Father Passed Away

I'm so sorry for your loss. There's nothing like it.

I wore a locket with my dad's picture in it, so he could "walk" me down the aisle. My brother physically walked me down the aisle and when the officiant asked "who presents this woman" he replied "on behalf of those who are here, and those who are unable to be, I do." I also dance with my brother to the song from which my dad got his nickname for me. I do NOT recommend the empty chair.

On that day, be sure to let yourself feel your emotions. Yes, it's going to be a happy day - but you're going to have sad moments. Know he's with you, even if not in the way you want.

I'm so dreadfully sorry for your loss. I think the other posters have made some great suggestions, and to them, I would add - is there a little piece of a shirt or a handkerchief or something of his you could sew into your dress as your something blue? Or perhaps add a bowl of a particular chocolate or snack he loved on your card table, or serve his favourite drink as a cocktail on the day?

I am beyond sorry for your loss. Please message me privately if you need additional support from someone who gets it. My Dad died suddenly of a heart attack during around the holidays a few years ago and I was his only daughter. It is a profound loss and when you mix a wedding into it, it can feel unbearable. I just had my wedding a few weeks ago and we added the following to honor him:

1. I had a pin with his picture hanging from my bouquet. It was a reminder that he would walk me down the aisle no matter what.

2. My two older brothers walked me down the aisle.

3. During the ceremony, my Mom and Dad's best friend read a poem in his honor.

4. We had specialty drinks and one was in honor of him. People loved it!

5. For the Father Daughter dance, we did a tribute dance to Josh Groban's "To Where You Are." It was the most beautiful part of the dances and there wasn't a dry eye in the audience. It was a way to honor him and his passing and I did that with my three brothers.

Whatever you do, there is no wrong or right answer. I was hit with the fact that he wasn't there a few times during the day and I let myself feel the emotions and did not try to hide them. I will be thinking of you, friend.