Five Beautiful Ways to Remember a Loved One on Your Wedding Day

One of the questions I’m asked most often is how to include a loved one in your wedding when they’re no longer here.

It’s such a difficult thing, isn’t it?

Your wedding day is one of the happiest days of your life, but that doesn’t stop you wishing there was one more person in the room. One more hug. One more smile. One more person watching you walk down the aisle.

Over the years, I’ve spoken to so many brides who have felt exactly the same.

The lovely thing is, there isn’t a right or wrong way to remember someone.

For some people, they want to make a big tribute. For others, they simply want to know that the person they love is with them in some small way throughout the day.

Here are just a few ideas that might feel right for you.

Wear memorial jewellery

I couldn’t write this article without mentioning memorial jewellery, because I’ve seen first-hand just how much comfort it can bring.

One of the things my brides often tell me is that it’s not about anybody else knowing.

It’s about them knowing.

Knowing that Mum, Dad, Nan or someone incredibly special is with them as they get ready, walk down the aisle and celebrate with the people they love.

Sometimes the smallest pieces carry the biggest meaning.

Carry a photograph

A tiny photograph tucked into your bouquet or sewn inside your dress can be such a lovely way of keeping someone close.

It’s simple, personal and there whenever you want to glance down and think of them.

Light a candle

Some couples like to light a candle before the ceremony begins, while others include one during the ceremony itself.

It doesn’t need lots of words.

Sometimes a quiet moment says everything.

Mention them in your speeches

If it feels right, you could simply mention the person you’re missing during a speech.

It doesn’t have to be emotional or formal.

Just acknowledging that they’re part of your story can mean so much.

Do what feels right for you

I think this is probably the most important one.

There are so many ideas online about what you should do, but the truth is, your wedding is exactly that…

Yours.

If wearing a necklace brings you comfort, wear it.

If you’d rather have a private moment before the ceremony than make a public tribute, that’s absolutely okay too.

There isn’t a rule book when it comes to remembering someone you love.

One of the reasons I created my Quietly There bridal collection was because I wanted brides to have a gentle, understated way of feeling close to someone they miss.

Not because anybody else needs to see it.

Simply because you’ll know they’re there.

And sometimes, that’s all we need.

Holly’s Story: Carrying Mum on Her Wedding Day

There are some commissions that stay with me long after they’ve left my workbench, and Holly’s is one of them.

When Holly first got in touch, she was planning not one wedding day, but two. One celebration would take place in Santorini, Greece, and the other closer to home here in Cornwall. Like so many brides navigating such a special chapter of life, there was one person she wished could be there to share it with her – her mum.

Holly had already thought carefully about the different ways she wanted to honour her mum throughout her wedding celebrations. A chair would be reserved in her memory, creating a quiet space that acknowledged her presence and the role she would always hold in Holly’s life.

Alongside this, Holly asked me to create a bespoke thumb ring containing a small amount of her mum’s ashes.

One of the things I loved most about working with Holly was how personal every detail felt.

Her mum had a fiery, fun personality, so Holly wanted a delicate fleck of red incorporated into the design as a nod to her character. She also chose blue resin stones to hold the ashes. Not only did she love the colour, but the ring would also become her “something blue” on her wedding day.

It’s a beautiful example of how memorial jewellery doesn’t have to look a particular way. Some people choose pieces where the ashes remain completely hidden. Others prefer them to be visible. Some choose a design from my Quietly There collection, while others create something entirely bespoke that tells their loved one’s story through colour, texture and symbolism.

That’s what makes memorial jewellery so special. No two pieces are ever quite the same, because no two stories are ever the same.

I’ve recently received some photographs from Holly’s wedding in Santorini, and seeing the ring become part of such a meaningful day has been incredibly moving. I’m already looking forward to seeing the photographs from her Cornwall celebration too.

Being trusted with something so precious is never something I take for granted. It was an absolute honour to create this ring for Holly and to play a small part in helping her carry her mum with her through every walk down the aisle, every happy tear, every photograph and every special moment.

Because although someone may no longer be physically present, love has a remarkable way of finding a place beside us on the days that matter most.

Can Memorial Jewellery Be Worn Every Day?

This is a question I’m asked quite a lot, especially by my brides.

The simple answer is… absolutely.

