Wedding Memorial Candles and Vases

A wedding is a time for rejoicing but it is also a time for memories. We think of our family members who, although they have passed away, would have been an important part of this day. It may be a parent, grandparent, other close relative, or perhaps a very dear friend.

It seems only right to remember that loved one on this day, which they would have been so happy to share with you. There are several ways to do this wedding memorial in a way that is tasteful and respectful. A memorial candle, accompanied by a beautiful framed portrait of your loved one and a note of explanation, can be placed on the guest book table. Another idea along this line would be to place a memorial vase on the guest book table instead of the memorial candle. There are wedding memorial vases that are etched with lovely sentiments such as, "In loving memory these flowers bloom as a symbol of a life and love remembered." The memorial flower vase can be large enough to hold a bouquet, or the vase for remembrance can be a simple memorial bud vase displaying a single perfect flower.

If this dear person who will be missing from your wedding is someone who would have been in the wedding party, you might want to consider integrating the memorial candle lighting into the wedding ceremony. A memorial candle ceremony is usually placed at the beginning of the wedding ceremony. The officiant can say, "Before ______(bride) and _______(groom) light a candle to symbolize their union, they will light a candle in honor of _______ (name of loved one) whom they dearly miss and wish could be present with them today." Together the bride and groom light the memorial candle, which is placed on a small table, along with the unity candle, with their individual tapers. At this point, you might wish the congregation to observe a moment of silence. Then the bride and groom can proceed with the unity candle lighting.

It takes very little expense and effort to add the thoughtfulness of a memorial candle or memorial vase to your wedding plans. You will always be glad that you took these few moments to honor someone so dear to you.