In memory of…

Do you have anything of your mum's you could wear on the day, maybe some jewelry or something similar? My partner's dad passed away when he was a child and hes going to wear his dad's watch on the day so that he feels closer to him. We are also going to his grave after the ceremony to lay my bouquet whilst our guests make their way to the reception, we really wanted to make sure his dad was included as much as possible in our day. All the best x

I lost my Dad when I was 10 (now 42) and really wanted to have him as part of the day but didn't want it to be too maudlin, so rather than having the empty chair or picture we had a Gone But Not Forgotten table next to the top table, we had a sign that we got from Etsy (link below) and a cheap white frame from Asda, we then had little wooden circles (hobbycraft) that we put the names of all the people no longer with us such as grandparents, friends and my Dad in silver pen.

Silver Effect in Loving Memory Remembrance Wedding Sign | Etsy UK

I also had the following Charm made and added it to my bouquet, and was a perfect token. The seller was so helpful as I only had one very old picture, I am sure she can change the wording to Mum as she does customize

Walk With Me Today Dad Memory Bouquet Charm Photo Charm | Etsy UK

As AJX said, if you have some jewelry of hers you could also wear that is a nice touch as well, but the main thing is to do what you feel comfortable with. I hope you can find a way to include her, she will be with you on the day and I am sure she would have been so proud, sending hugs X

Appreciate this isn't about a parent, but I have similar feelings about my grandparents not being with us - especially my grandma.

So far this is my plan:

- Photo of my grandparents on the top table, looking out at the party (not on an empty chair just amongst the decorations)

- A single white rose in honour of my grandma Rose in my bouquet

- Wearing my grandma's ruby bracelet (which was FH's inspo for my ruby engagement ring)

- Cocktail hour music will be jazz in honour of my grandad who loved jazz and played in bands in back in the day

- I'm also working on a message on the final page of the programme that's almost like my version of a bride's speech but specifically thanks those people no longer with us

Hope that helps a bit

Your initial ideas sound a very lovely way to ensure that your mum is still part of your day. There's some great ideas above, in addition to the suggestions mentioned I am considering having a candle lit for mine in the reception. I have a favourite photo of my mum enjoying a tipple so will be displaying that and toasting her with a drink. I will also have a bouquet charm and wear a piece of jewellery connected to her - I am trying to focus on small touched that will make me smile on the day. It is very hard, I try to focus on how much fun and enjoyment my mum would inevitably be having during this process/on the day and do my best to remember that and remember to enjoy it too. I'm sure you'll come up with some lovely ways to pay tribute to your mum xxx

My dad died before our wedding, so this is what I did to remember him.

I got this bouquet charm from this seller on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/654988941/personalised-heart-charm-engraved-photo?click_key=9539579a68c9272505668ffd3f91babef4815070%3A654988941&click_sum=deb01813&ga_search_query=charm&ref=shop_items_search_4&crt=1

They put a photo of my dad one one side & engraved 'love Dad' in his handwriting on the other (after the wedding, I wore it as a pendant). I also picked some of his favourite flowers for my bouquet.

I wore a Scottish silver bracelet set with a blue stone (he was a blue-eyed Scot and very proud of his Scots heritage). We also included some of his favourite music and a favourite hymn in the ceremony.

My OH also lost his dad before the ceremony, and again, we included some favourite music of his dad's on the day, and he wore his dad's watch and a kilt to pay tribute to his Scots heritage also.

I hope you find ways of remembering your mum that are meaningful to you. I think the bouquet charm was the thing I found most helpful because it felt a bit like my dad walking up the aisle with me (which he would have done if he'd been alive). So worth taking the time to find one that's just right for you.

Hello,

I can completely relate. I have just lost my mum... I'm 26. My wedding is in 12 months..so i have a little time to come up with something. However, i am having her favourite flowers dotted around so that it feels like she's here with me and also, i know she loved green so i am having different shades of green for the bridesmaids. Also i am playing her favourite songs so that i can imagine her dancing with me.

Hope you are ok xx

Also Hoping you have the most beautiful and fun day.

Lauren xx

I saw a beautiful idea and it was shoes with " i take ever step with you" and their parents name on the soul of the shoe

I am wearing a small gold tie pin of my dad's at my wedding, and I have my grandmother's pearls. That way I will feel a little bit of them is with me on the day.

I am going to have an in memory section on one of the tables. So I am going to have a sign saying "in memory of those that couldn't be here today - forever in our hearts" and then have framed photos of my Grandad and my Fiancés Nan and Grandad.