Honoring a Parent That Has Passed Away






Many brides and grooms want to include some type of remembrance during their wedding ceremony of
a parent (or parents) that have passed away. It can be done tactfully and without making it too sad at the
same time.

Here are some options:  

  • Lighting of candles.  This can be done at the very beginning of the ceremony or during the lighting
    of the unity candle. Personalized memorial candles can be used to make this unique and special.

  • Presentation of single stemmed flowers for each parent at the altar.

  • Placement of a small floral arrangement in the seats where they would have been seated.

  • A special reading (which mentions their names) could also be done.  

  • Have the brother or other male member of the deceased father of the bride stand in as her escort.

  • Have the sister or other female family member of the deceased mother stand in and perform the
    unity candle

  • A prayer. Have the clergy say a prayer (mentioning their names) and possibly have the
    congregation bow their heads in a moment of silent remembrance.

  • Please Note: It is never appropriate to include the name of a deceased parent on the invitations.

Before you decide, speak with your clergy and see what he or she thinks would be best. They know you
better and are in a better position to make suggestions.

One final and important point: don't get too sentimental during this time. This is your wedding day and
you know your parents would want you to enjoy this celebration without becoming so choked up that
you couldn't go on with the ceremony.
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