The beauty and magic of a wedding invokes visions of the bride and groom being surrounded by the most cherished of their families and friends on this day of wonderment.
However, there are times when he or she, or both to-be-weds, may have beloved ones gone on to their eternal reward, or they may realize the sadness of someone's absence at their Nuptials due to other circumstances.
Not having a Mother to help select her wedding dress, or not walking down the aisle on the arm of her Dad, can be a sorrowful time for the bride. And, the bond between Mother and Son is very strong, and the groom will most definitely be missing his own Mother on his day, as well as not having his Dad as a possible Best Man, offering sage advice.
Of course we want to remember these very precious ones on a day that is described as the "happiest day" in the lives of two in love.
May we suggest some ways to honor these special people, because to bestow a remembrance to a wonderful someone, on the wedding day, is among the most profound gestures that can be given.
Let your loved ones light the way on your day, with glowing candles lit in their memory. The candles can be extinguished and re-lit at the reception. A pew, or chair, can be "Reserved in loving memory of. . ." and a bouquet or favorite flower, memento or note can be laid upon a program book.
A special ribbon or cascade of tulle will denote that no one else is to sit within the ribbon or tulle of the chair or pew. A daughter can carry her Mother's most loved flower, or a picture of her parents caught in her bouquet, a religious article, the family Bible, or duplicate Mom's own wedding flowers. The groom's boutonniere can reflect his Mother's cherished of botanical wonders or he can tuck his parents photo in his pocket or close to his heart.
During the ceremony, a special moment of silence can be observed, and the ceremony can be dedicated to the beloved ones, and the pages of the program book can carry lovely messages of tribute. Include cherished hymns or songs in their memory during the ceremony or reception, even share special scripture passages, quotes or poems.
At your reception, offer toasts or tell a sweet or loving story. Create a Memory Table with family wedding photos, or add a traditional family food to the wedding feast, such as Nana's Italian wedding soup, or Granddad's favorite cookie. Maybe a cake knife and server have been handed down through the generations, if so, be sure and use them to cut the wedding cake. Your wedding can take place on a day special to your family, a relative's birthday or anniversary, and the ceremony or reception can be at the church or venue used by your parents or grandparents.
Maybe even wear your Mother's, Grandmother's or future Mother-in-law's wedding dress in tribute.
We recall a very thoughtful bride and groom who did not want to forego having the enchanting "Daddy's Little Girl," played on their day. Since the bride's own parents were deceased, this beauty of a song by Al Martino was played for all Dads and their Daughters. With the groom's parents having passed on, also, "A Song For My Son" was rendered for all of the Mothers and Sons. Oh what a glorious site as Dads danced with two and three Daughters at a time, arms entwined, or Moms held toddler Sons in their arms, or waltzed with their Boys. At that reception, we were told by a guest that since she had a destination wedding, and her parents could not attend, she, especially, loved dancing with her own Dad on a favorite cousin's day.
A wedding day can be a time to spotlight family traditions or nationalities, and if you are blessed to have your parents and grandparents attend your wedding. . .maybe they can renew their own wedding vows when the bride and groom say, "I do."
One of the most endearing things a couple can do is to visit a loved one in the hospital or personal care home on the wedding day, or lay a bouquet on a beloved's grave, and ask in prayer for beautiful wishes to be bestowed on the bride and groom.
To the bride and groom. . .As you both are holding hands, and vowing your eternal love, when you remember your loved ones, you are inviting their loving spirits to share in this very wondrous of moments, and they are with you, you are never alone...
No comments:
Post a Comment