Deborah Chan
A memorial table is a way to honour deceased loved ones at a wedding. It is a table featuring photos of those who have passed away but hold a special place in the couple's heart. It is usually placed in an area where guests will pass through, such as next to the welcome table or near the guest book and card table. Couples may also choose to include meaningful trinkets, decor, candles, flowers, or a sign with a message. While some people appreciate the sentiment of memorial tables, others find them inappropriate at weddings, believing they detract from the joyous occasion. Ultimately, the decision to include a memorial table and where to place it is a personal choice for the couple.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Next to the welcome table at the ceremony or at the reception location close to the guest book and card table |
| Contents | Photos, name tags, meaningful trinkets, decor, table runners, flowers, signs, candles, lanterns, wedding pictures of deceased loved ones, love letters, ticket stubs, favourite books, pieces of clothing |
| Purpose | To remember family members or friends who have passed away but hold a special place in the couple's hearts |
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What You'll Learn
Place near the entrance or welcome table
Placing the memorial table near the entrance or welcome table is a great option. This way, guests will naturally pass by the memorial table as they enter or exit the wedding venue, allowing them to pay their respects without interrupting the flow of the celebration. Here are some tips and ideas to consider for this location:
Signage and Display:
- A simple, elegant sign can be placed on the memorial table to indicate its purpose. Something like "In Loving Memory" or "Wish You Were Here" can be used to honour those who are no longer with us.
- If you prefer a more subtle approach, you may opt for a sign that says, "Remembering those who are with us in spirit," or a similar phrase that conveys the sentiment without specifically naming individuals.
- Consider the size and placement of any signage to ensure it is easily visible and readable from a distance, especially if the memorial table is off to the side near the entrance.
Photos and Personal Items:
- Displaying photos of your departed loved ones is a heartfelt way to include them in your special day. You can use traditional frames or, if you're looking for a unique touch, consider acrylic block frames for a modern and stylish presentation.
- If you have many photos to display, consider creating a photo album or a collage to save space on the table. This way, guests can still browse through the memories and pay their respects.
- In addition to photos, you may want to include personal items such as love letters, ticket stubs, or meaningful trinkets associated with your loved ones. These items can spark conversations and serve as a beautiful reminder of their presence.
Flowers and Decorations:
- Flowers are a wonderful way to add a touch of elegance and beauty to the memorial table. Consider using the favourite flowers of those being honoured, or choose blooms that complement your wedding colour palette.
- Candles are also a popular choice for memorial tables. They can be traditional candles or LED tea lights placed in antique silver mercury glass candle holders for a charming, rustic look.
- If you're concerned about open flames, you can opt for battery-operated candles or fairy lights that provide a similar ambiance without the risk of fire.
Seating Arrangements:
If space permits, consider placing a chair or two near the memorial table. This can be a subtle and meaningful touch, especially if you place a personal item belonging to the departed loved one on the chair, such as a hat or a piece of clothing.
Remember, the memorial table is a personal and heartfelt addition to your wedding. You can make it as simple or elaborate as you like, always keeping in mind the purpose of honouring those who are dearly missed.
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Include photos, candles, flowers, and meaningful trinkets
A memorial table is a thoughtful way to honour absent loved ones at your wedding. Typically, it features photographs, personal items, candles, notes, and other memorabilia that symbolise the lives and memories of the deceased.
When it comes to photos, you can include as many relatives as you like, or just those with whom you shared a close relationship. Choose photos that best represent the people or memories you're honouring. Consider using a mix of picture frames or creating a collage. You could also display a photo album or create a tree with notes or photos of your loved ones. If you're looking for something more unique, you could commission an extended family portrait that includes your loved ones.
Candles are a popular choice for memorial tables. You can light a candle for each person or memory, symbolising their enduring presence in your life. If your venue doesn't allow real candles, battery-operated candles or tea lights can create a similar effect. You could also place a candle inside a candle holder or on top of a decorative plate. Alternatively, nestle a candle within a special flower arrangement.
Flowers can be a meaningful addition to your memorial table. You could use your loved one's favourite flowers or flowers in their favourite colour.
Meaningful trinkets or pieces of decor can add a personal touch to your memorial table. This could be items that belonged to your loved ones, such as jewellery, a brooch, a hat, a scarf, or their signature snack or perfume. You could also include meaningful quotes or notes, either displayed on a beautifully decorated board or incorporated into a poem.
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Use a general sign for all loved ones who have passed
Memorial tables are a beautiful way to honour deceased loved ones at weddings. If you want to pay tribute to all your loved ones who have passed away, you can use a general sign instead of naming specific people. Here are some ideas for a heartfelt and inclusive memorial table:
Signage and Decor
A sign with a thoughtful message is a great way to honour the memory of your loved ones. You can display a framed quote such as "Because people we love are in heaven, there's a little bit of heaven at our wedding", or a simple phrase like "In Loving Memory" or "Wish You Were Here". If you want to keep it concise, a single candle or a cluster of candles with a sign that says "Remembering those who are with us in spirit" is a beautiful way to pay tribute.
