| One of the more recent additions to essential | | | | processional, others have the lit memorial candle at |
| wedding accessories has been the creation of | | | | the reception in a special place. You may have one or |
| memorial candles and vases. Many couples wish to | | | | more than one memorial candle, the important thing is |
| honor the memories of family members who have | | | | to honor those people who you wish to remember |
| loved them and significantly added to their lives. Now | | | | on your most important day. |
| the memory of these people can be brought into the | | | | 2. Memorial Vases: Memorial Vases also come in |
| wedding day through engraved candles and vases. | | | | several styles. There are medium and large vases |
| Here are some suggestions on how to choose and | | | | that can be engraved and hold a large bouquet of |
| use these important items. | | | | flowers. There are also simple bud vases that can be |
| 1. Memorial Candles: Memorial candles come in several | | | | engraved. You can also have both displayed if you |
| styles. There is the traditional pillar candle with a | | | | are honoring more than one person. As with memorial |
| stand that can be engraved with the name of the | | | | candles, it is best to have a special table with |
| family member. Many of these candles also have a | | | | photographs by the vases of flowers where people |
| phrase that is engraved as well, for example: "In | | | | can pause a moment and reflect. One bride chose to |
| memory of Beth Johnson who is present in our | | | | have a photo album by the memorial vase to honor |
| Hearts". Memorial candles can also be floating candles | | | | her grandmother, who was a significant influence on |
| in a glass vase. Here the vase is engraved and filled | | | | her life and in her choice of life partners. |
| with water and the candle sits on top of the water. | | | | Weddings are an affirmation of life. We are honoring |
| It is best to have a special table for memorial candles. | | | | the journey that this individual couple has agreed to |
| You can include framed photos of your loved one | | | | take together. But within that celebration is also the |
| with the candle so that everyone can see the person | | | | awareness of death and of all the people both living |
| and take a special moment to honor their life. Some | | | | and deceased who have touched and helped us along |
| couples choose to have their officiant light the | | | | the way. By honoring the memory of your loved |
| memorial candle as a way of beginning the | | | | ones, you bring this richness of life to your day. |