A Moment of Silence

Let us take a moment to remember...

A moment of silence in your wedding  is a highly personal choice.  Some couples always want to remember those who have passed away during their wedding.  For some families it shows respect for their loved ones and it would be disrespectful not.  Other couples really don't care.  It's a day of joy and celebration for them, what's done is done, no reason to bring up the dead.  If I'm your wedding officiant, it's your decision.  I don't care either way.

When is a Moment of Silence a Good Idea?

If you have a grandparent who has recently passed away and their widow is present, it can be very meaningful. They probably talked and dreamed about being at your wedding together.  Acknowledging they are there in spirit is appropriate and very sweet.  

If you were in the military and spoke of being at each other's weddings someday ​and some of you didn't make it  home, it's appropriate to remember those people.  

If everyone present is emotionally over a recent death.  It's a joyful and happy occasion to remember everyone as part of your family.

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Often, something magical happens during the ceremony at the mention of the deceased loved one.  True story!!

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When is a Moment of Silence Not a Good Idea During Your Wedding Ceremony?

If someone has recently passed away and will be hurt.  Sometimes it's just too soon.  I had a bride that had literally planned most of her wedding with her grandmother and she passed away before the wedding.  She was wearing her grandmother's wedding ring and carrying her memories on her bouquet.  She had a hard time keeping the tears back in general.  

In another situation, there was another family member that would completely lose it when the deceased family member was mentioned.  We just chose to keep it out.  ​

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Name and Name would like to take a moment to thank you all for being here with them today. You have shared in some of their best and  worst days, and you are an irreplaceable part of their yesterdays, their today and all of their tomorrows.

We’d like to take a moment to remember those who are not here today.  We know they are here with us in spirit

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This is a special time of celebration and joy that Name and Name will forever remember, and because of this, they are thankful and delighted that you are here to share in their happiness.They also take this opportunity to remember, with love, those who are no longer with us. They are always in our hearts.

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Name and Name are pleased that so many family and friends have come to witness their exchange of wedding vows. Each one of you has been important in their lives, and they look forward to your love and support in the future as they begin life as a married couple. They also wish to acknowledge family members and friends who are no longer with us physically, but whose gifts of love and friendship over the years will always be cherished and remembered. We are certain they are here today in spirit. In their memory, let us be silent together. 
(Moment of silence) 
Thank you.