Unique Ways to Honor a Lost Loved One at Your Wedding
On important days, it is natural to remember loved ones who are not with us anymore. Here are some special ways to honor someone’s memory at your wedding.

Weddings are joyous and happy celebrations. However, working on the guest list may surface heartache when knowing some friends and family who have passed away won’t be there in person to join you. Oscar-nominated actor, Andrew Garfield, eloquently described grief in an interview with Stephen Colbert. He was talking about his own mother who he had lost to cancer, and said his grief is a beautiful thing and it is “all the unexpressed love that I didn’t get to tell her.” What a beautiful and poignant way to think about the emotions you have towards those special people you have lost.
So the question is, how do you show that unexpressed love in honor of someone’s memory, while at the same time, not having these sad memories overshadow a happy milestone? We think that, if it feels right to you, choose one of these creative special ways to honor them at your wedding or reception. A few ideas may be to honor them with a candle, notation in the program, song, empty chair in their honor, photographs, or a donation in their name. We’ve rounded up a few ideas from Etsy that may help you choose your memorial.
Wedding Memorial Ideas

Angel Sign
FrankandGraceCrafts • $20
This 9×12 rustic wood sign with a Kona stain and vinyl lettering is the perfect sign to place in honor of a loved one. With a beautiful quote this sign can be used anywhere you choose on your wedding day.

Memorial Vase
GreatLittleFavorCo • $34.95
For those we keep in our hearts, this floating memorial candle is the perfect way to commemorate the memory of your loved ones at your wedding or a celebration of a life event. Featuring a wide vase, the floating candle which can be purchased as an add-on, and custom personalization, it’s a great reminder that all the ones you love are always with you.

Memorial Photo Lantern
BlessedBirdyBoutique • $22.50
This beautiful lantern honors those you have lost with a photo and message. Uniquely constructed so that the candle glows through the sides illuminating the memory of those you love.

Custom Wedding Charm
DesignsbyTami • $10
These custom wedding charms are the perfect way to have the memory of a loved one with you during your wedding. The adorable charm measures approximately 1″ square and features a reversible design with your image

Handwriting Ring
MackenzieTreasury • $28.80
If you have your loved one’s handwriting you can simply take a photo of their writing and transform it into a beautiful piece of jewelry. What a beautiful sentiment it would be to have an actual piece of them as part of your wedding attire.

Wedding Handkerchief
ThePolkaDottedBee • $24.99
Technology is great, but nothing is more personal than a handwritten letter or note in someone’s penmanship. This white cotton handkerchief is digitally printed with a note, scribbles, or doodles from a dear friend or family member.

Something Blue Photo Charm
Perfectpendantsplus • $19.96
The rhinestone edge is just enough to showcase your memories on your special day without overpowering them. You can order this as DIY Kit or have them custom-made.

Memorial Candle and Acrylic Sign
SweetConfettiCo • $26.95
Looking for a way to incorporate your loved ones on your big day? This frosted acrylic sign is the perfect way to honor those who are in your heart. The warmth of the flickering candle flame lights up the words, “This candle burns in loving memory of those who are not here today, but who are forever present in our hearts”

Wedding Photo Sign
JaysCreationWoodshop • $52
What a stunning way to honor multiple family members that will be remembered on your day. Wood is made from recycled pallets and hand-painted

Memorial Sign Sash
RightOnTheWalls • $18
A unique and beautiful way to save a memorial seat for a loved one at your wedding. The Band Reads “In Loving Memory Of” at the top with the name and title printed underneath.

Digital Download Memory Sign
UnmeasuredEvent • $3.85
This DIY printable in-loving memory sign template features a modern minimalist design and fully editable wording. Easily change the fonts, font colors, and background color to match your event style.

Custom Photo Links
NowThatsPersonal • $28
A beautiful way to remember a loved one on your wedding day. This memorial cuff links feature YOUR photo on one link and “Always by your side” on the other link.

Reserved Memorial Sign
TheRitzyRose • $24.95
When you made out your guest list, chances are someone special was missing. That doesn’t mean they won’t need help finding their seat on your wedding day. Hold space for them and the love that you share as they watch you walk down the aisle.

Memorial Sign
ThePaintedHedge • $34.99
Add a small sentiment to your special day to remember those who are present to share in your joy. The memorial is a perfect small addition to an area of your ceremony or reception and can be used as an accent to a photo table as well!

Custom Portrait of Your Loved One
GrapePeonyBoutique • $85.10
Create a special portrait for brides or grooms to honor any and all loved ones lost that they wish were with them on their Wedding Day. Taken from photos of your dress and pictures of family members, this artist will create a one-of-a-kind custom illustration for you to keep forever.
Have you been successful in finding budget-savvy ways to honor those you’ve lost for your wedding? Join us in our community to talk about all things wedding memorials and more!
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