Weddings bring together our nearest and dearest. Friends, family and people who you rarely get to connect with outside of family events gather to celebrate you, your love story and your partner.
Sadly, it’s very common for some of the people we would have loved to have attended our weddings to no longer be able to. This isn’t just about loved ones who have passed but also friends and family who live too far away or have medical reasons for not being able to attend. Even though these people aren’t with us in person on our big day, it doesn’t mean they can’t be there in spirit.
How to Honour Those Unable to Attend Your Wedding
Speeches
The easiest, and yet still personal, way to ensure your guests lend a thought to those unable to attend is to mention them during a speech. This could be delivered by any of the wedding party saying a speech at your reception. If they are close family members, it may be appropriate for a member of the same family to mention them in their speech.
Memorial Table
Some couples opt to have a dedicated place to remember their loved, absent ones. This could take the form of a table that displays pictures or belongings of the people to be thought of, and perhaps a sign which indicates the purpose of the display. This area can be as covert or as extravagant as you want and could be decorated with lights, candles or statues.
Reserved Seats
As you always imagined these special people attending your wedding, you could honour them by providing a signed, reserved seat for them. This small gesture will help your guests to lend them a thought during the ceremony and help you better imagine they were there with you in your special moments.
Photo in Bouquet
A subtler way of remembering your loved ones would be to include a small photo of them in your wedding bouquet or flower arrangements. This way, you are reminded of their presence without drawing too much attention to what may be sad context.
A great photographer will ensure that whether you choose a memorial table or something more subtle to honour your absent loved ones that your efforts are preserved forever. If you’re looking for a professional, friendly photographer who will document your big day in the most perfect way, contact me today or check out my gallery for examples of my work.