Weddingbee boards

Both my husband and I had lost parents prior to our wedding and I really struggled with how best to honor them during our ceremony.  Both we're somewhat recent (3 years and less than a year) which I think added to my struggle of finding the perfect thing to do.  As I scoured the internet for ideas/poems/ect I found the same suggestions over and over.  Having an empty chair - or placing a single flower in a chair is very popular.  (we didn't have chairs - our guests were gathered around a deck watching our ceremony)  Also have a mini table set up with a candle and or pictures seemed to be popular.

We chose to have two large orchids on either side of the deck to represent our parents.  The were gorgeous in their simplicity and beauty - perfect :)  We also had the pastor repeat this right after the Call to Worship and before his opening prayer.....

“Jilian and Todd would like to recognize all who are not here with us today.  These orchids are in memory of Anne Smith and Dick Fath.  Todd and Jilian have asked me to read this:”

Though we are separated physically,
Faith and love have bound us eternally.

Though we cannot touch you,
We feel the warmth of your smile, as we begin a new chapter in our lives.

Best of luck figureing out the best way to include your FH's parents in your ceremony!!  I know they will watching over you guys with smiles on your big day - and every day!

(I did not write this - I found it somewhere on line and I think tweaked it a bit)