Reserved Chairs for deceased in-laws

I think I would feel creeped out unless it was really recent before the wedding. But I think there are other ways to commemorate them-- framed photos with "In Memory Of (Name)". But if you do have to do the chairs-- I would also use "In Memory Of (Name)".

I like what Nancy T and Tywanda did/listed.

I know every bride likes to think of it as their day but the reality is that it is your grooms day as well. Talk to him about the different options and let him choose how to honor his parents at his wedding.

We mentioned DH's parents in our program with a poem - I tweaked this slightly with the help of some WWers so it fit.

Dear Lord please clear a spot for him;

He should have the perfect view.

His little girls a bride today,

And I am counting on you.

Let me feel his presence;

As I journey down the aisle.

But let me notice his absence;

If only for a while.

Let me stop to think of him;

As I am given away.

And know that if he could;

He would be here with me today.

Dear Lord please clear a spot for him;

He should have the perfect view.

And if he should get sad today;

Dear Lord I count on you.

My FHs favorite uncle died a few years ago. We are going to play his favorite song softly through dinner.. (Another Brick in the Wall)... those of us that know this will completely understand, those that don't, well it wont effect them

Do what you want and what makes you feel comfortable!

Personally, I am not a fan. It is just a reminder that they are not there. When my MOH got married, she put tiny picture frames with pictures of her deceased grandparents on her bouquet. I also like the idea of a memory table, rose, etc.

My FH and I both lost our dad. Our original idea was to do the empty chairs with pics but I know for a fact that I am going to break down once I see that. We are doing memorial candles instead. One will be my color (royal blue) and the other candle will be his color (sage).

Cheri, I love that idea! I am worried his brother's will be upset if they see the chair for their mom. She died in '08 and they still get upset about it. Memorial Candles sounds good. Our colors are Royal blue and Silver. I like that a lot. Heidi, I have been telling him all along it's his day too! That's why I want to take his idea seriously but in a way that won't upset his family. Lots of good ideas for me to discuss with him, thank you all!

My mom passed away in October and I refuse to do this. I feel it's to sad to see an empty chair so we are remembering her in other ways. It has to be heart warming, but not sad.. Maybe run some other options with him to see what he thinks?

When I was in high school and dating a guy in ROTC, at the Navy Ball they had a POW table off to the side. I always liked this idea for remembering loved ones at the reception.

I lost my great grandparents when I was in high school and I was extremely close to them. At my wedding there will be a table similar to the POW table at the Navy Ball. Small table with 2 chairs. In each chair will be a rose and an "in loving memory" candle on the table with a few pictures. My parents are not fans of this idea, but the fact is they were family members I was very close to (I was with them every day of my life from Pre-K until 8th grade).

Do whatever FH and you feel is apropriate...disregard those who don't like it. At the end of the day, it's your wedding.

I absolutely HATE this...it creates negative emotion that can ruin your wedding. I was seriously at a wedding where they had the whole front row reserved - for family members that passed up to 20 years before and that the bride and groom were too young to remember. The grooms family busted up crying, it was like a horrible funeral (the aunt began to wail and had to be "taken away"). If you do any thing, incorporate a moment of silence in the reading.

Okay people...really? isn't it up to her FH? they should do whatever makes HIM feel better about his parents not being there (as long as OP is okay with it).

i agree that it might be nice to run other ideas by him because he may not have thought about them. you can present it as a potential for additional OR alternative opportunities to honour his parents. if he picks something else, then go with that, but if he really wants the chairs then it doesn't matter how many people on WW hate the idea...

What does he want to do? Since it is FH's parents he should say whether or not he feels comfortable with this. Will it make him too emotional? Maybe he might want something not as obvious? If he likes the chair idea, I say do it.