8 ideas to honour deceased loved ones in your wedding

Weddings are a time of love, joy, and celebration, but for many couples, they can also bring a bittersweet feeling when a special person is missing. Finding meaningful ways to include a deceased loved one in your day can help you feel their presence and create a beautiful tribute that guests will also cherish.

From small details to heartfelt gestures, these ideas will allow you to honour their memory while celebrating your new chapter.

1. Spirit ceremony chair with florals and a frame

 

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Set aside a special seat during the ceremony to represent your deceased loved one. Adorn it with florals that match your wedding styling, along with a framed photo of them. This visual gesture creates a quiet yet powerful tribute, symbolising that they still hold a place in your life. Some couples add a small note or card explaining the meaning behind the chair so guests understand its significance.

2. Reserved spirit chair at the reception

 

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If you’d rather acknowledge their absence at your reception, a reserved spirit chair at the head table or family table can be a touching way to include a deceased parent, grandparent, or sibling. Adding their favourite drink, a single flower, or a meaningful keepsake at their place setting adds an extra personal touch.

3. Memory table with framed photos

A memory table is one of the most popular ways to honour deceased loved ones at weddings. Display framed photos of family members or friends who have passed, along with candles, flowers, or personal items that reflect who they were. You can also add a small sign saying, “We know you would be here today if heaven wasn’t so far away.” Guests will naturally gravitate to this area, sparking conversations and shared memories.

4. Bouquet photo badge

If you’d like to carry your deceased loved one with you down the aisle, attach a small photo charm or locket to your bouquet. A bouquet photo badge is a subtle way to keep them close to your heart during one of the most meaningful moments of your life. Grooms can also do something similar by attaching a charm to their buttonhole or inside their jacket.

5. Tribute during the ceremony

 

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Including a spoken tribute in your ceremony can be a heartfelt way to acknowledge a deceased loved one. This might be a reading that reminds you of them, a moment of silence, or a few words shared by your celebrant about the impact they had on your life. Some couples choose to light a candle in their memory during the ceremony, which is a symbolic gesture that feels timeless and meaningful.

6. Wedding memory box with vintage items

A wedding memory box is a lovely idea for couples who want a more interactive tribute. Ask close family members to contribute photos, letters, or small vintage items that belonged to your deceased loved one. Display the box at your reception and encourage guests to take a moment to look through these memories. It’s a wonderful way to keep their stories alive and share them with friends and family who may not have known them personally.

7. Symbolic release

 

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A symbolic release can be a deeply emotional moment during your day. Depending on your venue and local regulations, you could release butterflies, doves, or biodegradable balloons in honour of your deceased loved one. Couples often choose to do this after the ceremony or as the final toast before the evening begins. It creates a poignant moment that guests will never forget.

8. Wedding favours given in their honour

 

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If your deceased loved one had a cause or charity close to their heart, consider making a donation on behalf of your guests in place of traditional wedding favours. Print cards explaining that a donation has been made in their memory. Alternatively, you could choose a wedding favour that reflects their personality or passions, for example, homemade jam if they loved cooking, packets of seeds if they were a gardener, or personalised bookmarks if they were an avid reader.

Why it matters to honour a deceased loved one at your wedding

Including a deceased loved one in your wedding isn’t about creating sadness on a happy day: it’s about acknowledging the impact they had on your life and ensuring their memory is woven into your story. These gestures, big or small, can help you feel connected to them while starting this new chapter.

Whether it’s a photo charm, a memory table, or a heartfelt spoken tribute, what matters most is that it feels authentic to you. Your wedding day should reflect not only your love for each other but also the enduring love you have for those who can no longer be physically present.

Making it personal

Think about what made your deceased loved one special: perhaps they had a favourite song, a signature drink, or a meaningful saying. Incorporating these details will make your tribute feel even more personal. And remember, there’s no right or wrong way to honour someone: it’s your day, your story, and your way to keep their spirit close.

By thoughtfully including your deceased loved ones in your wedding, you create a day that feels richer, deeper, and full of love that transcends time.

Work with a wedding stylist who understands the little details that make a big impact. Browse our curated collection of wedding stylists across Australia and start your wedding planning journey with Easy Weddings today.