Honoring A Humorous Wedding

They loved you unconditionally, they let you stay up late and eat fudge when mom and dad weren’t looking. They spoiled you with an adoration unique to grandparents and older relatives. In essence, they helped you become you. So how do you honor your beloved elders on your wedding day? There are many ways you can recognize their unique contribution to your life, both in the ceremony and reception. We even have a few suggestions as to how you might honor the memories of those no longer with you.

Include Them. You’ve ordered a corsage for your grandmother -- what else can you do? If you are creative, you can come up with a multitude of ideas to make your elders feel part of your wedding day. Some brides wear a grandmother’s wedding dress, having it custom fitted and possibly altered to better suit today’s style. If that is not an option, you might consider carrying the same type of flowers she carried in her wedding. You might also borrow a brooch, pearl necklace or pair of silk gloves from an elder female relative as the “something borrowed” part of your wedding ensemble. Wedding rings are often passed down as heirlooms, and if your ring has a family history, you might want to mention it during the ring ceremony.

If you are close to your grandfather, and your father is not with you, ask him to walk you down the
When thanking your friends and family for joining you on your wedding day, consider pointing out your elders, in addition to your mother and father. If your elders are not shy, you might even introduce them, having them stand or wave. They will be pleased that you included them in your ceremony. At the reception, you may want to make special toasts to your older relatives, acknowledging how much they have contributed to your life. You might even present each elder with a simple thank you gift. Consider videotaping the event if you have older family members who are physically unable to attend the wedding, and watch it with them at a later