Beautiful ways to honour loved ones who are no longer here

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Weddings are magical. But for many of us, there’s a special someone we wish could be there to share it all. When you’re tying the knot abroad, it can feel even more tricky to find ways to keep their memory close because you’re far from home, familiar places, and keepsakes.

At my sister’s wedding, her husband-to-be drove to the ceremony in my dad’s old car, and we visited his resting place on the morning of the wedding. The closer it got to my wedding in Italy, the more I worried that not being able to do those things, coupled with getting married in a place my dad had never been to, might feel like he wasn’t part of my day.

I needn’t have worried (scroll to the end to see what I did). But, to help anyone feeling similar, I’ve made a list of the different ways to honour loved ones who are no longer here… no matter where in the world you say “I do.”

A Token You Can Carry With You

If you can’t bring big, sentimental items overseas, opt for something small and personal. A locket with their photo, a charm on your bouquet, a piece of jewellery, or a handkerchief embroidered with their initials can travel with you easily and stay by your side throughout the day.

It’s a beautiful, subtle way to keep them close, and only you need to know it’s there.

A Sunset Toast in Their Honour

There’s something extra special about sunsets at a destination wedding. Gather your closest people, raise a glass, and share a quiet moment or story in their honour as the sun sets over your dream location.

It’s simple, heartfelt, and timeless, with no props or photos needed (unless you want to)… just love and memories.

A Memory Table or Photo Display

If you can travel with a few photos or light items, create a small memory table at your reception. Frame a couple of photos, lay down a little note about them, or add a candle to light in their honour.

It doesn’t need to be grand. A delicate, understated nod can be just as moving as a bigger display.

A Favourite Song in the Playlist

Whether it’s a classic they adored, a tune that reminds you of them, or a song they’d have been first on the dance floor for, incorporate it into your wedding playlist. When it plays, you’ll feel their presence, and maybe even have a little dance in their honour.

A Reserved Seat with a Message

Set aside a chair at your ceremony with a little sign or a flower to represent your loved one’s place in your heart and on your day. It might be a favourite flower of theirs or a note that reads “Forever in our hearts”.

Even in a new setting, that empty chair is a powerful reminder of their presence in spirit.

Write Them a Letter to Take With You

Before you leave for Italy, write them a letter. Tell them about the wedding, how you wish they could be there, and what this day means to you. Tuck it into your bag or your bouquet. It’s a deeply personal, intimate way to keep them part of your destination love story.

What I did…

We decided to have a ‘memory tree’ at our Tuscan wedding, not just for my dad but for everyone who had lost somebody. We asked all our guests to write the names of their missing loved ones on a feather charm which my mum made. We hung all the feathers on our memory tree, and lit it up at sunset.

My mum also secretly arranged for my dad’s wedding ring to be sewn into my bouquet and gifted me an anklet with his initials on the morning of the wedding, so that he could be with me as I walked down the aisle. 

After our first dance, we played “She’s So Lovely” by Scouting For Girls – the song my dad had used for a video he made for me on my 21st Birthday. We danced and sang our hearts out in his honour.

A Gentle Reminder…

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to honour a loved one on your wedding day. It’s about what feels comforting and special to you. Whether you go big or keep it quietly in your heart, their love is part of your wedding story… wherever you are in the world.

Recommended Planning Tools

You don’t want to be without these planning tools if you’re getting married in Italy. From trackers to templates, and detailed step-by-step guides… these are the resources that will help you level up your Italian wedding.

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