One of my dearest friends (my only life-long friend - we've known each other since birth!) just passed away after a very short battle with cancer at the age of 33.
What is the best way to honor her in my wedding? I was thinking of either having an honorary "Maid of Honor" listing for her in the program or having her five-year old daughter participate in the ceremony in her place. We were planning on having a small ceremony with just one attendant each and I'm not sure how I should best honor the role she would have played in the ceremony. Any ideas?
33, that is absolutely tragic. My prayers go out to you, her family, her young daughter.
I think an honorary "Maid of Honor" listing for her in the program would be very touching. You could ask your minister to include a special but brief prayer remembering those who have passed on within the ceremony. You can ALSO have her daughter participate in the procession. Her daughter could probably use the extra attention at this sad time, and something to which to look forward. You could hold or wear something that belonged to your friend. You could also have a bouquet of her favorite flowers somewhere at the reception dedicated to her.
I believe your friend will be there with you. She will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her. As Albert Pine once wrote: "What we do for ourselves, dies with us, but what we do for others remains immortal."
I worked with a Bride who lost one of her bridesmaids to illness last year. At her wedding, we included a beautiful and touching tribute to this most special woman - and the bride with much elegance and grace, walked from the altar to the mother of this deceased friend and presented the mother with roses, in honor of her daughter. It doesn't matter as much "what you do" as how you do it. That is be real and loving is all that matters. Annemarie Juhlian, Wedding Officiant & Minister
Honoring Deceased Friend?
