Best way to honor deceased parents at a wedding?

Question

My best friend's mother passed away when she was young, and her fiance has both parents (and one brother) dead.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

You could have a nice table set with pictures of each of the people who have passed away, with a candle honoring them.

Answer 2

mention them in your speeches
or
ask the person who is toasting the bride and groom to do so, or somebody who knew them when they were alive

Answer 3

My father passed away 3 months before our wedding. We honored him during the ceremony by leaving a seat empty next to my mom (right up front). We put a rose on the chair and everyone knew it was his seat.

Answer 4

Hello,
I always discuss it with the bride and groom to see where their emotional comfort level is. A table with pictures and mementos is a nice touch. Lighting a candle for each is nice. The one I am requested to do the most is a moment of silence, honoring the presence of those that cannot be with us physically but are here in spirit. I usually end the silence by saying they are with us and rejoicing in your happiness as you are about to take this joyous next step in your life.... or something to that effect. Also reflect on the values and love they have instilled in the couples lives. What better testament?...

Source(s):

wedding officiant
I DO Weddings by Sheri
www.idowedbysheri.com

Answer 5

At my wedding (husband's mom is deceased) we had a memorial candle set up next to a picture of him and her. We ordered it from www.invitationsbydawn.com The candle can be engraved with up to 3 names. My husband and his brother (the best man) lit the candle for her and placed a small bouquet next to it. There was also a mention of her on the back of the programs.

Answer 6

Both of my parents were already deceased when I got married, so rather than 'force' the issue on everyone and possible make them uncomfortable and/or emotional (something I didn't want), we rounded up photographs of both of our families from great grandparents to our siblings. We scanned them in to the computer, did any touch ups needed, printed and framed them. Then we gave them to the caterer and asked to have them scattered about the cake table. Ironically, the way they placed the picture of my parents when the photographer took the pics of us cutting the cake, the only framed pic that made it in to the shot was the one of my parents! So I ended up with pictures of my parents with us on our wedding day! It turned out better than anything that could have been planned.

Good luck

Answer 7

There are different ways you could honor those who have passed on and cannot attend the wedding. I personally like the idea of bridesmaid's carrying a photo in a frame down the aisle. It allows the person to "take part" in the ceremony. It's heartfelt and to me would add emotion. Or, you could set up a memory table with flowers & really pretty candles around it with some kind of framed poem or something about loved ones who are passed on.

Source(s):

me

Answer 8

In addition to pictures displayed at your reception, you can also include a poem in memory of the deceased family members in your deremony. You can also light a memorial candle during a special song. In the program you can have the poem printed in memory of __ or in loving memory of ___. Or you can list in the program the memorial candle is being lit in memory of ___.

At my friends wedding recently, we displayed pictures at the reception, and listed 2 poems in the program in memory of 2 deceased family members. 1 of the poems was read during the ceremony in addition to the regular readings (catholic ceremony). It was very nice and not too emotional but meant a lot to her family.

Good luck!

Answer 9

I think that there are many ways to honour a decesed parent or family member at a wedding. One thing someone already said was to have their seat empty and have a rose placed on it. Even if chairs wern't used, and it was in a church where there are pews that could be done. It would be very touching, almost made me cry just reading it, and thinking about walking in, being up on the alter and looking back to see that rose there, and being able to remember my Mom that way.

As part of their wedding programs if they are having them, they could have a page dedicated to family members who are no longer with them. That's what I have in mine.
It says...
Today, we keep in our hearts those who celebrate with us in spirit.
with all their names.... under... and their relationship to the bride or groom.
I got that idea from someone on y answers too actually!

The candle idea would be good at the reception, having photos up, on a table.... maybe close to the guest book. Everyone would see it.

Good luck!

Answer 10

I am getting married on September 15th and both of my parents have passed away. We are going to put a rose with a nice little card tied to it with their names on it, on two chairs at the front for where they would have sat.

Answer 11

My mother died of breast cancer when I was 11. At my wedding I had a place holder at each table with a lovely card that read: In lieu of a wedding favor the honor of your presence has been acknowledged with a donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in loving memory of ___________
People commented that it was really nice and it saved me from doing those funky favors!

Answer 12

A wedding is a celebratory time; of course the couple will be thinking of their deceased family members. However, I think the only appropriate time to say something is at the programme after the dinner, when the couple says their thank yous.