Losing a parent is a difficult and emotional experience for anyone. When planning a wedding, it can be challenging to figure out the best way to include a deceased parent and honor their memory. One place that couples may want to acknowledge and pay tribute to their deceased parent is in the wedding program. But what exactly should you put on your wedding program to honor a parent who has passed away?
Listing Deceased Parent on Wedding Program
When it comes to listing the parents of the bride or groom on a wedding program, it is appropriate to list the living parent first. Underneath their name, you can write something like, “The Late Mr. Arthur Den” as a way to recognize your parent who is no longer here. This honors the deceased without adding an entire page to your program.
Dedication to Deceased Parent in Wedding Program
Another way to honor a deceased parent in your wedding program is to include a special dedication or tribute. This could include a poem, a special memory, or a favorite quote from your parent. Here are some examples:
Poem Dedication
You can include a sentimental poem in memory of your deceased parent, such as:
“Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.”
This type of dedication adds a beautiful and meaningful touch to your wedding program and allows you to express your feelings about your loved one.
Special Memory Dedication
Another way to dedicate a section of your wedding program to your deceased parent is to include a special memory or story. For example, you could share a favorite tradition or memory you had with them, such as:
“In loving memory of my mother, Janet Smith. She had a wonderful tradition of baking cookies and sharing them with family and friends during the holidays. She always had a smile on her face and a listening ear for anyone who needed it. Janet’s memory and spirit will live on through the delicious cookies we will all enjoy tonight.”
This type of dedication allows you to share a personal and meaningful story about your parent and help keep their memory alive for the wedding guests.
Favorite Quote Dedication
Another idea for a dedication in memory of your deceased parent is to include their favorite quote or saying. For example:
“In memory of my father, Michael Jones. He always said, ‘Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference.’ We will always remember him and his unwavering love and kindness.”
This type of dedication allows you to honor your parent by sharing their wisdom and words of comfort with the wedding guests.
In Loving Memory of Deceased Parent
In addition to including a special dedication or listing a deceased parent on the wedding program, you may also choose to include a section titled, “In Loving Memory of…” or “Remembering…” This is a way to honor all of your loved ones, including your deceased parent, who cannot be with you on your special day. You may also want to include a photo of your parent or a shared memory, such as the year they were married or a favorite place they used to visit.
Conclusion
Including a deceased parent in your wedding program can be a beautiful and meaningful way to honor and remember them on your special day. Whether you choose to include a special dedication or simply list their name, these small gestures can help keep their memory alive and make them a part of your wedding celebration. Remember that this is your special day, and it is important to decide what feels right for you and your partner.
FAQ
How do you mention a deceased parent in a wedding ceremony?
When planning a wedding, it can be challenging to navigate the emotions and logistics of honoring a deceased parent. Whether you choose to have a traditional or modern ceremony, you may want to acknowledge your late parent in some way. There are several ways to mention or pay tribute to a deceased parent during a wedding ceremony.
One approach is to have a moment of silence or remembrance during the ceremony. This can be as simple as a few seconds of silence after the officiant mentions the parents or as elaborate as having a candle lighting ceremony in their honor. Some couples also choose to have a special piece of music played in memory of the deceased parent.
Another option is to have a display or tribute table dedicated to the parent during the wedding reception. It could include photos, memorabilia, or items that belonged to the parent, such as a favorite book or piece of jewelry. This can be a special way to include your late parent in your wedding celebration and share memories with your guests.
Incorporating an heirloom or memento belonging to your deceased parent, or having a piece of their clothing sewn into your wedding dress or suit, can be another way to pay tribute to them on your special day. It’s also common to carry a memento or photo of the parent in a locket or have it tied to the wedding bouquet with a ribbon.
Finally, you may want to verbally mention the parent during your vows or have the officiant mention them during the ceremony. It can be as simple as mentioning their name with the words “remembering” or “in remembrance.” You could also have a special reading or poem included in the ceremony that honors the parent’s life and legacy.
There are many ways to honor a deceased parent during a wedding ceremony. The most important thing is to choose a way that feels meaningful and respectful to you and your partner while keeping your parent’s memory alive on your special day.
Do you list parents on wedding program?
When it comes to planning a wedding, there are many details that you’ll need to consider. One important detail is the wedding program, which provides guests with a guide to the ceremony. The question of whether or not to include the names of parents on the wedding program is a common one.
Traditionally, the wedding program would list the names of both sets of parents, as they are typically the hosts of the wedding. However, in modern times, many couples are paying for their own weddings, or are receiving contributions from both sets of parents. In this case, it may be appropriate to simply list the names of the bride and groom, along with the names of their wedding party.
That being said, there are also many couples who choose to list parents on their wedding program as a way of acknowledging the important role that their parents have played in their lives. Including parents in the program can also be a way of showing gratitude for their support and assistance throughout the wedding planning process.
The decision of whether or not to include parents on the wedding program is up to the couple. If both sets of parents are contributing to the wedding, it may be appropriate to list their names as hosts. On the other hand, if the couple is paying for the wedding themselves, they may choose to focus solely on the wedding party. Regardless of what is chosen, it is important to be clear and consistent in the messaging within the program, so that guests are informed and can enjoy the wedding without confusion or misunderstanding.
How do you honor a deceased parent?
Honoring a deceased parent can be a deeply personal and emotional experience that varies depending on individual beliefs, cultural traditions, and personal preferences. There are many ways to memorialize a parent who has passed away, and it’s essential to find a way that feels meaningful and healing to you.
One way to honor a deceased parent is by creating something in their memory. This can include writing a song or a book that captures memories of your time together, creating a painting or artwork inspired by them, or even cooking their favorite meal or baking their favorite cake. These creative endeavors can help you feel connected to your parent and preserve cherished memories.
Another way to honor a deceased parent is through a funeral or memorial service. This can be an opportunity to remember your loved one with family and friends, share stories and memories, and reflect on their impact on your life. Some families take comfort in creating a personalized urn that reflects their loved one’s personality or interests. Others may choose to turn their loved one’s ashes into jewelry that can be worn close to the heart.
Spending time with family and friends can also be a way to honor a deceased parent. Gathering together to remember your loved one, tell stories, share memories, and find comfort in each other’s company can provide solace during a difficult time.
Finally, honoring a deceased parent can mean carrying on their legacy. This can include volunteering for causes that they cared about, creating a scholarship in their name, or even continuing a tradition or hobby that they loved. By continuing their legacy, you can keep your parent’s memory alive and honor the impact they had on your life and the lives of others.
It’S essential to find a way to honor a deceased parent that feels meaningful and healing to you. Whether it’s through creative endeavors, a funeral or memorial service, spending time with loved ones, or carrying on their legacy, finding a way to honor your parent can provide a sense of solace during a difficult time.
