Wedding days are joyous occasions, filled with loved ones from far and near. Weddings also remind us of the loved ones who are no longer present, and of the fragility of time. If you’re looking for ways to honor or remember loved ones on your wedding day, whether they have passed or are still with us, we’ve put together a list to help as you plan your special day.
1 – Memory Table – A memory table is a classic way to honor and remember those who are no longer present on your wedding day. Whether you use one of the Gardens Cedar Wedding Mid-Height Tables, a cocktail table, or even the mantle on our Natural Stone Fireplace, displaying photos of loved ones is a wonderful way to have them present on your day. Another variation on a memory table is the theme “generations of love,” where you display a wedding photo from every other couple in your family, both as a tribute and a walk down memory lane.
2 – A Special Role for Grandparents – Grandparents love to be included on wedding days! Whether you have them act as “flower grannies” or ring bearers, invite them to play music at your reception, or ask them to make their famous dessert for after dinner, we can guarantee that they will be absolutely honored to be involved.
3 – Play Their Song + Have a Dance – Is there a song that reminds you of your loved one, whether it’s a favorite of theirs or one you sang together? Play it at your reception! Depending on the song, you can either opt for a moment of silence for everyone to remember together, or have everyone crowd the dance floor and rock out to their song.
4 – Reserve Seats at the Ceremony and/or Reception – Reserve a seat or seats in honor of loved ones who have passed, at your ceremony, reception, or both. You can include photographs, or just a simple sign. Whatever feels best for you.
5 – Include a Memento on Your Bouquet or Boutonniere – Want to carry a loved one with you as you walk down the aisle? Consider including a small memento with your ceremony florals. Small charms or photographs are easy to attach to bouquets or boutonnieres, and help you to keep your loved one close as you say “I do” to the love of your life.
6 – Remember Them in Your Speech or Toast – Speeches and toasts are great opportunities to honor loved ones who’ve shaped your life and remember those who are gone. Whether you raise a glass to toast someone who has passed, or thank loved ones in a speech for their support on your day, a simple statement is a thoughtful way to offer acknowledgment.
7 – Food/Drink – If someone special in your life is known for having a favorite food or drink, consider including it in your reception festivities! Offer a signature cocktail in honor of a loved one who has passed, or ask a friend or family member to make their famous sweet treat as a dessert for your wedding.
8 – Classic Car – Does a loved one, past or present, have a wicked cool ride? Use it in your wedding photos, or as a getaway car! Classic cars never go out of style, and make the perfect prop for photos. And at the end of the night, you can depart with fashionable flair as your as your guests cheer you on.
Having a Gardens Cedar Wedding Mid-Height Table filled with photos of loved ones is a classic way to honor those who are no longer present. Photo credit: Fox & Loon Photography
Using a loved one’s favorite flowers in your wedding is a thoughtful way to include them in your special day. Photo credit: Chelsea Reeck Photography
Playing a loved one’s favorite song or dedicating a dance to them is a sweet way to remember them on your day. Photo credit: Amy Ray Photography
Does a loved one have a fabulous classic car? Showcase it in your wedding photos! Photo credit: Nicole Midwest
Memory tables are a sweet way to remember loved ones. Photo credit: OliveYou Photography
Reserve a seat at your ceremony in their honor. Photo credit: Jojo’s Photos & Studio
Toast or give a speech in their honor at your reception. Photo credit: Elite Photography
The Natural Stone Fireplace has a mantle perfect for displaying photos. Photo credit: Jojo’s Photos & Studio
A photograph and vase of flowers is a sweet way to remember loved ones at your ceremony. Photo credit: Brooklyn Faith Photography
Save a seat in their honor at your reception. Photo credit: Eileen Ferguson Photography
Feature a loved one’s classic car in your wedding day photos. Photo credit: OliveYou Photography
Have a loved one make their special sweet treats for your wedding day dessert. Photo credit: Captured Glory Photography
Place photos of loved ones on chairs or benches during your ceremony, to see and remember them as you say “I do.” Photo credit: Bellagala
Honoring someone doesn’t mean they have to have passed. Honor your grandmothers by asking them to be flower ladies. Photo credit: Lollipop Media
While some seats are empty, the love is full. Honoring a special Father of the Groom in spirit on our wedding day. Photo credit: Betsy Brooke Photography
Remember a loved one with a dance in their honor. Photo credit: The Gardens of Castle Rock
Wear or add a token of remembrance to your bouquet or boutonniere. Photo credit: OliveYou Photography
Light candles to honor and remember those who have passed. Photo credit: Michaela Lee Photos
You can honor someone who attends your wedding, like asking your grandfather to play his accordion for guests during cocktail hour. Photo credit: Brooklyn Faith Photography
Add a small token of remembrance to your bouquet or boutonniere; it will remind you that your loved one is with as you walk down the aisle. Photo credit: Jojo’s Photos & Studio
Use your loved one’s favorite drink as a signature cocktail, so every guest can raise a glass in their name. Photo credit: Whitney Anderson Photography
