Wedding Ceremonies are not always just smiles and fun. Tears of joy are sometimes shared with tears of remembrance and sorrow. As a marriage celebrant it is sometimes not easy to walk that fine line of including and honouring deceased loved ones in a wedding ceremony and creating a joyful and fun celebration for the bridal couple.

Sometimes, if the pain is still very close to the heart, it might be an idea to include the loved one in a less obvious way but still in a very personal manner. Here are some lovely, tried and trusted ways to include those who cannot be with you in person on your wedding day.

A Chair with Photo and/or Flowers – this is a lovely, quiet way of showing all the guests that you are missing a loved one at your wedding ceremony.

Something Sewn into your Dress – sew a photo or a piece of jewellery, your granny’s wedding ring for example, into your wedding dress and if you don’t want it to show it can be sewn into the under-garments.

Photos Hanging in Trees or a Frame – Another lovely way to include all the people dear to you, but who can’t be there in person, in your wedding ceremony. It’s a great way to make sure they are in many of the photos too!

Send Lit Lanterns or Balloons with Names – launch these either onto a calm water surface or into the sky. Just remember with this one, it can be harmful to birdlife and animals.

Table with Photos and Lit lantern with Sign and Flowers – in a small ceremony, during the wedding ceremony, the lantern is lit in loving memory of those who are to be honoured.

Bouquet with Charms with Photos – this is a lovely way to honour loved ones as it can still be seen but in a very quiet and personal way.

Cufflinks with Photos – An excellent way for a groom to honour his Mum or Dad or grandparents, or anyone special to him.

Donate to Particular Charity – In lieu of favours, you can make donations to the charity of your choice, which may reflect a particular loss in your family or circle of friends. A little sign helps inform your guests: “In lieu of favours, donations have been given in honour of those who share this day with us in spirit.”