Remembering Loved Ones on Your Wedding Day
By Karen Anne Sherman, the owner of Twin Oaks House & Gardens, a beautiful wedding location in San Marcos, California.

Your wedding day is a great day to express yourself and recognize your family and friends who have been a very wonderful part of your life. Sometimes the loved ones have passed and it’s nice to show respect for them without turning your wedding day into a memorial. Here are some fun and tasteful ideas to do just that. Pick one or more you love.

Bring Artistic Heirlooms from Home -
If you wish to recognize your grandma and she loved sewing or painting, use these items as special décor for your reception area. Finish with the detail of a framed photo of grandma knitting and place another small framed brief description of her, a date, and a happy thought. For example: ‘Grandma’s artwork, 1929, for her kindness is what we remember best’.

Photos & Candles -
Remember to choose a happy photo that shows the loved one at their best, and doing something interesting. If it is a married couple who has passed, light a candle next to framed photo of the couple and place it in the parlor of your reception location. You could place them for instance, on the piano, curio, or personal table.

Moment of Silence -
Just prior to the ceremony the pastor will request for ‘a moment of silence in remembrance of those who could not be with us today’. Also, the pastor will remind us of how these people will remain in our hearts forever. If you wish, at this stage, you can request that the pastor mention names.

Choose a Special Song -
Keep it happy and upbeat when choosing music. Think about what that person would have loved or found humor in. Then have your disk jockey say simply ‘This one’s for your Grandpa, from the bride and groom’.

Bells in the Trees -
Before the ceremony begins, the pastor will ask guests to notice the beautiful bells placed in the trees and around the gardens. When the bells ring, it will remind the guests and you of the people that could not be with us that day. This is a symbol that rings clear and is personal for each guest as no names are mentioned.


Twin Oaks House & Gardens: Beautiful venue for dream weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, vow renewals, anniversary parties, memorial services, and special events. On-site wedding and event planners for your convenience. Tel: (760) 510-1606,  236 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos, California, 92069. Click here for details.