Of course it’ll be the happiest day of your life, with the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with, surrounded by the people you love the most. But during this special day you’re allowed to feel a little bit sad, as you remember your nearest and dearest who can’t share the celebrations with you.
You want them to be a part of your day, not to detract from the spirit of it. Here at Wedding Ideas, we often see pictures of brides with small photos tied with a ribbon to their bouquet, or hear stories about emotional speeches made by the bride. You don’t have to make a big statement if it’s going to turn you into a blubbering wreck, there are lots of more subtle but equally poignant ways to remember loved ones who have passed away…
Dedicate a reading
Why not have a close family member dedicate a special reading to lost loved ones? Personally, we like this poem by an unknown author…
If Roses Grow in Heaven
If Roses grow in Heaven,
Lord please pick a bunch for me,
Place them in my Mother’s arms
And tell her they’re from me.
Tell her I love her and miss her,
And when she turns to smile,
Place a kiss upon her cheek
And hold her for awhile.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day,
But there’s an ache within my heart
Because I am missing her today.
This poem is good for anyone else who you want to remember on your big day…
Someone is missing
Let this candle be a loving reminder
that someone is missing today,
Someone our hearts still hold on to,
As we travel along life’s way.
Someone who made life so special,
for all those who gather here,
Someone who won’t be forgotten,
But cherished from year to year.
And now as we pause to remember,
Let us all fondly recall,
how dearly each of us loved him,
and oh… how he loved us all!
Real-life tributes
Here’s what some of our Facebook friends are doing to remember their lost loved ones…
“I’m getting married on my grandparents’ anniversary – the 30th of June,” says Michelle Durber.
“I went to a wedding where the couple placed a single Lily on the table beside the partner or children of the person who had passed away,” says Facebook friend Jo Lynch. “I thought it was a really classy way of remembering them but not dwelling on it too much.”
“We had donated money to Cancer Research and purchased charity pins for our guests for the favours,” remembers Abbey-Bernadette Roberts. “My husband and I had both lost a grandparent to cancer. I’m having ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ played as we sign the register which was played at my brother’s funeral. I’m also having my late grandmother’s ring on my bouquet and small photos of my brother and late uncle tied to it, too.”
Hopefully this has given you some ideas and inspiration. Hugs to you if you’re missing someone close today.
