My & FH's fathers are deceased. We'd like to honor our dads somehow before, or during, the reception. I've heard of some people having an empty chair, that no one touches, for the deceased parent. I've also heard of having an easel with a collage of pics & words for the deceased parent.
I'm looking for more suggestions. We'd definitely like to honor them, but we don't want to put a damper on the night. I think that if we do chairs, everytime someone would look at them, they'd be sad.
Suggestions, please....
Stacey04
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Re: How to honor deceased parents...
What about programs? Are you doing those?
Are you getting married at the hall or church?
chichila15
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We're getting married in a church... and didn't plan on having any programs. Do you think we should?
aimerliny
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Hi
My FH lost his father November, 2003, and I lost my father in February. We KNOW how you feel.
Since we are not getting married in our church, our officiant is leading everyone in a short meditation in the beginning of our ceremony saying something like this:
““It is the Bride & Groom's wish that before we begin today you all join with them in a brief moment of remembrance.”
You may begin, by closing your eyes, and allowing yourself, to feel all the love and joy that radiates from each of you and fills this place. Remember now, the loved ones, who could not be with us today. See them in your minds eye, sitting among us in their rightful places, beaming with pride, rejoicing for that which Bride and Groom have found in each other and sharing in the love and joy that is this day. Secure in the knowledge that they are all loved and remembered.”
Maybe you can do something like that at the beginning of your reception.
We also plan to put something in our program.
Hope this helps!
chichila15
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Posted by aimerliny
Hi
My FH lost his father November, 2003, and I lost my father in February. We KNOW how you feel.
Since we are not getting married in our church, our officiant is leading everyone in a short meditation in the beginning of our ceremony saying something like this:
““It is the Bride & Groom's wish that before we begin today you all join with them in a brief moment of remembrance.”
You may begin, by closing your eyes, and allowing yourself, to feel all the love and joy that radiates from each of you and fills this place. Remember now, the loved ones, who could not be with us today. See them in your minds eye, sitting among us in their rightful places, beaming with pride, rejoicing for that which Bride and Groom have found in each other and sharing in the love and joy that is this day. Secure in the knowledge that they are all loved and remembered.”
We also plan to put something in our program.
Hope this helps!
You made my eyes watery... I'm definitely going to ask the priest to lead a moment of silence... thanks for the suggestion.
I wasn't planning for a program.. didn't think it was necessary. Why are you having one?
PS: I'm sorry for your losses.
Stacey04
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Re: How to honor deceased parents...
You could have the priest say that in memory you and FH are going to light a candle for them and you could do that...Or just for yourself, do you have something that you could wear or something thats was your fathers? Even like a hankie? WOuld you want to do something like that?
chichila15
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Posted by Stacey04 do you have something that you could wear or something thats was your fathers? Even like a hankie?
Another great suggestion! Keep 'em coming!
Edited: I have to see if I could find something appropriate for the wedding... I have this one shirt with ruffles on the chest, mustard color ... ahhh the 70s... not appropriate... hahaha.
I'll look for a hankie.
Stacey04
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did he have any hobbies? Or specific things like sports of something that he really into?
chichila15
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Posted by Stacey04
did he have any hobbies? Or specific things like sports of something that he really into?
All I remember is that he loved baseball... he died when I was 3½... but that is a good question! I'll have to ask mom... what do you have in mind?
chichila15
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Btw, I'm dancing with my brother... and I asked him to give a short speech dedicating our dance together for our dad.. we'll dance to 'Unforgettable' by Nat King Cole.
Stacey04
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Re: How to honor deceased parents...
Maybe a small trinket on your table, you are having a sweetheart right? Your FH could do the same thing...
Maybe you could have a pic of him on you..like tucked in your dress somewhere so he will be walking with you...
OMG I think i;m gonna cry
chichila15
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Posted by Stacey04
OMG I think i;m gonna cry
Awww... I'm sorry. I feel the same way...
PS: You're on a roll... thanks for the suggestions.
Stacey04
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Posted by chichila15
Btw, I'm dancing with my brother... and I asked him to give a short speech dedicating our dance together for our dad.. we'll dance to 'Unforgettable' by Nat King Cole.
Thats very sweet..not a dry eye
chichila15
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Posted by Stacey04
Posted by chichila15
Btw, I'm dancing with my brother... and I asked him to give a short speech dedicating our dance together for our dad.. we'll dance to 'Unforgettable' by Nat King Cole.
Thats very sweet..not a dry eye
That and the priest's prayer for them should be enough, right?
janwinterbridejoy
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i did a photo and video tribute to my dad at the reception. i used two great songs and a lot of funny pictures so although it was sad people also laughed as well. i also did a donation to the american geart association in his honor and wrote a letter to him in my programs for the church.
Btw, I'm dancing with my brother... and I asked him to give a short speech dedicating our dance together for our dad.. we'll dance to 'Unforgettable' by Nat King Cole.
Thats very sweet..not a dry eye
That and the priest's prayer for them should be enough, right?
Yes I think....I also think its very important to honor the people you wish were there, but too much and it will be too sad..
FH and I want to mention my grandpa who passed away in Feb (he was 92) and FH's aunt who passed in Nov, she had cancer, but I know as soon as something is said I;m going to cry, we are just going to have the priest say something, I think its a specific prayer, but I;m not catholic so I don't remember, and maybe something in the program if I do them...
chichila15
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You're right... too much might dampen the event, and I want people to remember, BUT have a good time. I think I'll stick to that. Thanks!
aimerliny
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I'm glad you like my suggestion. In terms of the programs, I think its a nice way to keep our ceremony organized, especially since its not in a church and not religious.
I don't know if you are willing to do this, but maybe you can cut a small piece off your Dad's t-shirt and pin it to your undergarments?
My FH will be carrying my Dad's peronalized engraved pocket knife the day of our wedding.
I like your idea of dedicating the dance. I'll be dancing with my Godfather, and I might ask the DJ to make an announcement dedicating it.
aimerliny
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Re: How to honor deceased parents...
Posted by Stacey04
Maybe a small trinket on your table, you are having a sweetheart right? Your FH could do the same thing...
Maybe you could have a pic of him on you..like tucked in your dress somewhere so he will be walking with you...
OMG I think i;m gonna cry
Now that's got the tears in my eyes. I definetly like the picture tucked in somewhere idea. Thanks Stacey!
