Acknowledging a Deceased Loved One at Your Wedding

A wedding should be a joyous occasion. But if you have a loved one who has recently died, it can be hard to find the appropriate way to remember them without ruining the celebratory mood. The following is a list of ways to honor a deceased parent at a wedding. Some of them are more subtle remembrances, others outwardly honor a late relative in a public way. Hopefully any of you facing this difficult situation will be able to find a helpful solution.

1. Read a poem or quote favorite scripture in his/her honor, before grace/after the toast.
    
2. Have the visiting officiant mention the loved one (or do the above) while s/he says grace.
    
3. Play a special song dedicated to the departed. Here are a few ways you can do it:
   1. The DJ can make a small announcement during the dinner hour and play a nice, sweet song dedicated to him/her from you.
   2. Parent Dance - Obviously, nobody can take their place, but you can use a 'stand in' for the departed, such as a uncle, aunt, sister, brother, and dedicate a dance just for him or her. Have the DJ make a special announcement about it.
   3. The DJ can make an announcement during the dancing hours and invite anyone that has ever lost anyone close to them to dance to a song dedicated to the loved one.
   4. Here are some song suggestions if you'd like to go that route:
      • I'll be there - Jackson 5
      • One Sweet Day - Mariah Carey/Boyz II Men
      • Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
      • In My Life - The Beatles
      • I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack
      • The Prayer - Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion & Josh Groban
      • Sarah McLachlan - I Will Remember You
         
4. If you would like the acknowledgement a little more private, perhaps set up a special area at the guest book/gift table with a flower arrangement and/or a card saying (for example)  “In memory of ________, mother of the bride.”
   • Alternately, you could put a picture of him/her, with a single rose or candle in front of it.