Save Your Late Loved Ones A Seat

Time is a thief, and we don't get to have everyone we want at our wedding. Saving a seat for your late loved ones in the front row at your ceremony helps it feel like they get to be there with us. Adding your favorite photo of your loved one brings it home even more.

Play Childhood Photos Slideshow during Parent Dances

Am I the only one who thinks watching childhood photo slideshows as part of the wedding reception program is BORING? (Disclaimer: I did photograph a wedding where watching the slideshow was so fun because the guests were whooping and aweing during the whole thing!) Honestly, if you do a slideshow at your wedding, that's fine with me. Having it play on the sidelines is nice for guests who are wandering around the reception venue, but having everyone sit through a 15-minute slideshow is just not it for me. INSTEAD, have your respective slideshows playing during the daddy-daughter and mother-son dances. I had the opportunity to photograph a wedding where they did this, and it was so emotional getting to watch this groom and his mom dance together and reflect on the groom's childhood. I definitely wiped a few tears during these dances.

It's also a great way to make the parent dances a little more engaging for guests. I love watching parent dances at receptions, but, unfortunately, many guests can get sidetracked or bored during this part of your program. Combining the slideshow and parent dances is a great way to save time at your reception and create a more emotional atmosphere while you dance with your parent.

Record a Message for your New Spouse

I've only seen this at one wedding so far, but thought it was so sweet! Obviously, discuss this with your DJ in advance to see if this is something they're able and willing to do. During the last dance at your reception, have your DJ include a voice recording from you to your spouse to be played during the song. Honestly, it is such a romantic and personalized way to wrap up a fun night on the dance floor.

Bring Your Loved Ones With You Down The Aisle

There are so many ways to keep a reminder of a late loved one with you down the aisle! Below you'll see examples of a bride who attached her late dog's collar pendant to her bouquet and another bride who hung a blue angel charm on her dress sleeve to remember her late mother. The beauty about this idea is that you can customize your way of remembering your late loved ones.