special occasions? We have 10 ways to memorialize cherished loved ones at big celebrations.

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1. Inside the program

2. Inside the flowers

3. A moment of silence

4. An empty seat

5. Photo display

6. Add fabric to the dress or suit

7. Incorporate their favorite recipe into the menu

8. Use music

9. Wear something that belonged to them

10. Use their favorite colors

Inside the program

If a program is part of the wedding, add a hymn, a poem, or a special note to reflect on the loved ones missing from the special day. At the end of the written piece, list each loved one by name who is being remembered.

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Inside the flowers

This can be used on both men’s and women’s flowers to create a memorial for the person you loved. Add a photo brooch to the boutonniere or tuck a photo inside the ribbon wrap of the bouquet. Add the favorite flower of your loved one to the bouquet or boutonniere. Are there multiple people missing from your celebration? Add a different flower in each bouquet or boutonniere and explain it in the program or at some other time during the reception.

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A moment of silence

In the wedding ceremony, add a moment of silence directed by the officiant to reflect on the love and memories held with the loved ones who are absent.

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An empty seat

If the loved ones are cherished grandparents, leave a seat for them on the respective side of the wedding seating to reflect their presence. Use a photo, flower bouquet, or even a special clothing item to hold their seat throughout the ceremony.

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Photo display

The photo display can be used at both the wedding and reception. Create a table with framed photos of loved ones who are absent. Add a sign to reflect the love and cherished memories held with these people. Using candles is also a pretty way to highlight the space.

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Add fabric or embroidery to the dress or suit

Did your loved one have a favorite suit or shirt? Add a piece of fabric from the item to the underside of your wedding dress or the inside of the suit coat. Do you have your loved one’s handwriting? Ask your tailor to hand-stitch the handwritten note into the suit or dress.

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Incorporate their favorite recipe into the menu

A favorite of many wedding clients is to build the menu around family recipes. Create a menu that reflects your personality and your family members’ most loved items.

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Grandmother’s favorite creamed corn recipe is always a crowd pleaser. Make sure to display that information on the menu card along with the recipe.

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Your Aunt’s chocolate cake recipe that is being served as the groom’s cake? You already know everyone will love it. Share the recipe with your guests, knowing it’s a crowd pleaser.

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Use music

The special song that your grandmother sang to you when it was just the two of you hanging out? Take a moment to play the song and sing along with your mom and your guests. Whatever the song, explain it to the guests and use it to reflect on your favorite memories with people you love.

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Wear something that belonged to them

This can be anything special that belonged to the loved one who is absent. A piece of jewelry, a handkerchief, a necklace, earrings, a pocket square, a belt, or some other cherished item.

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Use their favorite colors

As you choose the colors for your wedding, select their favorite colors to incorporate throughout. It will serve as a constant reminder of your loved one on your special day. It might also make color selection easier.

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There are so many ways to incorporate the memory of loved ones into your special celebration.

Think of the special memories you have with that person, the things you loved to do together, or special moments that you often think about, and use those memories to help you memorialize your loved one in a special way on your day to celebrate something big.

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At Royal Affairs, we love to work with clients to keep celebrations stress-free and joyful. That often includes recognizing those who are absent. We hope this list of ideas will help you as create a special day to remember forever that includes the memory of those you love, who also loved you well.

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