How can I pay tribute at my wedding to my dad who's no longer with us?

At a celebration of two people in love, we can honour and remember a loved one's life!

Whatever he loved to do, whomever he was to you, he taught you to be strong for your family now.

As a tribute to make your Dad inclusive in your ceremony you could use some of his favourite flowers in your bouqet, display some photos of him, light a candle, dedicate a dance, or when making the toasts you could incorporate his favourite drop. 

It is lovely to mention your Dad at your Wedding,  Sadly as your Dad has passed away there are many levels to do this. One is a mention at the beginning of the ceremony before the bride arrives so as to not upset her but making sure Dad is included in the introductions and some nice words are mentioned.  Two is much more prominent which may include a photo or a candle placed on a table at the side. I have also known brides to put Dads boots under the chair next to Mum.  What ever is the best for you. 

There are many ways to pay tribute to loved ones who have passed without bringing sadness to your wedding.  You can mention them during your ceremony.  You can have a photo of them placed on a seat or on the signing table. You can light a candle for them before or during the ceremony.  There are many more which you can discuss with your chosen celebrant.

Today l would like to acknowledge Dad who while no longer with us in body is here today in spirirt. Without Dad l would not be the person l am today and l would like to remember him today and the special place he holds in my heart. You may wish to leave a seat vacant for Dad with a lighted candle if safe or his favorite food or drink

Firstly, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your father will be watching over you no doubt on your magical day. One idea on how to include your dad's spirit in your wedding is to include a reading in the form of a poem, book extract or song lyrics that were your father's favourite pieces of literature or prose. You could have your dad's significant other, or one of his children read the poetry on behalf of your father, to pay tribute to his spirit. I have a list of beautiful readings and song lyrics I can share with you for inspiration. Another beautiful way to remember your dad is via a remembering of past family. I build this into each of my bespoke scripts and I layer it depending on how deep each couple choose to go. Additional ideas might be doing the father/duaghter dance with your mum but to your dad's favourite song, or a special song you and he loved together. I hope these ideas help and I am sorry for your deep loss. Love Kristy 

Dear Bride,

This is a very important tribute to have your Dad remembered on the most important day of your life. It is always lovely to have a chair where Dad would sit at the ceremony. There are 2 things I can suggest is to have a photo of Dad or have a balloon on that chair or you could have both.

I hope this helps you feel free to make contact for any questions you may have.

Kindest regards 

Jenny

I'm very sorry on the loss of your Dad 12 months ago.

There are various ways in which your Dad can be honoured at your wedding, starting with a tribute in words, either by way of a poem, a reading or even few short words of acknowledgement.

You may choose to have a candle lighting ceremony with a lovely intro of words then some soft music playing as the candle is lit by you, you & your fiance or another significant family member. 

A table or ladder can be set up in the ceremony space with photographs and a candle already burning.

There is also the option of reserving a front row seat for him with a reservation sign & photo or other memorabilia.

These & more options are available, bringing a balance of reflection and celebration, specific to your individual needs and comfort.

A way to honour the memory of a loved one who has passed is to include them in some way in your ceremony.

For example:

• Perhaps pin onto the bride’s dress something which belonged to the person
• Lighting a candle for one minute’s observed silence (not appropriate for an out door ceremony)
• A photo of the loved one is placed on the signing table
• Have a pendant made with a photo of your loved one and attach it to the brides bouquet

Your celebrant can put together something specific – or as personal as you would like but here is a simple example.

Todays celebration of love is shared in a different way, by those who have passed beyond this life. Their roles in the lives of Bride and Groom are no less remembered and honoured as we savour today’s joyous moments.

Candles are the most common which can be lit at the start of the ceremony.
Leaving a seat for him in the front row with a cushion and his lapel flower on it.

After your entrance play a song of his favourite 

Ask the celebrant to mention and say something about him being there to watch

And the answer is about how much you want to pay tribute and still have a remarkable wedding, 
The balance is not easy and I would suggest you be inclusive without being over whelmed.