Whether the passing was recent or a few years back, you can feel it in the air when the person is honored. But it's always beautiful to see how the couple chooses to do this.
Because this is so personal I decided, I will share how we honored those in mine and Jason's life who have passed on. We honored three people on the day of our wedding: my brother, Bobby; my aunt, Dolores and his Grandmother, Frances. They were mentioned in name during the ceremony, in text in the program (see below) and we placed a single red rose in a vase on a chair with a black cover at my parent's head table for my brother.
While there are many points throughout the day to honor those who have gone before us, in truth, I feel at the ceremony is the best place to go. It's where everyone is the most solemn and the most concentrated on the moment...the reception is the time for drinks, food and dancing.
I posed this question to my Facebook people..."
Flowers...
While roses may be deemed by some couples as overused, personally, I think they are the most amazing symbol of honor and respect. Other flowers are just as gorgeous - but really, this blogger is biased.
You can place a single flower in a vase in the front rows at the ceremony - or at the reception, a small flower can be placed on a chair in a silent symbol of your loved one.
Lastly, you can place a bouquet of roses (or another flower) can be placed on the altar or ceremony stage with the following poem either recited or within the program...
We pause to reflect upon those who have shaped our character,
Molded our spirits and touched our hearts.
For those who have been separated from us physically,
Faith and love have bound us eternally.
Though we cannot touch you
We feel the warmth of your smile.
For those who have been separated from us physically,
Faith and love have bound us eternally.
Though we cannot touch you
We feel the warmth of your smile.
A bouquet of roses has been placed in the room
as a symbol of your presence here with us today
and the memories we have shared in the past.
May it also serve as a representation of the everlasting impact
you have made upon our lives.
Source unknown
May it also serve as a representation of the everlasting impact
you have made upon our lives.
Source unknown
Music...
We have all heard the songs of a lost loved one - here are a few that I think are the most powerful. Feel free to use them in the ceremony, reception or the words in other ways. Creativity is encouraged! Any song that reminds you of your relationship can be just as important.
PS don't judge if these songs are old...they are still great and my iPod is way out of date. And all the links take you to YouTube!
- Only the Good Die Young - Billy Joel
- Here with Me - Dido
- When You Cry - Faith Hill
- With You in Your Dreams - Hanson
- One Sweet Day - Mariah Carey
- Bring on the Rain - Jo Dee Messina & Tim McGraw
- I'll be Missing You - Puff Daddy
- View From Heaven - Yellowcard
- The Prayer - Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli (orig) // Josh Groban & Charlotte Church (favorite)
Clothing
We have heard of couples wearing or having a part of their loved ones on their person on the day of the wedding. Some brides have worn their mother's or grandmother's veil (sometimes dresses) - or they can have something like a sash made of the material. Grooms can also wear their father's (or grandfather's) tuxedos or cufflinks. While shoes may be a reach given the wear and tear but we cannot forget about the jewelry whether it's the engagement or wedding band; a locket or a set of pearls.
Here is a photo of my grandmother Sara's handkerchief that I used during my wedding and that my mother Susan used at hers...
Donations
Loving Words
Whether it's the person's favorite poem, mentioning their name in the Prayer of the Faithful (Catholic Rite), reciting song lyrics or saying a few brief words...Words are powerful and moving and can be an amazing addition to your day.
However you do choose honor the person who is no longer with us, it will always shows how beautiful their life was - and how you choose to carry on with them by your side in spirit.
We have heard of couples wearing or having a part of their loved ones on their person on the day of the wedding. Some brides have worn their mother's or grandmother's veil (sometimes dresses) - or they can have something like a sash made of the material. Grooms can also wear their father's (or grandfather's) tuxedos or cufflinks. While shoes may be a reach given the wear and tear but we cannot forget about the jewelry whether it's the engagement or wedding band; a locket or a set of pearls.
Here is a photo of my grandmother Sara's handkerchief that I used during my wedding and that my mother Susan used at hers...
Donations
As mentioned previously, a donation in honor of a loved one to a society that they worked for or if they passed away due a disease - there is no better way to show your support in finding a cure.
Loving Words
Whether it's the person's favorite poem, mentioning their name in the Prayer of the Faithful (Catholic Rite), reciting song lyrics or saying a few brief words...Words are powerful and moving and can be an amazing addition to your day.
However you do choose honor the person who is no longer with us, it will always shows how beautiful their life was - and how you choose to carry on with them by your side in spirit.
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