Something like a memory candle

Would they not allow a candle if it was contained inside a lantern or something?

Otherwise, how about a nice poem in a frame and then a digital photo frame that shows up pictures of your loved ones that are no longer with you?

That's a lovely idea vintage. Although would like to keep it general as don't want to not include someone and upset someone IYKWIM. Think a poem and some nice flowers could be the plan.

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We wanted to do the same and had the same problem with the venue. We are using a battery operated candle and a nice lantern from ikea. We bought the battery operated tea lights from ebay

I know exactly what you mean! I can't decide whether it's morbid/depressing, or rather lovely but how about (if you have space), leaving one space at your wedding breakfast empty? All set up but with a poem at the setting?

Just not sure who would want to sit next to it, IYKWIM

Its hard isnt it. Dont think I could do the empty seat thing, would feel bad for who sat next to it.

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Yeah, that was what I was thinking. It's so tricky! Maybe a poem next to a nice floral arrangement or plant, in a quiet spot or near the card box or something.

You can shed tears that they are gone, or you can smile because they lived. You can close your eyes and pray that they'll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all they've left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see them, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember them only that they are gone, or you can cherish their memory and let them live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what they'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on

Apologies for the huge font but I copy and pasted this. I've changed the wording to make it plural but I love this poem. It was red out at my nan's funeral and I think it's lovely

Are you having your ceremony at the venue or in church? If you are getting married in church first, you can buy large candles from Ebay with a similar poem to the one Vintage84 has suggested with your names and wedding date on - we are going to light this during our ceremony hopefully as we had the same problem in that our reception venue doesn't allow candles......

What abut a memorial vase with the same flowers as your bouquet. stand it on a mirror plate, and on the plate scatter one petal for each person who couldnt be there x

http://www.brideandgroomdirect.co.uk/product/memorial-glass-vase#colour=97

A lovely idea,

I had thought about having a seperate small table with a vase of flowers and a candle, hadnt thought there may be issues with having an open flame though. I like the idea of a poem, especially as i too would hate to miss someone out of a more specific display.

We often have couples who include a poem on the back of their order of service dedicated to loved ones, i had one on mine but did have candles so was along the lines of " candles buring during the service are a small dedication to our beloved grandparents who are no longer here to share in our speacial day, but forever remain in our hearts " or something along those lines.

just another idea x