Remembering Loved Ones

Getting married is one of the most important days in anyone's life. It is the day where you show your family and friends the love that you and your partner share, declaring it to the world. But sometimes, not everyone is there to see it. Many of us have had or will have people who were very dear to us, not present at a wedding. Be it a grandparent, parent, sibling or child, life can be cruel and leave us missing the ones we love. But you can still include their memory on your special day, doing something memorable and symbolic for everyone to remember a love one passed on.

Speeches

During your speeches, you could have a special reading or poem dedicated to those who couldn't be with you on your special day. Take time to pick the piece to read, making sure it means something to you, or really shows the spirit of the person or people you are remembering. It doesn't have to be sad, perhaps, your dad loved a football chant or a child with a favourite short story, keep it personal and meaningful.

Photographs

Why not display pictures of happy times and special days with them. You could have frames that match the theme of the wedding displayed around the gift area or cake, or perhaps just a personal one to have with you at the top table so you can look at it and smile, knowing they are right there with you.

Music

How about a piece of music that is special to you. You could either play it as part of your ceremony, or even have a special dance with everyone on the dancefloor. I know for the people I can't have on my wedding day, I will be having a bagpiper play Lonely Island as a symbol.

Symbolism

Another way to remember our loved ones is a symbolic gesture. There are so many ways you can do this. My personal favourite is a dove release. You could have a whole flock, or a single dove for each person missed. It is a very meaningful way to treasure them, and has been used since the Romans. You can also light a candle for them, perhaps having a minutes silence as it is lit. Having a military wedding? Why not have the fellow soldiers fire off a couple of rounds for each person lost. Or you could release sky lanterns into the night sky, to symbolise their spirit carrying on.

There is also a charity donation made in the loved ones name. Many of us have lost family and friends to illness and rare disorders, and with gift donations from guests, the money raised could go to a chosen charity to help raise awareness and afford research into preventing it for others. This is exceptionally nice as you know their memory will be helping others.

Whatever you do, be sure to have them as part of your day, they may not be with you in body, but their spirit lives on.