Written by Sacha Clark – Civil Marriage Celebrant
Looking for ways to include your loved ones who have passed or are unable to be present on the day? There are a number of ways to pay homage and include friends, family and even fur babies who are not able to be with you on the day.
Here are 5 ideas to consider when you are planning your ceremony:
- Add mementos or a photo to the signing table. Your celebrant can include a reference to it in the opening introduction of the ceremony.
- Add a charm or picture locket to a bouquet.
- Include a song or a favourite poem/reading in the ceremony with an introduction so your guests appreciate how important it is to you.
- Light a candle as part of the welcome/introduction that will burn throughout the ceremony. You can even include a moment of reflection and invitation to be present before the ceremony begins.
- Add a section of ‘thanks’ to the end of the ceremony so your celebrant can make specific reference to people you want to thank for making the day possible.
- Have a toast to those who couldn’t make it (especially family/friends overseas).
- Hold a seat with a photo of them or a place name tag, poem or quote.
As with all ceremony things there is no right or wrong. If you do want to remember, commemorate or celebrate loved ones who aren’t with you on the day speak to your celebrant about it so they can support you in finding the ideal solution for your ceremony.
These ideas are suitable for marriage ceremonies, wedding speeches, naming’s and celebration of life ceremonies.
Personally, I love helping my couples and families find creative solutions to things like this. Give me a call, I am happy to help!