How to Set Up a Memorial Table at Your Wedding Reception

While getting married is a joyous time of celebration, sadness can set in if you have loved ones who have passed on and are not around to be a part of your big day. Although these feeling cannot be completely quelled, creating a memorial table for deceased love ones can be a comforting option. A memory table is a way to pay tribute to your loved ones and create the sense that they are a part of the festivities.

Instructions

1

Choose a location for the memorial table. You will want to place the table in a location that is visible but does not distract the guests away from the other wedding festivities. Consider placing the table in the hallway or near the doorway so that guests may view the table as they enter the reception venue but focus their attention back to the joyous celebration once they enter and take their seats.

2

Cover the table with a colorful table cloth. Use fabric that fits in with or compliments the overall color scheme of your wedding. You want your memorial table to blend in and become a part of the overall setting of the room, not stand out like an eye sore. If the other reception tables are decorated with lace or tulle, do the same for your memorial table.

3

Display a photo or memory book of the deceased loved one. If you choose to do so, you may use the table to memorialize more than one person. For example, you can make a memorial table for both of your parents, grandparents or multiple siblings who have passed away. Include items that capture the essence of their lives such as wedding and graduation photos, tickets from interesting places they traveled or certificates or awards from school or their job. Allow guests to sign the book and write down memories that they have of time spent with the people. Place this book on the memorial table.

4

Place pictures of your loved ones on the table. Find a nice-sized portrait of each person and place it at the center of the table.

5

Decorate the table with flowers. If your loved ones had a favorite flower, consider using that flower to add beauty to the table. If not, choose a flower that you feel best represents the people you are memorializing.

6

Light candles. A candle can be lit on the table to honor each person's life. If the deceased loved ones were fairly young when they passed away, consider lighting one candle for each year of the person's life.

7

Include personal items from your loved ones. If they loved to play a certain sport or had a favorite book or sweater they wore, showcase these items on the table. Be careful not to overcrowd the table but select a few meaningful items that represent each person's life.

8

Keep it light. Avoid having the evening turn somber by telling humorous stories about the lives of your loved ones. Invite guests to stand and offer fond memories and share what advice they think the deceased family members would have to offer the newlyweds.