When I designed my first bridal collection, Quietly There, I wanted to create jewellery that didn’t shout. I wanted it to be elegant, timeless and understated. A piece that looked beautiful on your wedding day, but could just as easily become part of your everyday jewellery afterwards.

One of the lovely things about memorial jewellery is that it doesn’t have to look like memorial jewellery.

Unless you choose to tell somebody, they’ll simply see a beautiful piece of jewellery. The meaning behind it stays with you.

For some brides, that’s exactly what they want.

After your wedding day, if you’d like to make a few changes so your piece suits everyday wear even better, we can absolutely do that. Perhaps you’d like a different chain, a different length, or maybe you’d like to introduce a little more colour at a later date. Those are all things we can chat about.

Of course, not everybody wants to wear their piece every day, and that’s completely okay too.

Some brides choose to keep it safely tucked away after the wedding as a precious keepsake—a reminder of one of the most important days of their lives, and of the person they carried with them.

There really isn’t a right or wrong choice.

The resin gemstones I create are designed to protect the precious inclusions they hold, allowing you to treasure your jewellery for many years to come.

Although many of my pieces hold ashes, memorial jewellery can tell so many different stories. It might include a lock of hair, breast milk, dried flowers, or simply a gemstone that holds special meaning to you.

At the end of the day, this isn’t about what other people do.

It’s about your story.

Your memories.

Your wedding day.

Whether you’d like something incredibly subtle, something a little bolder, or something completely bespoke, we’ll create a piece that feels right for you.

If you’ve read my story, you’ll know why this work means so much to me. I understand how emotional it can feel to plan a wedding while missing someone you love, and it’s a real privilege to help brides create something that brings them comfort.

That’s what memorial jewellery has always been about for me.

Not just creating beautiful jewellery…

But creating a connection that you can carry with you, in whatever way feels right.

Moments No One Tells You Might Feel Difficult After Losing a Parent Before Your Wedding

Planning a wedding is often described as one of the happiest times in your life.

But if you’re planning your wedding after losing a parent, it can also be one of the most emotional.

Alongside the excitement, there can be moments that catch you completely off guard. Moments no one really prepares you for. You might find yourself laughing one minute and holding back tears the next. And if that happens, I want you to know that you’re not alone.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with so many brides and grooms who are navigating both love and loss at the same time. Whilst every journey is different, there are a few moments that come up time and time again.

1. Choosing your dress… or your suit

Finding the outfit you’ve dreamed of should feel exciting, and it is. But it can also bring an unexpected wave of sadness.

You might instinctively want to turn around and ask, “What do you think?” only to remember that the person you imagined sharing that moment with isn’t there.

For some, it’s their mum. For others, it’s their dad.

If this moment feels bittersweet, please know that’s completely normal. Your excitement doesn’t replace your grief, and your grief doesn’t take away from the joy of what’s to come. Both can exist together.

2. The morning of your wedding

Many people expect the ceremony to be the hardest part emotionally.

But often, it’s the quiet moments beforehand that catch you off guard.

Sitting in front of the mirror.

Having your hair done.

Putting on your jewellery.

Those peaceful moments leave space for memories to surface, and it’s often then that the reality of who’s missing feels closest.

If tears come, let them. They don’t mean you’re any less excited to marry the person you love.

3. Walking down the aisle

Whether someone walks beside you, you choose to walk alone, or someone else lovingly steps into that role, walking down the aisle can carry more emotion than you ever imagined.

There isn’t a right way to do it.

Only the way that feels right for you.

Your wedding doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s, and however you choose to honour your parent—or simply carry them in your heart—is enough.

4. Looking around the room

There may be moments during the day when your eyes naturally search the room.

Looking for the face that’s missing.

It’s something so many people tell me they experienced, yet it’s rarely spoken about.

Please don’t feel guilty if that happens.

It’s simply a reflection of love.

The people we miss are often the people we’ve always imagined sharing life’s biggest moments with.

5. When everyone else has gone home

After months, sometimes years, of planning, the day is suddenly over.

The flowers are packed away.

The music has stopped.

The guests have gone home.

And for many people, that’s when another wave of grief quietly arrives.

Not because the day wasn’t wonderful.

But because such a significant milestone has passed without someone you desperately wished could have been there.

