15 Ways to Honor Late Loved Ones at Your Wedding

Each relationship is different, and therefore, there are hundreds of ways to pay respect to deceased loved ones at your wedding. The important thing to remember is: it should be special and unique to you. Honoring deceased grandparents at wedding events is a sweet and touching element to include whether you were close to them or not – after all, without them, you wouldn't have your parents or the love of your life. Incorporating a memorial candle at wedding ceremonies is a popular choice; however, we're sharing the ideas Inside Weddings couples have implemented to honor deceased loved ones throughout the wedding day.

Take a look at 15 ideas below, all of which showcase examples from real brides and grooms. No matter how you choose to commemorate those who are no longer with us, the beauty of paying tribute to late loved ones is that they will be there with you, joyously celebrating your big day, in spirit.

1. Wear Her Wedding Dress 

One of the most prominent ways to honor a loved one at your wedding is to wear their wedding dress. If your mother, aunt, or grandmother, has passed away, then the vignette of a bride wearing her gown is even more special.

2. Carry a Family Heirloom 

Whether you choose to wrap a symbolic rosary around your bouquet or wear your loved one's wedding ring down the aisle, there are many ways to incorporate a family heirloom into your wedding-day ensemble in order to feel as though those who have passed are with you on your special day.

This bride wore an antique sapphire ring on her wedding day, which was owned by her late maternal grandmother. Photo by Hazelnut Photography; From Real Wedding: European-Influenced Autumn Wedding in Los Angeles, California

3. Add a Photo to Your Bouquet 

To feel as though your late loved ones are walking you down the aisle, affix a photograph of them to your bridal bouquet in a heart-shaped locket or a small charm.

When Ben and Katherine got married, the bride adorned her bouquet with a heart-shaped locket bearing the photos of her late grandparents – also named Ben and Katherine. The groom confides, "She was very close to them and wanted them to be with her during the ceremony." Photo by Elizabeth Messina; From Real Wedding: Georgetown Cupcake Cofounder Katherine Kallinis' California Wedding

As Jamie was getting ready for the ceremony, her wedding planner presented her with a bouquet to which they had affixed a charm with a photo of her mother, who passed away just one week before the wedding. "I wear the charm on a necklace every day," shares the bride. Photo by Mischa Photography; From Real Wedding: A Heartwarming Ranch Wedding with Sophisticated & Rustic Details

4. Choose Sentimental Accessories 

Take "something borrowed" to a whole new level by incorporating a loved one's wedding accessory into your bridal ensemble. A sparkling tiara or a swatch of lace from a wedding dress can be easily incorporated into a bride or groom's wedding look and leaves a lasting impression.

The bride wore her late sister-in-law's wedding tiara on her own special day. "I was her maid of honor," shares Michelle. "It was extremely significant to me to wear her tiara down the aisle. It is something considered sacred to my family and will be worn for generations to come." Photo by Brett Matthews Photography; Venue: Oheka Castle; From Real Wedding: Romantic Fairy-Tale Castle Wedding in New York

5. Incorporate a Special Tallit 

If you'll be having a Jewish wedding, consider using the tallit of your late loved one(s) in your chuppah design. You'll feel their presence as you exchange vows.

Rebecca and Julian exchanged vows beneath the tallits of their late grandfathers, which were incorporated into the chuppah for their Jewish wedding ceremony. Photo by Fred Marcus Studio; From Real Wedding: Pink & Purple Garden-Inspired Tented Wedding in New York

6. Add a Photograph at the Altar or Chuppah 

If your parents or grandparents have passed away prior to your wedding ceremony, honor their presence by framing a photograph of them and displaying it on the altar table or beneath a chuppah.

7. Incorporate Their Favorite Tunes 

As more and more couples are choosing contemporary hits for their celebrations, the music you select for your ceremony and reception offers a perfect chance for you to remember loved ones who have passed by way of song – or instrument!

To honor his Scottish heritage, Angus wore a traditional kilt made of the family tartan. Bagpipers dressed in custom garb played atop a waterfall. "My father, who passed away, was a Scotsman and the bagpipers made me feel that [my dad] was really in our presence," shares the groom. Photo by LiquidLightImages Photography; From Real Wedding: Hair-Industry Heir Angus Mitchell's Hawaiian Wedding

8. Choose Respectful Aisle Escorts 

If your father is not able to walk you down the aisle, consider having an older brother, grandfather, or godfather fill in. Alternatively, if other members of your family do not have an escort, think of creative ways to honor their presence instead of calling on an usher to help.

9. Honor Their Memory During the Ceremony 

Incorporate special speeches in honor of your late loved ones during the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and/or reception. Many couples also choose to leave ceremony chairs empty to commemorate those who are no longer with them physically.

10. Choose a Memorable Motif 

If tulips are your late grandmother's favorite flower, or your mother loved butterflies, incorporate these motifs into your wedding décor. That way, as you're celebrating with friends and family, you'll feel as though they helped plan your special day.

11. Select an Important Wedding Venue 

Choosing a venue to host your wedding is one of the most important decisions you'll make during the wedding-planning process. While most couples take the time of year, guest count, and spending limit into account, you may also want to consider a site that is special to those deceased family members close to your heart.

12. Consider Favorites in Your Floral Design 

When choosing a design for your wedding flowers, keep in mind the varieties that were adored by your late loved ones. Did your mother love peonies? Do you remember picking roses from your grandmother's garden as a child? Incorporating flowers that are special to your family will add a subtle, sentimental component to wedding décor.

To honor her grandmother – who had passed away just three months prior to the wedding, Jessica incorporated dried lavender into bridesmaid bouquets and ceremony programs. "As I waited with my [dad], a breeze caught the sweet aroma filling the air... and in that moment we could feel [her] presence. I believe those few seconds were my grandmother's blessing," shares the bride of her walk down the aisle. Photo by 6 of Four Photography; From Real Wedding: Black-Tie Southern Wedding at an Art Museum in Savannah, Georgia

13. Make a Special Toast 

A very special time to commemorate late family is at the reception. While giving a toast to the bride and groom, consider having your father share a sentimental story or words of wisdom from a loved one who is no longer with you. Having a moment of silence for a recently deceased family member is another option, or incorporating a song in their honor during the reception is another idea, if you don't want lengthy or teary speeches.

14. Honor Their Wishes 

If you and your mother, father, or grandparents discussed your wedding before they passed (even if you weren't even engaged yet!), you can honor some of their wishes during the ceremony or reception. Have their favorite dish served at dinner, choose their preferred song for a special dance, or include an extra detail that you may not have considered had they not mentioned it.

15. Select Touching Wedding Favors 

Send wedding guests off with a token of love inspired by a late family member. If your father or grandmother passed away from cancer, make a donation in each guest's honor to a charity in lieu of traditional wedding favors. Since most guests just toss "cutesy" favors after the wedding day, this type of favor will make a lasting impression.

For more wedding ideas, discover ways to honor your mom at the wedding, find out how to include your whole family in wedding planning, see wedding invitation wording examples, get ideas for ways to include family photos in wedding décor, and learn how to handle two family weddings in one year.