By using their cake topper or their 1st dance song, you make references to them in subtle ways.
If you’re lucky enough to have grandparents at your wedding, why not honor them in a special way? And if you have loved ones that have passed before your wedding, there are also ways to honor them. In honor of Grandparent’s Day, we have suggestions on how to honor grandparents at your wedding that are personal and meaningful. Here are just some of the ways you can do this that celebrates your elders in a classy way.
How to Honor Grandparents If They Are Alive
Flower Girl or Ring Bearer
Who says the flower girl or ring bearer has to be the youngest one in attendance? A cute spin on this honor is to give it to a grandma or grandpa. Many guests will expect this role to go to a little one, so imagine their surprise when an elder comes down the aisle tossing petals or carrying the ring pillow? Sweet and special.
Do a Reading
You can ask a grandparent to do a reading, which is a nice honor during the ceremony. If you’re the sentimental type, pick one that was read at their own wedding, and note this in the program so others are aware of the nice connection you’ve made.
Special Dance
If your grandparents are active, consider giving them a special dance. Either with each other or with the bride or groom. This memorable touch will make for sweet photo ops that will be nice to look back on for years to come.
Join the Bridal Party
There are no age limitations on the bridal party, and you can make them a bridesmaid or groomsmen. You can also give them a special boutonniere or bouquet so when they walk down the aisle with the bridal party, they stand out in a subtle yet coordinating way. If they aren’t comfortable being part of the younger group, you can still have them wear coordinating colors, and they’ll look cohesive in pictures and feel like they’re a part of the group in a way that is appropriate.
Wedding Guy Wisdom: No matter which way you choose to honor grandparents, make sure it’s documented by the photographer on your shot list of important moments to capture. Look here for a list of photographers available amidst all of the changed wedding plans from during COVID-19.
Honoring Grandparents If They Are Alive
Using Photos
If one or more grandparents is deceased, there are many ways to honor their memory at your wedding. Pictures of them can be used in various ways, from displaying their wedding photos at the wedding, to holding a small picture in your bouquet or making images into cufflinks for the groom.
Your “Something Borrowed”
Saved Grandma’s veil or a piece of her gown? What better way to honor her than to wear it or a piece of it as you walk down the aisle. A seamstress can sew a portion of her gown into yours if you don’t want to wear the dress itself. A patch of grandpa’s shirt can be sewn into the groom’s jacket for a sweet but subtle touch.
Other Ceremonial Touches
There are other ways to honor your grandparents during the ceremony, from lighting a candle in their memory to mentioning them in your program. And if you’d rather honor them at your reception, you can take cues from their weddings. By using their cake topper or their 1st dance song, you make references to them in subtle ways. Alternatively, you can opt to use their china at your sweetheart table during dinner, another way to honor them that is a sweet, special, and thoughtful approach.
Images courtesy of Michaela Page Photography, Lauren B Photography, Lovely Day Fleur
