To honor family throughout the reception, pairs may choose to display photos of themselves and their family members' wedding days on escort card tables, arrange them on a gallery wall at the cocktail hour, or showcase the images entirely on their own display – or even a "family tree" for an outdoor celebration.
Though weddings are focused on the couple's love for one another, they are also rooted in the love and support of their families. Family traditions take center stage primarily during the wedding ceremony; however, the entire day is often filled with words of support, love, and joy from parents of the bride and groom, as well as siblings, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and more.
Regardless of whether or not you choose to incorporate familial customs on your big day, there are a number of other ways to honor family throughout your celebration – particularly when it comes to the décor. Some brides choose to add charms to their bouquets that showcase photos of loved ones who are no longer with them, while grooms do the same with locket-style cuff links. Family photos at your wedding can also be incorporated into paper goods, such as ceremony programs, fans, etc.
Other couples choose to display framed family photographs on accent tables in between ceremony seating or on the same displays where yarmulkes (for Jewish weddings) and programs are set. To honor family throughout the reception, pairs may choose to display photos of themselves and their family members' wedding days on escort card tables, arrange them on a gallery wall at the cocktail hour, or showcase the images entirely on their own display – or even a "family tree" for an outdoor celebration.
Gather more ideas from the images below – all from real weddings featured in the pages of Inside Weddings or on InsideWeddings.com. Click the link below each photo to see more from these celebrations!
Photo by KingenSmith; From Real Wedding: Catholic Wedding + Modern Supper Club-Inspired Reception in Chicago
Photo by Kristin Spencer Photography; From Real Wedding: Elegant Rhode Island Wedding with Nature Theme
Photo by Elizabeth Messina; From Real Wedding: Sophisticated & Personalized Beverly Hills Wedding
Photo by Embrace Life Photography; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden; Planning & Design by Linda Howard Events; From Real Wedding: Elegant California Wedding with Sophisticated Décor
Photo by Heather Kincaid; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Romantic Outdoor Wedding with Soft, Rustic Elements & Lush Florals
Photo by Paul Barnett Photography; From Real Wedding: Bohemian Outdoor Garden Wedding Ceremony & Rustic Reception
Photo by John Solano Photography; Planning & Design by Alyson Fox, Levine Fox Events
Photo by Jose Villa Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Event: Incredible Rooftop Rehearsal Dinner with Striking Striped Tent
Photo by KingenSmith; From Real Wedding: Elegant Wedding with Blush, Ivory, and Gold Palette in Chicago
Photo by Mi Belle Photographers; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: Colorful Outdoor Wedding with Supper Club Theme in Los Angeles, CA
Photo by Christian Oth Studio; From Real Wedding: Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony + Glamorous New York City Wedding
Photo by Berit Bizjak Photography; From Real Wedding: Romantic Garden-Inspired Summer Wedding in New York City
Photo by Curtis Dahl Photography; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden; Planning & Design by Linda Howard Events; From Real Wedding: A Romantic, Classic Jewish Wedding in Santa Monica, California
Photo by Cooper Carras Photography; Planning & Design by Alyson Fox, Levine Fox Events; From Real Wedding: Classic Winter White Wedding in Wine Country
Photo by Ryan Ray Photography; From Real Wedding: Outdoor Wedding with Vibrant Pink & Orange Décor in California
Photo by Kortnee Kate; From Real Wedding: Sophisticated Outdoor Wedding Celebration in Cincinnati, Ohio
Photo by Shauna and Jordon Photography; From Real Wedding: A Timeless & Elegant White Wedding in St. Petersburg, Florida
Photo by Connie & Stewart; From Real Wedding: Modern Winter Wedding with Punch-Toned Décor in Downtown LA
Photo by Berit Bizjak Photography; From Real Wedding: East Coast Countryside Wedding with Vintage Details
Photo by Anna Gomes Photo; From Real Wedding: An Intimate, Sunset-Toned Destination Wedding in Los Cabos, Mexico
Photo by Marisa Holmes; From Real Wedding: Seafoam & Ivory-Hued Oceanfront Wedding in Laguna Beach, California
Photo by Love and Water Photography; From Real Wedding: Destination Hawaiian Wedding with Travel + Vintage Theme in Maui
For more ideas, find out how to honor late loved ones at your wedding, learn how to include your family in wedding planning, and browse hundreds of beautiful celebrations on our real weddings page for more inspiration.