Photos
While you may choose to forgo photos for a more general memorial, some couples opt to include pictures of their loved ones on the memorial table. This can be a single framed photo or a collection of photos displayed in acrylic block frames. If you're concerned about space, consider a photo album or a slideshow presented during the wedding. You can also include wedding pictures of family members who are still with you to make it a celebration of family love.
Flowers and Scents
Flowers and plants that symbolise remembrance, such as statice, rosemary, pansies, and gladiolus, can be used to adorn your memorial table. If your loved one had a favourite flower, consider using those blooms to decorate the table or your ceremony aisle.
Music
Music is a powerful way to evoke memories and emotions. You can include a special song or a collection of tunes in your wedding reception playlist to honour your loved ones. This could be a song that reminds you of them or their favourite artist.
Favours and Donations
Instead of providing individual favours, consider making a donation to a special charity that was important to your loved ones. You can create a sign at the guest book table to indicate your donation and explain the significance of the charity.
The memorial table can be placed next to the welcome table at the ceremony or near the guest book and card table at the reception. Remember, there are no rules, and you can choose to include any combination of these ideas or create your unique tribute.
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Create a video montage of favourite memories
A memorial table is a sweet and personal way to include loved ones who are no longer with you on your wedding day. Typically, couples will display photos of those they wish could be there, alongside candles, flowers, and other meaningful trinkets.
However, some couples may prefer to avoid having photos of deceased loved ones on display at their wedding, and a video montage is a thoughtful alternative. A memorial video can be played during the reception, set to music, and featuring around 100-120 photos. Here are some ideas for creating a video montage of favourite memories:
Choose a Platform
There are several online platforms that can help you create a memorial video, such as Animoto and FlexClip, which offer free memorial video makers with templates, music, and drag-and-drop functionality.
Select Photos and Videos
Choose cherished pictures and videos that showcase the full spectrum of your loved one's life. Include special moments and memories such as graduations, holidays, weddings, births, vacations, and favourite travel destinations. If you have print photos, scan them to create digital copies for your video.
Add Text and Captions
Personalize your video by adding text and captions. Include quotes, dates, and other details that honour the memory of your loved one and tell their story.
Select Music
Music can enhance the emotional impact of your video. Choose a song that reflects the mood and genre you want to evoke. Many platforms offer licensed music libraries, or you can upload your own licensed music.
Share Your Video
You can share your video publicly or privately with a password. Consider using a platform like Vimeo, Dropbox, Google, or social media to share the link with friends and family. Don't forget to back up your video to a flash drive, DVD, or backup drive for safekeeping.
A memorial video is a beautiful way to pay tribute to those who are no longer with you on your wedding day, allowing you to honour their memory and share their story with your guests.
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Avoid clutter and keep it subtle
A memorial table is a touching way to honour loved ones who have passed away. Typically, it features photographs, personal items, candles, notes, and other memorabilia that symbolise the lives and memories of the deceased.
If you want to avoid clutter and keep your memorial table subtle, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, be mindful of the table's size and the number of items you plan to display. A cluttered table may detract from the sentiment you wish to convey. Consider using a mix of picture frames or creating a collage to optimise space.
You can also opt for a more understated memorial, such as a candlelit area on a wooden barrel, where you can display your photographs. A single candle or a cluster of candles with a simple sign can be a subtle yet meaningful way to remember those who have passed. A candle with the names of your loved ones is another elegant way to commemorate them.
If you wish to include photographs, consider using clear glass frames or acrylic block frames, which can create a sense of space while still honouring your loved ones. Alternatively, you can display a photo album or create a memory tree with tags or labels hanging from real or artificial branches.
Another idea is to incorporate your memorial into your wedding theme using coordinating stationery. For example, you can use a wooden pallet and write a special message or display special photos and words in a piece of furniture, such as drawers.
Remember, the memorial table should be easily accessible to guests but not the main attraction. A foyer area or the entrance to your reception area are good options, allowing guests to visit the memorial before the ceremony begins.
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Frequently asked questions
It's completely up to you! You could place it next to a welcome table at the ceremony or at the reception location close to your guest book and card table. Just make sure it's somewhere that guests will be travelling through so that everyone gets a chance to appreciate it.
Memorial tables are a touching way to remember loved ones who have passed away. Many couples include photographs, candles, flowers, and other meaningful trinkets or pieces of decor. You could also include a sign with a message like "In Loving Memory" or "Wish You Were Here".
There are no rules about who to include on a memorial table. You might want to include people who you wish could be at the wedding, or people whose absence might upset your family members if they were left out. You could also include a more general tribute to all your loved ones who have passed away, rather than naming specific individuals.
