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Dedicated June 2018

Honoring groom's late father at wedding

Alex, on February 8, 2018 at 11:07 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 10

Hi all,

I would love to honor my fiance's father who passed away, at our wedding. So far, my idea was to have a table with candles and his picture in the middle. However, I feel like that isn't enough. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

10 Comments

Latest activity by Alex, on February 9, 2018 at 10:36 AM
  • Raven
    Devoted February 2019
    Raven ·
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    I've seen some people bringing a framed picture of their deceased parents up the aisle with them, like when they were walking with their mom, and then place the picture where they would have sat for the wedding. That same picture could be brought the reception with maybe a sign saying "If Heaven weren't so far away, we know you would be here with us today".


    We are doing something similar for our grandparents who have passed.

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  • Nicole
    VIP November 2017
    Nicole ·
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    I would keep it simple and personal. Personally, I am not a th of photo displays. They are very prominent and draw a lot of attention. Some family members may still be grieving and that may be upsetting for them to see. It can also be a very emotional day already for the bride and groom and seeing that photo may be too much for your FH to handle. Talk to you FH and close family members before you decide on that idea. If you do decide to do it, it will at least give them a heads up that the photos will be there and they can prepare themselves for seeing it.
    For us, we chose smaller things to remember our loved ones and make them part of the day. I lost my grandma less than 2 years ago. I wore a bracelet.with a saying about family on it that was hers. She also loved lilies so my bouquet was all white lilies. I knew that these choices were made with her in mind. But i didn't share that with guests. It was just my personal way of having her with me. My husband has lost 2 grandparents. I got photos of the grandparents and found someone on stay that does personalized photo charms. They made 1 for each grandparent and i put them on a keychain and gave them to him the day before the wedding. He kept them in his pocket during the ceremony. My in-laws knew I was doing this for him, but no one else did. Again, it was just our personal way of having them there with us.
    I would suggest talking to you FH about doing something similar. Did his dad have a special tie or piece of clothing? Maybe find a way to incorporate that. Or a watch, ring or other jewelry that was his? Your FH can wear it or maybe you can put it into your bouquet? A favorite song? You can use it as the song you exit the ceremony to? Our officiant also incorporated a small moment into the ceremony. He simply said " the bride and groom would also like to take a moment to remember the people who are not able to be here with us today." He paused for just a second and then moved on with the ceremony. However, we do have a few photos of people wiping tears and based on the order of them, I think it was around that time in the ceremony. So just keep that in mind also. I am glad we included it though.
    Whatever you choose to do, it doesn't have to be a big gesture. It just needs to be meaningful to you and your FH. And again, if it's going to be something that guests will notice and may cause some emotions, I would give them a heads up about it.
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  • stbmrs2019
    Devoted September 2019
    stbmrs2019 ·
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    We plan to have our main color of our wedding be blue because that was FI's dad's favorite color. I lost my aunt when I was 16 and I plan to have roses in my bouquet because that was her name. Also my maternal grandmother's favorite flowers were orchids so I plan to incorporate those in too. My paternal grandmother was obsessed with cows so I plan on finding a cute charm to put on my bouquet for her.

    Subtle is the best way to go.

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  • N
    Devoted March 2018
    Norma ·
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    Both my parents are passed. I wanted to honor them but make it subtle. My mom carried a single red rose on their wedding day so I will be carrying the same. I will display a copy of their wedding picture on our guestbook table and I will lay my rose there. My oldest son will dance the father/bride dance. The DJ will
    play the song in my parents honor.
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  • BrandiWeds18
    VIP May 2019
    BrandiWeds18 ·
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    Some etsy shops have photo charms you can put on his Bout...you can do the picture on the memorial table or just a sign recognizing those whom have passed with candles. I recently saw a floral bouquet sitting on an empty chair that i may consider for my FH's mom who passed. Better than the photo on the chair i was thinking that was a little difficult to deal with.

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  • Cassandra7
    Super August 2006
    Cassandra7 ·
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    Do you want a celebration or another memorial service? People get very confused trying to feel two ways at once.

    Keep it very low key--definitely not carrying pictures of the dead. Just start your speeches with the toast "Absent friends."

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  • A
    Dedicated June 2018
    Alex ·
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    Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. You all gave me some suggestions and ideas that I hadn't thought about. I definitely plan on keeping it subtle with honoring him.

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  • A
    Dedicated June 2018
    Alex ·
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    Thank you for your thoughtfulness. You gave me some perspectives I hadn't thought about. I think I will keep it personal. I will now plan to talk to my FH and his mom prior to the wedding so that they are prepared.

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  • A
    Dedicated June 2018
    Alex ·
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    I love the idea of the photo charm on his boutonniere! I think i will do this instead. It is a more personal touch. Thank you!

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  • A
    Dedicated June 2018
    Alex ·
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    I plan on doing something very similar to honor my grandmother who has passed. Lilies were her favorite flower and my mom will make my bouquet and incorporate the lilies. Another personal way I am trying to honor those close to us.

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