In memory of dad ideas!!

lisamadina

My dad died 9 months ago...He wasn't sick and it was a tremendous shock to everyone. My wedding date isnt until March.9/2013 but I would like to do something in memory of him...some kind of favor or something different besides just a picture of him and a candle on a table. He was a well known man and very well respected and like by the whole town and I would just like to do something a little special. However I dont want it to be over the top so that it upsets everyone or turns it into a sad day..like I dont want his pic plastered everywhere. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!

jessicabessica

I second the idea for something more private.  I would stay away from a favor, unless it's something like his favorite chocolate, which is something that people that knew him well will understand, but I don't think it will be overwhelmingly sad.  Can you carry something of his, or a small picture of him, in your bouquet or a locket necklace?  My FIL remarried, and he gave us his wedding ring that DH's late mother had given him when they married, and now it's the ring that DH wears as his wedding ring.  

I am sorry for your loss.  

Futuremrskessler

I am doing an "in memory of" for my dad as well, but do NOT want to turn my wedding into a second funeral or make it anything other than the joyous occasion that it should be.  I am going to do a song in rememberance of him ("Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd) instead of the father/daughter dance.  I am also going to have one of his neck ties wrapped around my bouquet.  I have also seen where you can place a picture of him in a seat where he would be sitting, which I think is nice but would probably distract me, so I am not going to do that.  I have also seen where you have a small picture, like a charm, hanging off of the bouquet, which I would like to do, but haven't found where you can get something of the appropriate size as of yet.  Hope this helps.  My dad died unexpectedly too, so I know how that feels, but try to focus on this happy occasion!  Best wishes for your wedding and marriage!

Woodland5

I'm in the same boat right now. My current idea is to have a chair set aside for him during the ceremony with a single flower on it. 

JaxInBlue

I'm sorry for your loss.

I also feel something private is best.  I wanted to have a more visible memorial to my grandmother, until my grandfather mentioned to my mother how sad he was that she wouldn't get to see my wedding.  Something bigger would have made him sad - and I didn't want that on a happy day.  I carried a handkerchief she made around my bouquet.  DH and I also had a larger vase of flowers near the entrance to our venue with a small placard noting that the flowers were in rememberance of loved ones who could not be with us.

I agree with PPs suggestions about a bouquet charm or perhaps using a necktie as your bouquet wrap.

amandalynnwood

Well my dad passed away 4 years ago the 21st of this month (June) I was running through ideas as well. I am my dad's only daughter so it was had for me. I have had a few ideas as my fiancee's father passed away when he was just a child. We were thinking about having their pictures along with a flower on the chair they would have been sitting in, or we thought of putting their pictured on a table at the alter and me placing a rose infront of each. There was also the idea of the candle or even a small framed picture attached to my bouquet. My end idea is their initials along with my grandmother (passed) and our 5 children (as a sign of involvement) to be intertwined into the piping of my wedding cake.

auntkatie2three

My dad passed 11 years ago and i wanted to do the same....find some way to include. i don't think it has to be so private...because my fh lost is 2 best friends in a car accident. we are sending up 3 sky lanterns in a special part of our ceremony. just remember, your wedding is about you!!

honeybeegifts

My stepdad passed away unexpectedly too. I agree with others that an empty chair or photos will be too much for some of your guests. I would talk to your officiant about including a very short prayer honoring those you've lost, during your ceremony. Your officiant may have ideas of how to go about it without upsetting anyone.

lisamadina

I saw a picture on pinterest of a candle /tealight on each table as many use anyway but there was a little card in front of it that said...please light this candle in memory of those who couldn't be with us today....i thought that was nice and simple and people will know its referring to my dad BUT also to those other friends or family that may be passed as well..in our case my poppy is gone, 3 of my spouses grandparents as well as a aunt and uncle...do u think this is appropiate???  and i can use the photo charm in my bouquet for my ownself.