If that’s how you feel, please be gentle with yourself.

There is no right or wrong way to experience grief, especially on a day that’s filled with so much love.

You are not alone

If you’re planning your wedding while missing someone you love, I hope this has reminded you of one thing above all else:

You don’t have to choose between joy and grief.

Your wedding day can be filled with laughter, excitement and beautiful memories, whilst still holding space for the person you wish could have been there.

Over the years, I’ve been honoured to create bespoke jewellery for brides and grooms who want to carry a little piece of someone they love with them on their wedding day. Whether that’s through ashes, hair, fingerprints, handwriting or another meaningful element, every piece begins with a story.

But more than anything, I hope this journal has simply helped you feel seen.

Because if you’re navigating both love and loss as you plan your wedding, I want you to know this:

You are not alone.

Do I Have to Mention My Parent During My Wedding Ceremony?

If you’ve found yourself asking this question, I just want to start by saying…

No. You don’t.

And if reading those words has made you breathe out a little, then I’m really glad.

When we’re planning a wedding after losing someone we love, it’s so easy to start putting pressure on ourselves.

“Should I mention Mum?”

“Would Dad expect me to?”

“Will people think it’s strange if I don’t?”

Those questions are incredibly common, and if they’re going around in your head, please know you’re not alone.

The truth is, there isn’t a right or wrong way to remember someone on your wedding day.

Some people choose to include a special moment.

Perhaps it’s a reading during the ceremony.

A candle.

A favourite song.

A few words from the celebrant.

For some people, sharing that moment with family and friends feels exactly right.

Others choose something much quieter.

A necklace worn beneath their dress.

Dad’s watch.

A handwritten message tucked into a bouquet.

A fingerprint engraved inside a wedding ring.

Tiny reminders that nobody else even notices.

Sometimes those are the moments that mean the most.

And some people choose not to mention them at all.

That doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten.

It doesn’t mean they loved them any less.

Sometimes grief feels too personal to share.

Sometimes it still feels too raw.

And sometimes you simply want your wedding ceremony to be about the promises you’re making to each other.

That is okay too.

There is no rule that says love has to be spoken aloud for it to be there.

If you’re not sure what feels right…

Rather than asking yourself,

“What should I do?”

Try asking yourself,

“What would bring me comfort?”

Not what your guests might expect.

Not what somebody else did.

Just…

What would bring you comfort?

The answer to that question is usually the one worth listening to.

One thing I’d love you to remember…

Your parent isn’t measured by whether there’s a reading.

Or a photograph.

Or an empty chair.

Love doesn’t disappear because it isn’t made public.

Sometimes it’s carried in a piece of jewellery.

Sometimes it’s carried in a memory.

And sometimes it’s simply carried quietly in your heart.

Whatever you choose…

It will be enough.

The Things Nobody Tells You About Planning a Wedding While You’re Grieving

Planning your wedding is meant to be one of the happiest seasons of your life.

And in so many ways, it is.

But if you’re also grieving someone you love, it can feel incredibly confusing.

One moment you’re excited about flowers, dresses and seating plans.

The next, you’re crying because you’ve realised your mum won’t see you in your wedding dress, or your dad won’t be there to walk you down the aisle.

If that’s you, I just want you to know…

You’re not doing grief wrong.

You’re not doing wedding planning wrong.

You’re simply trying to hold two very different emotions at the same time.

And that’s hard.

You might feel guilty for being happy.

This is probably one of the things I hear most often.

“I feel awful for getting excited.”

As though smiling somehow means you’ve forgotten the person you’re missing.

It doesn’t.

Joy isn’t disloyal.

You are still allowed to laugh.

To celebrate.

To look forward to marrying the person you love.

Your grief and your happiness don’t cancel each other out.

They can sit side by side.

You might cry over something completely unexpected.

It may not be the ceremony.

Or the speeches.

Or walking down the aisle.

Sometimes it’s choosing flowers because they were your mum’s favourite.

Or hearing a song in the supermarket.

Or seeing another bride shopping with her dad.

Grief doesn’t work to a timetable.

It arrives when it arrives.

You may start worrying about everyone else.

Will Mum’s sister be okay?

Will Dad’s best friend get upset?

Should I mention them?

Should I not?

It’s amazing how quickly your thoughts can turn from planning your own wedding to worrying about everyone else’s emotions.

