Honoring lost loved ones at a wedding is a sticky subject. Some people think it’s endearing, while others aren’t too fond of the idea for a variety of reasons. I, personally, wanted some way to tribute those that I wish were here to celebrate our wedding with us…and I’ve come up with the perfect solution for our wedding.
Somewhere in a stack of old home videos, there’s a VHS tape of my first birthday party. Before my mom let me go at the cake that was sitting in front of me, she presented me with a Bride’s Bible with a cover that she cross-stitched herself (she’s super crafty). On the inside, in her impeccable penmanship, she wrote “Jordan, this Bible is to be carried as your 'something old' on your wedding day.” After Jordan proposed, she (again) presented me with this Bible that I am overjoyed about holding as I walk down the aisle.
Since Jordan and I both have lost people who are dear to us, I’m placing a picture of each of them inside the Bible that I will carry with me. After discussing numerous ideas, this one was the most personal and meaningful to us.
If you’re planning on honoring someone at your wedding, but you aren’t sure how, here are a few of my favorites:
- Wearing jewelry or something that reminds you of that person
- Charms with their picture on your bouquet
- Write a tribute to include in your wedding program
- Have a candle lit in their memory
- If you’re having a table with family photos, include pictures of those you want to honor
- Dedicate a part of your ceremony or reception (like a toast) to them
- Incorporating heirlooms into your wedding (i.e. toasting flutes, cake serving set, handkerchief)
– Jordan
Bride-to-be and Benton native Jordan Westbrook graduated from UALR in 2011 with a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in mass media. The former Arkansas Bride intern will be blogging about her adventures in wedding planning right here each week.
