Beautiful Ways to Remember Loved Ones at Your Wedding

We all dream of having every family member and friend by our side to celebrate our wedding day. Sadly, that’s not always possible. Whether through distance, illness, or loss, some of the people we love most can’t be with us in person. But there are still so many heartfelt ways to remember loved ones at your wedding and make them part of your celebration.

This is a post we’ve wanted to share for a long time, one filled with love, emotion, and beautiful ideas inspired by real couples. With thanks to our past brides and grooms, and to our wonderful colleagues in the wedding community, for allowing us to share their stories and photos.

Siobhan & Alan

Siobhan’s mother had passed away before her wedding journey began, but her presence was lovingly felt throughout the day.

A special table was set with her photo from her own wedding and her favourite drink beside it. Siobhan also wanted a photograph of herself and Alan with her mum’s photo, a symbolic moment that beautifully joined the generations. It’s one of those gestures that you’ll either connect with deeply or prefer to express differently, but it was perfect for them.

Natasha & Lee

For Natasha and Lee, lighting a candle during their ceremony was a touching way to honour their loved ones.

Their main celebration took place in Cuba, followed by a celebrant-led ceremony at home for all their family and friends. If you love the idea of including a symbolic moment like this, a celebrant ceremony gives you the freedom to make it truly personal, something a legal registrar ceremony often can’t allow.

Charlotte & Joe

Charlotte and Joe created a quiet space at their reception, a small alcove featuring a framed collage and quote in memory of their loved ones. It offered guests a peaceful moment of reflection amidst the celebration.

Sam & Matt

Sam’s dad had passed away before her wedding, but his memory was at the heart of her day.

As a child, her dream was always to come down the stairs at home and see her dad waiting for her. Though that couldn’t happen, we worked to recreate that feeling for her through a special photo moment.

 Later, we recreated a photo from her parents’ wedding day at Langtons, the same venue where Sam and Matt said their vows. It was a beautiful tribute that felt both deeply personal and full of love.

Courtney & Flynn

Courtney wished to have her father appear in at least one of her photos. Having seen similar portraits we’d created, she knew exactly what she wanted. We crafted an image that brought his memory into their day in a heartfelt, meaningful way.

Erica & Steve

At Erica and Steve’s reception, a candle-lit display at the entrance featured photos of their loved ones. Guests were able to join in remembrance as they arrived, setting a tone of love and togetherness.

Emma & Andy

Emma carried her grandfather close to her heart with a photo charm on her bouquet.

During the day, a feather drifted down in front of her. Many believe that when a feather crosses your path, it’s a sign that your loved one is watching over you. Emma tucked it into the same locket that held her lucky sixpence, creating a beautiful moment she’ll never forget.

Real Stories & Ways to Remember Loved Ones at Your Wedding

Every couple finds their own unique ways to remember loved ones at their wedding, some through photos or songs, others with small symbolic touches that hold deep meaning.

Here, some of our wedding industry friends share their own deeply personal ways to include and honour those they love.

Kim from Bloom In Gorgeous

“One groom had lost his father, who had been a postman, so he placed a postman teddy on a chair during the ceremony, later moving it to the top table beside his father’s photo.

Another bride asked for small posies on the front chairs for parents who had passed away.

A memory table with photos and flowers is always a lovely touch — it’s about choosing what feels right for you.”

Grace from Keeley Wedding Films

“My gran passed away just three weeks before our wedding. I included her in lots of subtle ways, using her tablecloth on the signing table, lanterns from her home down the aisle, and wedding photos at the church.

Most people wouldn’t have noticed, but I did, and that’s what mattered. She always called everyone ‘flop’ead’, so we even included that on a sign at our reception entrance!”

Graces photos were taken by Hannah Mia Photography

Mark from Bluemark Entertainment

“I once created a slideshow for a wedding where the groom’s father had passed just days before. It was a delicate moment but turned into something truly moving.

I’ve also seen candles and memory tables used beautifully, and even an event where a table was laid with places for absent family members, a powerful gesture.”

Helen from Creative Decorations

“My mother-in-law died just months before our wedding. We asked the vicar to mention her during the ceremony and added her photo and a short message on the back of our order of service.”

Rachel from Veiled Productions

“I plan to play a song my grandad used to sing to us, it was played at his funeral and will be a surprise addition to the evening playlist. It’s unusual, but it’s special to us, and that’s what counts.”

Kelly from Kelly Hawes Celebrant

“For couples who prefer something subtle, I often suggest including a loved one’s favourite song or stitching something meaningful from their clothing into a dress or suit lining, personal touches that carry quiet meaning.”

Sophie from Sophie & Bee Floral Design

“One of my brides added a locket to her bouquet in memory of her nan. It was such a small detail, but so full of love.”

(Photo taken by Two-D Photography)

Final Thoughts

There’s no single right way, only what feels true to you. However you choose to honour their memory, these are all beautiful ways to remember loved ones at your wedding and keep them close to your heart.

Whether it’s through a candle, a photograph, a favourite song, or a quiet tribute only you know about, if it’s done with love, it’s perfect.

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