Dealing with a recent loss- memorial?

I’m so sorry for your loss. Especially while wedding planning.


Are you sure you’re ready to have reminders at your wedding (for your emotional health and for others)? I ask only because my husband’s mom had passed away years ago but he didn’t want her photo at our wedding because he didn’t want to be sad on our wedding day (or have his brother be sad).

We're going through this with my FH. His dad passed years ago but he's concerned that he will become overly emotional on our wedding day with a memorable table. None of his other siblings have done anything to honor him. I feel bad because it was my suggestion and now I'm torn.

I haven't had a parent pass, but I did have someone who was basically my second mom pass almost 11 years ago. While time is on my side in some ways, I wish she had been able to meet my FH so it's tough. My FH also lost his last two grandparents in the last two years so that's been really hard.

We are doing a frame with wires on it that we can clothes pin pictures of those who won't be there with a little sign that says "we know you'd be here today if heaven wasn't so far away". I also may include a special instrumental song during the ceremony that will remind me of her. I think I'll have enough adrenaline to not cry, but who knows.

I’m sorry for your loss and I’m sure this will be very difficult. They have bouquet charms that you could put a picture of your dad in and tie it to your bouquet. We also left empty seats for our special family members that passed and payed a single flower on those chairs. I e heard of brides that take a special piece of clothing from a loved one and cut a small swatch to sew inside their dress for that day. Lots of options that could be subtle and hopefully allow you to stay calm. Good luck.

I'm sorry for your loss. I lost my dad to cancer 3 months before I got engaged. I hope I dont break down during my wedding. I am putting a photo of him in my boquet. I didn't want to risk having a memorial table bring sadness to the day.

I'm sorry for your loss! I also lost my dad. Even though my loss happened with more time to buffer, I know it will still be hard. But, you need to remember that the day will still be fun, regardless of the emotional moments. It's alright to be emotional. Maybe have the maid of honor, or a bridesmaid, if you have them, have a cheer-up-the-bride game plan. Just in case something really makes you upset.

Personally, I'm not doing a memorial table or leaving a chair empty. I don't want my wedding day to be a repeat funeral or shrine to those who have died. Instead, I'm doing bouquet charms. We're also having the officiate mention their names in remembrance and will put their names on our wedding program. I won't be playing his favorite songs, but one of his favorite colors was blue, which is one of our colors (navy). I'll also still be doing the father-daughter dance, but with my dad's best friend. He's like a second dad to me. My friend who also lost her dad did a brother-sister dance as well which was really cute.

I’m so sorry for your loss! I’m planning on honoring my brother who lost the battle to cancer too. Instead of an empty chair (which to me emphasizes the loss), we’re doing a small table decorated with flowers, twinkle lights etc and photos of deceased family members.