Types of Thoughtful Tributes for Deceased Loved Ones at Your Wedding Reception

2016.08.24 published

Have you ever experienced losing someone important?

Have you lost someone important since you were born until now? There may be many people who have lost loved ones such as parents, relatives, or friends during their lives.

At first, it must have been sad, and there may have been times when you couldn't focus on anything. But isn't it true that the person you are now exists because you have faced forward and overcome that sorrowful experience?

@haruno45

"I want my loved ones to attend my wedding" - how can you express that feeling?

Even if they have passed away, they remain important to you. It’s natural to feel that you wished your loved one could have been there to say, "I wanted you to come to my wedding...". Here are some ways you can show your hospitality for the deceased at your wedding, reflecting your kind feelings.

Things a kind person like you can do: ① Display photos

Bring photos of the deceased from family, relatives, or mutual friends. Surely, your loved one will be watching over you with a smile, just as they were in the photo. A small photo is recommended so it doesn't stand out too much◎

@natsu921_wedding

Things a kind person like you can do: ② Prepare a "kagen" (offering meal)

Another way to show hospitality is to prepare a seat and "kagen" for the deceased. "Kagen" means food prepared for the deceased. Many brides prepare "kagen" especially for those who were close or have passed away recently. If you decide to prepare it, it's important to confirm whether it will be eaten by others at the same table, taken away by the staff, or left untouched on the table＊

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Things a kind person like you can do: ③ Include them in the seating chart or end roll

Here are ideas for including them in the seating chart or end roll. When including in the seating chart, be careful to avoid confusion by ensuring there’s no empty seat. It's also wonderful to include a message in the end roll to express your gratitude◎ For brides who feel shy about displaying a photo on the dining table, including a photo with the deceased in a profile video might feel more comfortable＊

www.happibon.jp

Things a kind person like you can do: ④ Prepare a drink

Preparing a drink is also a lovely idea. Since drinks can be prepared without being too extravagant compared to "kagen", it’s a great way to honor them. Consider providing toast drinks or their favorite alcohol◎

Things a kind person like you can do: ⑤ Send a message with a balloon release

An enchanting way to send a message is through a "balloon release," where you write a message to your beloved one in heaven and let the balloon fly.

Surely, they will read it in heaven♡

@hro0808

The way to show hospitality to the deceased varies for everyone＊

The hospitality towards the deceased might change based on your relationship with them, when they passed away, and the perspectives of other guests. While they will always be one of your cherished individuals, it's essential to consider others around you＊ Discuss it with relatives and friends who had relationships with the deceased as well.

Even if you decide not to offer any hospitality, your beloved one is surely watching over your wedding from heaven. If you hold onto feelings of love for them, that alone would make them happy＊ Aim to be the wonderful bride who thinks, "What can I do to honor them if they were here?" instead of feeling negatively like, "I wished they could come…"♩

Please also read these articles.

➡ What to do if your loved one has passed away? Ideas for brides on how to incorporate the deceased into their wedding.

➡ Should you prepare a seat for the deceased family? What's the seating arrangement? What about "kagen"? A meeting of both families?

➡ Because I want my loved one to watch over me. A “memorial sheet” providing a seat for the deceased during the ceremony.

➡ I know you are here with us today. A moving phrase for a loved one in heaven at an overseas wedding.

➡ I have no parents due to estrangement or death. Is it strange to walk down the aisle alone?