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Just Said Yes April 2021

fh and i both lost a parent in 2009. How can we honor them at our wedding?

Carissa, on February 20, 2020 at 2:54 PM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 7

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Quick backstory: FH and I are the same age. On our first date, we awkwardly got on to the topic of losing a parent and discovered that my mom and his dad died about 8 months apart in 2009.

Obviously, wedding planning without them is tough, but we are both aware we'll be basket cases on our wedding day. Suggestions for how we can honor them during the ceremony?

As an added twist, we want to find someway to say "Thanks" to the "honorary" parents we each grew close to in our late teens/early twenties as we dealt with the grief - so any ideas for that welcome too.

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7 Comments

Latest activity by Carissa, on February 21, 2020 at 11:35 AM

Legend June 2019
Melle · on February 20, 2020 at 2:56 PM
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You could have a symbolic empty chair with a sign on the chair saying that was reserved for your parent each. And a lot of people will have a small photo of their loved one on the bouquet
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Expert May 2021
Chantal · on February 20, 2020 at 3:00 PM
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Like PP said, you can leave a chair open for them. Almost all the wedding's I've attended, I've seen "in memory" of tables, as well, so you could put that, as well.
For your honorary parents, what about acknowledging them during your response speech (toasts)? Usually groom or both groom and bride will say a few words and thank everyone for coming, how special everyone is to them... you could use that moment as a shout out to those honorary parents that were such a huge part in your upbringing
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Master September 2019
Sherry · on February 20, 2020 at 3:43 PM
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So sorry for your loss. My husband lost his uncle a few months before and I lost my sister 2 days after we got engaged, before we even got to make the announcement. Our venue was a really old farm house and had a mantel in the ceremony room so we had a memorial set up there. a memorial sign, small bouquet as well as a candle that stayed lit for the entire ceremony and reception.
You could also have a seat for them at the ceremony. Place a photo of them in their seat so they can watch over you and have someone move them to the reception area. Maybe have a table set aside there to place the photos.
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Master November 2020
Kristen · on February 20, 2020 at 4:16 PM
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I am having charms w my parents pics on my bouquet and I have seen wish you were here tables.
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VIP April 2021
Alisha · on February 21, 2020 at 8:06 AM
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You can do a remembrance table to honor your love ones. We are doing a remembrance table for our love ones whom passed away
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Super August 2020
Alex · on February 21, 2020 at 9:10 AM
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I love the idea of reserving them a seat at the ceremony. You could put a bow on the chair and then a framed picture of them on the seat.
Also, did you lose a mom or a dad? If you lost a mom, you could take a piece of her jewelry and have it added to you bouquet. I am doing this with my grandmothers jewelry.
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Just Said Yes April 2021
Carissa · on February 21, 2020 at 11:35 AM
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I lost my mom, he lost his dad. I am actually wearing my mom's dress and tentatively planning on adding a bouquet charm to my bouquet as well.
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