Heartfelt Ways To Honour A Loved One At Your Wedding

Your wedding day is not only a special moment to celebrate the next chapter of your life, it is also a day to bring together family, friends, and all the cherished people who have helped shape your life together. For many, it is also a time to reflect on loved ones that are no longer with you.

There are many meaningful and loving ways to honour the memory of a friend or family member that has passed away. There is no right or wrong way of doing this, and the way you choose to honour them should resemble the relationship you had with them and the impact they made on your life.

Focus on Celebrating Their Life, Not Just Mourning Their Absence

Honouring someone at your wedding doesn’t have to feel sombre or overly emotional. Instead, focus on the joy, love, and special moments they brought to your life. Reflect on what made them unique, the wisdom they shared with you and the moments that make you laugh. This way, your tribute is warm and embraces a tone of happiness, something of which they would want for you on your special day.

Make It Personal and True to Their Memory

When you plan a tribute, consider the details that represent them best. Personal touches are often the most memorable and resonate with loved ones attending the ceremony, reminding them of shared moments and the unique qualities that made your loved one special.

Consider Those Who Also Miss Them

While your wedding day centres around you and your partner, it’s also an occasion where family and friends come together—many of whom may be mourning this same loss. You should consider the timing of their passing when planning your tributes and discuss with those who miss them the most your plans, this way, your tribute will be comforting for everyone involved.

Honouring a Loved One During Your Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony is one of the most intimate parts of your wedding, and there are many beautiful ways to incorporate a tribute. Here are some ideas that can bring their memory into the heart of your celebration:

Reserve a Seat in Their Honour: This simple gesture allows you to symbolically include them in your ceremony and presents a way that your guests can acknowledge them without removing attention from the ceremony itself.
Incorporate a Reading in Their Memory: Select a poem, lyric, or personal message that resonates with their spirit. This could be read by you, a close friend or family member, adding warmth and meaning to the ceremony.
Light a Candle: A candle lighting symbolises their presence in a soft and powerful way. You could light it at the beginning of the ceremony and let it burn throughout, representing their ongoing presence.
Carry Symbolic Flowers: Some flowers, like white roses, are often associated with remembrance. Incorporate them into your bouquet or use them as part of the ceremony décor to represent your loved one.

Honouring a Loved One During the Wedding Reception

The reception is the ideal setting for lighter, more celebratory remembrances. Here’s how you can honour a loved one during this part of the day:

Dedicate a Dance: Set aside a song or dance in memory of your loved one. This could be a song they enjoyed, or one that represents a special connection. It’s a touching way to share a memory with your partner or with a group of close friends and family.
Make a Toast: Share a story or memorable quote from your loved one during the toast. This simple gesture can bring smiles and laughter as guests remember the joy they brought to everyone’s lives.
Create a Memory Table: Display photos, cherished items, and other mementos that capture their life. Guests can take a moment to reflect on the memories, and it provides a quiet, personal space for remembrance.
Name Something in Their Honor: For a fun, creative tribute, consider naming a cocktail, a dessert, or even the dance floor in their memory. This small detail allows guests to celebrate their spirit and personality in a way that feels lighthearted and joyous.

Unique Ways to Honour a Loved One at a Wedding

If you’re looking for something truly one-of-a-kind, here are a few additional ideas to make your tribute extra meaningful:

Memory Box: Set up a box where guests can place notes, stories, or photos that remind them of your loved one. After the wedding, you could bury the box with a tree or flowers, creating a lasting memorial.
Wear an Heirloom: Incorporating something that belonged to your loved one, like a piece of jewellery or a watch, can be a deeply personal reminder that keeps them close to you on your special day.
Donate in Their Name: Instead of wedding gifts, you could ask guests to donate to a charity that was important to your loved one. This act of kindness extends their legacy and allows your wedding day to have a positive, far-reaching impact.

How Live Wedding Painters Can Help Honour a Loved One’s Memory

For a truly unique and lasting tribute, consider hiring a wedding painter to create a live portrait that includes your loved one. At The Wedding Painters, we have skilled artists from across the country who can craft a masterpiece in real-time, capturing the essence of your wedding as it unfolds.

One special way our artists can help to pay tribute to your loved one is by including them within a portrait. With the use of a reference photo, our exceptionally talented artists can paint your loved one into a portrait, whether it be at the reception, during the ceremony, or with your friends and family. A live wedding painting gives you a timeless keepsake of your special day, and with your loved one included within the portrait, their presence can be encapsulated through an image for you to treasure.

Whether you wish for a portrait featuring both you and your loved one or a scene that includes family and friends, our artists can work with you to create a fitting, heartfelt tribute. Everyone of our artists have been selected and approved by us so you can be assured that you will receive an exceptional service that will exceed your expectations. Discover all of our amazing live wedding painters here.