Photo: Greer G Photography
Many lucky brides and grooms honor their grandmas and grandpas through creative means, like providing them with boutonnieres or bouquets or assigning them a reading during the ceremony. Others may wonder about how to memorialize a deceased grandparent or how to thank one that's been particularly helpful. We sought out some etiquette expert-approved advice for couples requiring advice on these super-important family members!
I'd love to honor my deceased grandfather during the ceremony. Do you have any ideas of how to do this?
This is always a lovely idea, as long as it is neither morbid nor lengthy. A simple declaration of love, a moment of silence, or the lighting of a candle may be the most eloquent commemoration. Often, couples find it too difficult to honor the deceased, so they make their memorials private. They may do so by offering a silent prayer, wearing something of the person who has died, or by laying a bouquet of flowers on the front pew/chair or by the altar.
My grandmother has been so supportive and helpful during my wedding planning! How can I properly thank her for this?
Though not expected, gifts for grandparents who have cherished and supported you through thick and thin are a great idea! Since she's helping you out of the goodness of her heart, expense isn't an issue: A present can be as simple as a rose and a loving note placed on her seat at the ceremony or a small book of verse or poems with a special inscription.
Should I send an engagement announcement to my grandparents? They already know I'm engaged.
If you're planning on sending these (they're not so common anymore), then definitely loop in grandma and grandpa! They'll love the formal notice. To that end, be sure you phone them to let them know you're engaged soon after you tell your parents.