Image: Shoot Me Jimmy

The truth is there is no wrong or right way to honour a deceased loved one at your wedding. It is an entirely personal choice.

Firstly, everyone processes loss in different ways, and it can be tricky to make sure that there is a level of sensitivity in regard to other loved ones, who will be present on your big day. We often recommend to couples have an open discussion with the family members who may be directly affected by the decision to honour the deceased loved one. Make sure they are on board with the way you would like to honour your loved one, bringing them into the decision-making process as
this will assist in fostering an all-inclusive environment.

Secondly, and on the flip side, remember this is your day and if you would prefer not to make mention of a lost loved one, that is fine. It is not insensitive, and you should not feel any pressure. There is also the concern that mentioning the absence of a loved one will somehow dampen the mood, but more often than not we see the total opposite. We see the decision to honour those who have passed be embraced by the wedding guests.

As designers and stylists, we have had several couples who have honoured deceased loved ones in the following ways.

Example 1: One of our brides framed pictures of her grandparents in small charms that we then hung off her bouquet.

Image: Bianca Kate Photography

Example 2: One of our brides had lost her dad to brain cancer, so she asked us to incorporate blue butterflies as a way to symbolise that her dad was close on the day. One was placed in her bouquet, one in the greenery installation above the bridal table, and one was placed in the floral arrangement at her mum’s place setting, which meant her mum also felt close to her husband.

Image: Ilkka K

Example 3: Another couple included their grandparents with the groom wearing his grandfather’s war medals for the ceremony, and the bride hung her grandmother’s wedding horseshoe on her bouquet, which had been lovingly restored by the bride’s sister-in-law. The father of the bride wore his father’s wedding tie too.

Images: Melissa Mills Photography

Ms Floral Says: What incredibly touching ways to honour loved ones, plus great advice on how to go about it sensitively and in a way that feels right to each couple.

About DUO events Creative Studio: DUO events is a full-service planning, design, floral and production studio; they create and execute one-off event designs. Their events are more than a gathering they are an exceptional experience. Every detail is bespoke and every element considered suiting your vision. DUO events are distinctive, flexible, considerate and meticulous and these principles drive the quality of their work.