Even though your wedding day is a happy occasion, it can be challenging to celebrate without a close friend or family member. Even during such a joyous occasion, it is entirely acceptable to feel the loss of a dear friend or relative, and including a sentimental gesture or moment in your wedding is a lovely way to pay tribute to their memory.

There are numerous ways to honor a departed loved one at your wedding, and how you choose to do it is entirely up to you. Although, it’s smart to think about how the memorial of your choosing will impact those closest to the late loved one. If you and those impacted by their passing are on the same page, it’s time to browse these unique and memorable ways to honor those who’ve passed on your wedding day. 

Wedding Memorial Ideas

A wedding memorial doesn’t have to take attention away from the smile on your face as you say “I do.” Instead, it showcases that your smile is as big as it is because your loved one’s spirit helped guide you toward your partner. You can choose for the memorials to be as public or private as you want because it’s important to remember this day is for you and your partner, no one else. 

Incorporate a Reading in Their Honor

Include a reading in your loved one's honor at some point during the service if you'd want a more public memorial for them. It's a beautiful way to celebrate their memory. Whatever you think will be most meaningful can be read aloud, be it a poem, book passage, or quote. You can ask your priest or another officiant to read the passage on your behalf if you'd prefer not to do it yourself.

Place an Item on Their Chair After Walking Down The Aisle

Carrying a memento of your deceased loved one down the aisle and setting it on a chair set aside for them in their honor is a lovely way to remember them during your wedding. This way their spirit gets to watch you take one of the biggest steps in your life. 

Have Their Favorite Dishes on The Menu 

Consider including your late loved one's favorite foods on the menu at your wedding if you're seeking for a memorable and original wedding tribute idea. Your visitors will value such a considerate touch, whether it's a family recipe or even their go-to late-night treat.

Create a Memory Box 

Making a memory box is a creative and engaging way to remember loved ones who have passed away. Have a place where visitors can leave a card and share memories with your loved ones so you can relive them in the future.

Wear Their Jewelry or Cufflinks 

Wearing your departed loved one’s cufflinks with your suit or incorporating a piece of their jewelry into your wedding day outfit is a lovely way to keep them near to your heart during the entire celebration. 

Use Their Favorite Flowers in Your Bouquet 

By including their favorite flowers in your floral arrangements, you can surround yourself with memories of your deceased loved one. Use their favorite flowers to decorate your reception tables or include them in your bouquet.

Sew a Memory of Them Into Your Attire 

Have a memento of your loved one, such as a piece of their shirt or a small monogram, embroidered into your wedding day clothes to go beyond simply attaching a trinket or photo to your clothing. Ask your seamstress for advice on how to best incorporate your idea into your suit or dress when you bring it to them.

Set Aside a Private Moment 

Set aside some time for a private moment at the wedding, whether it be with close friends and family who knew them or perhaps just you and your spouse. This way, you may honor your late friend or family member without making a public display of it.

Wear a Piece of Their Wedding Attire 

If your deceased loved one was an older relative, wearing a piece of their wedding outfit as part of your own wedding attire is a really special way to honor their memory. This could be dressing entirely in their wedding attire as your own or just adopting a single accessory, such as their veil or knot.

Request Donations to Their Favorite Charity 

Instead of a bridal registry, ask for donations to a meaningful organization that mattered to your deceased loved one to honor their memory. As an alternative, you might think about making the donation yourself rather than giving out wedding favors.

When a loved one has departed, it can be difficult to stay positive during your big day. To stay connected with them during the happiest day of your life, you can pay tribute to them.

If you want to learn how to create more heartfelt wedding memorials read over Zola’s infographic.

This is a guest post. Risa James Events has no financial relationship with Zola. com.