Remembering Loved Ones at your Wedding

No one wants to lose anyone but you may not be able to do anything about it; death is inevitable. These loved ones could have played important roles in your life or at the wedding. The loss of a loved friend or family does not stop you from having them present at your wedding. Deceased loved ones can be remembered in special ways. 
Here are some ways to remember such people at your wedding without ruining the joy of the day. The essence of all these is to show respect and not to make people cry at your wedding. Choose an act that won’t get your guests too emotional. A wedding is a happy event; weddings are joyous occasions for everyone involved.

• MUSIC: Do you wish your dad was alive to walk you down the aisle on your big day? Not to worry. Instead of the popular Wagner Bridal Chorus or Mendelssohn Wedding March, walk down the aisle in your late father’s favorite song. It doesn’t have to be a hymn; pick a song your father would be delighted to listen to
• PICTURE: For those attached to a grandparent, include a locket containing their picture to your bouquet. As such, you have a feel of their presence at your wedding
• JEWELLRY: If your mum passed on before your wedding, you can use her wedding ring or a piece of her jewelry she treasured so much
• POETRY: Write a poem about the deceased loved one. It can be read at the wedding by you or someone else if you won’t get too emotional about it. Otherwise, include the poem in the wedding bulletin as a tribute to the loved one or photoframe the poem.
• FLOWERS: Instead of tossing your bouquet, place it at the graveside. The table centerpieces and altar centerpieces can be included as well
• SEAT: This may sound awkward, but you can have an empty seat as a seat of honour in respect of the loved one.
• SILENCE: Make a mention of your loved one in a toast or speech. Have a minute silence in their honour during the ceremony or reception.
• CHARITY: Make a donation to a charity in the person’s name. a good one would be a cause the loved one was committed to before passing on or a foundation related to a protracted illness e.g breast cancer foundation