But this day isn’t about carrying everybody else’s grief.

It’s okay to make decisions that bring you peace, too.

Family dynamics can feel more complicated.

Loss changes families.

Sometimes it brings people closer.

Sometimes it creates distance.

And weddings have a way of shining a light on relationships that already feel complicated.

If you’re finding family conversations difficult, please don’t think you’re the only one.

You’re certainly not.

You may find yourself imagining the day they should have had.

This one catches so many people by surprise.

You picture your dad waiting at the end of the aisle.

Your mum helping you into your dress.

The hug after the ceremony.

Those imagined moments can feel incredibly real.

Allow yourself to imagine them.

Those thoughts come from love.

There isn’t a perfect way to do this.

If you’re reading this whilst planning your wedding and grieving someone you love, I hope you’ll remember one thing.

You don’t have to get this “right.”

There isn’t a perfect balance between joy and sadness.

Some days you’ll feel excited.

Some days you’ll feel heartbroken.

Some days you’ll feel both within the space of five minutes.

That’s all part of loving someone deeply.

A little thought I’d love to leave you with…

When we lose someone we love, we often spend so much energy wondering what they would think about the wedding.

Maybe the question to ask instead is…

How would they want me to feel?

I don’t know your parent.

But I’d like to think they’d want you to laugh.

To dance.

To soak up every moment.

Not because they aren’t missed…

But because love doesn’t stop when someone dies.

It simply changes the way we carry it.

And perhaps that’s what your wedding day is really about.

Carrying them with you, whilst stepping into the next chapter of your life.

Wedding Jewellery Made With Ashes: Common Questions Answered

If you’re planning a wedding after losing somebody you love, it’s natural to look for meaningful ways to include them in your day.

For many brides and grooms, memorial jewellery offers a gentle and personal way to carry that connection. Over time, I’ve been asked many questions about memorial wedding jewellery, so I thought I’d gather some of the most common ones together here.

Can People See The Ashes?

This is one of the questions I’m asked most often, and the answer is entirely up to you.

Whether you choose a piece from my Quietly There collection or commission a bespoke design, the ashes can either be hidden behind the resin stone or remain visible within it.

Some people prefer a discreet connection that only they know about. Others find comfort in being able to see the ashes within the piece. There is no right or wrong choice – only what feels right for you.

Can I Choose The Colour?

Absolutely.

The colour of your memorial stone can be tailored to your style, your wedding and the person you’re remembering.

Many brides choose shades of blue so their memorial jewellery also becomes their “something blue” on the day. Others choose soft pearl tones, greens, pinks, or colours that remind them of the person they are honouring.

Every story is different, and the colours can reflect that.

How Far In Advance Should I Order?

One of the lovely things about wedding jewellery is that most couples begin planning their wedding many months, and often a year or two, before the big day.

This gives us plenty of time to create something truly personal.

Whether you choose a piece from an existing collection or a completely bespoke design, planning ahead allows us to carefully consider every detail and create something that feels perfect alongside your dress, suit and overall wedding style.

Can I Spread The Cost?

Yes.

Many couples are planning lots of different wedding expenses at the same time, so payment plans can often be arranged to spread the cost over several months.

Planning ahead usually gives you the most flexibility when it comes to creating your piece and managing your budget.

Does It Have To Be From A Collection?

Not at all.

Some people fall in love with a piece from the Quietly There collection and choose to personalise it with their chosen colour and ashes.

Others prefer to create something completely unique.

Bespoke memorial jewellery allows us to explore different colours, gemstones, textures and designs. Pieces can be crafted in silver or gold and can be as delicate, understated and timeless, or as bold and individual, as you wish.

Why Choose Memorial Jewellery For A Wedding?

Losing somebody before your wedding day can bring a mixture of emotions.

Memorial jewellery offers a way to carry their memory with you throughout the day. Whether worn as a necklace, ring, bracelet, cufflinks or another bespoke piece, it becomes a quiet reminder that love remains part of your story.

For many people, it provides comfort during those important moments – walking down the aisle, exchanging vows, sharing speeches and celebrating with family and friends.

Every piece I create is made with great care and respect, because I understand that what I’m making is much more than jewellery.

It’s a connection, a memory, and a way of keeping somebody close on one of the most important days of your life.

