Image by Nicole Nero.

Your wedding is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life. But, it may feel particularly hard to celebrate when you’re feeling the absence of a passed loved one. Though not everyone on your ideal guest list may be physically in attendance, there are sentimental ways to acknowledge a loved one who is no longer with you. 

From custom cocktails to meaningful photo walls, here are some creative ideas that’ll honor passed loved ones and ensure their presence is felt on your wedding day. 

Create A Custom Cocktail 

When planning your reception bar, instead of stocking it with the basics, create a show-stopping menu packed with custom cocktails. Being in the wedding industry, we’ve seen it all, but some of our favorite custom cocktails are those honoring passed loved ones. You can showcase their go-to drink or even create a recipe from scratch named after that special person. 

Image by Morgan McCanne Photo.

Incorporate Heirlooms And Photos In Your Fashion 

When planning your dream wedding, odds are you’re looking to incorporate unlike-any-other details to set your day apart. One of our favorites is the incorporation of family heirlooms or photos into your wedding fashion—talk about a truly unique addition. Family heirlooms can include wedding dresses, rings, handkerchiefs, and so much more. 

For those that don’t have special mementos to incorporate, not all is lost. You can sew family photos into your tie, add a photo locket around your bouquet, or even incorporate photos into your boutonniere. Possibilities are endless. 

Image by Par La Mer Photography.

Play Home Videos During The Reception 

If you think pictures are worth a thousand words, then videos must be worth even more. And what a better way to include passed loved ones than by sharing home videos during your reception—much like this bride, pictured below. She played a series of home videos and displayed photos of her late father during the first dance with her mom. By the end of the song, there was not a dry eye left in the room. 

Image by Nicole Nero.

Reserve Them a Seat at Your Ceremony

Though that special friend or relative can’t physically be in attendance, saving them a seat at your ceremony is a sentimental, symbolic way of showing your love. You can add a reserved sign, add a photo of the lost loved one, and any other details that authentically represent them. 

Image by Yana B. 

Create A Photo Wall To Honor Passed Loved Ones 

Planning your reception decor can quickly become overwhelming, especially for those looking to acknowledge loved ones no longer with you. In this case, pictures are worth a thousand words. You can create a memory table, sharing photos of those people who will always hold a special place in your heart. 

But why stop there? If you want a more show-stopping display, consider a whole photo wall with memorable photos in funky frames. Not only is this a great way to honor your guests, but it’s also a budget-friendly decor option. 

Image by Bridget Burnett Photography.

Designing your wedding can feel a little overwhelming, especially for those looking to acknowledge loved ones during your ceremony and reception. There are so many decor details that can feel impossible to remember. That’s where we come in. To help make your design process smooth and stress-free, check out the ultimate wedding decor checklist.