Repost from BHB: Help with Program Wording for Deceased Parent

Can someone help me with a tasteful way to include my dad in my programs? He passed away four years ago and although I don't want to focus too much on it, I would like to acknowledge him in a small way.

I am still undecided about the memory candle - I don't want to be upset at my ceremony and I know he will be there in spirit without a candle to tell me that - so I can't say 'memory candle lit for Mr. Gxxx'

Did anyone do this? or have suggestions?

Thanks!

Re: Repost from BHB: Help with Program Wording for Deceased Parent

Here's what I did:
1. In programs I wrote where parents were listed 'Mrs. Lisa xxx - Mother of the bride, Mr. Michael xxx - Late father of the bride...

2. I had the candle set up on the altar...had my brother carry it down the aisle

3. In the programs, in the section about the unity candle, I wrote how the candle represented my father - who represented the light in my life, which helped to lead me to this very special day.

It was a very touching thing, BUT didn't allow me to get upset...I hope I helped and good luck with it

Re: Repost from BHB: Help with Program Wording for Deceased Parent

Emailed you.

Re: Repost from BHB: Help with Program Wording for Deceased Parent

I missed both of my grandmothers very, very much on my wedding day (well, everyday really) but I knew if I had a ceremony of any kind such as a unity candle it would upset not only me but many other people. Instead I made sure to include 'those watching this wedding from above' in our Prayer of the Faithful and I also had the mothers walk down the aisle to the Ava Maria- my Nanny's favorite song. Instead of doing outward showing things, I did things that reminded me that they were watching. I had my Nanny's cross on, and I carried my Grandmother's prayer book (the same one she carried when she got married, and my Mom too). I pinned my Special Granddaughter charm inside my gown. I did things that a few people might notice, but only those super close to me knew what they meant. That is how I made sure to honor them that day.

Re: Repost from BHB: Help with Program Wording for Deceased Parent

Hmmm I know what you mean about not wanting to get upset. We did a memory candle (my mom insisted but I was afraid I would get upset too) and the priest said something about it being in memory of my dad and my Grandmother. Also we put something in the wedding program after how we thanks everyone about how he was not there in person but in spirit. It was a nice thing to do, the memory candle, not only for us but for the rest of the family.

Re: Repost from BHB: Help with Program Wording for Deceased Parent

Thanks for your suggestions girls - they are very helpful.

Re: Repost from BHB: Help with Program Wording for Deceased Parent

JennyG, I FM'd you.

Re: Repost from BHB: Help with Program Wording for Deceased Parent

Mary, thanks! I FMed you back.

Re: Repost from BHB: Help with Program Wording for Deceased Parent

We dedicated our program to my father and Dh's mother. We put it on the first page of the program.