Wearing Memorial Jewellery on Your Wedding Day

One of the things I hear time and time again from my brides is…

“I just wish they were here.”

Maybe it’s your dad who won’t be there to walk you down the aisle.

Maybe it’s your mum, who should have been helping you into your dress that morning.

Or perhaps it’s a sibling, a child, a grandparent or somebody who played such an important part in your life.

When someone you love is no longer here, weddings can bring a mixture of emotions. You’re so excited to be marrying the love of your life, but at the same time, you can’t help wishing there was one more person there to share it with you.

I always say there isn’t a right or wrong way to remember somebody.

Some brides choose to mention them during a speech. Others carry a photograph in their bouquet.

For many of my brides, though, wearing memorial jewellery brings a real sense of comfort.

Not because it’s obvious to everybody else.

Quite often, nobody else even knows.

But you know.

As you’re getting ready.

As you’re taking a deep breath before walking down the aisle.

As you’re saying your vows.

You know they’re with you.

Whether it’s a bespoke piece created especially for you, or something you’ve chosen from my Quietly There bridal collection, every piece is handmade with your story in mind.

It becomes so much more than jewellery.

It becomes a connection.

A quiet reminder that love doesn’t disappear just because someone isn’t standing beside you.

Sometimes, knowing they’re close is all you need.

And that’s exactly why I created Quietly There.

To give brides a gentle, understated way of keeping somebody they love close on one of the biggest days of their lives.

Not for everyone else to see.

Just for you.

Father of the Bride Traditions After Loss

One of the most difficult parts of planning a wedding after losing your dad is navigating the traditions that are often associated with him.

From walking down the aisle to speeches and father-daughter dances, wedding customs can sometimes bring a mixture of emotions. There may be moments when you’re excited about your wedding day and others when you’re reminded of the person you wish could be there.

If you’re facing your wedding day without your dad, please know there is no right or wrong way to approach these traditions. Every family, every relationship and every story is different.

Walking Down the Aisle

Perhaps the most well-known father of the bride tradition is being walked down the aisle.

Some brides choose to walk with another loved one, such as a grandparent, sibling, step-parent, parent, close friend or family member.

Others choose to walk alone, finding strength in taking those steps independently while carrying their dad’s memory with them.

Many brides also choose to wear a piece of memorial jewellery containing ashes, a handwritten note, a fingerprint, or another meaningful element that helps them feel connected during this special moment.

The Father of the Bride Speech

If your dad would traditionally have given a speech, you may wish to adapt this part of the day.

A family member might choose to say a few words in his honour, or you may prefer to include a special mention during another speech.

Some couples choose to share a favourite memory, a funny story or a meaningful quote that reflects the role their dad played in their lives.

The Father-Daughter Dance

For some brides, this can feel like one of the most emotional traditions.

There are many ways to approach it.

Some choose to dance with another important person in their life. Others invite several family members onto the dance floor. Some choose to dedicate a song to their dad, while others decide not to include this tradition at all.

Your wedding day should feel right for you, not dictated by expectations.

Small Ways to Honour Dad

Sometimes it’s the smallest touches that carry the greatest meaning.

You might choose to:

• Wear memorial jewellery made with ashes.

• Carry a photograph inside your bouquet.

• Reserve a seat in his memory.

• Include his favourite flower in your arrangements.

• Display a meaningful photograph.

• Mention him during a speech.

• Wear something that once belonged to him.

• Include a favourite song during the day.

These quiet gestures can provide comfort and create moments of connection throughout your celebration.

Creating New Traditions

One of the most beautiful things about modern weddings is that they allow space for personal stories.

While some traditions may feel difficult after loss, others can be adapted, reshaped or replaced entirely.

Your wedding does not need to follow a rulebook.

Instead, it can become a reflection of the people who have shaped your life, including those who can no longer be physically present.

A Final Thought

Losing your dad does not mean he is absent from your wedding day.

He may be present in the stories that are shared, the lessons he taught you, the people who love you, and the small details you choose to include in his memory.

Whether you honour him through a reserved chair, a favourite song, a treasured photograph or a piece of memorial jewellery, there are many ways to carry his love with you as you walk into this next chapter of your life.

And sometimes, those quiet connections become the moments we remember most.