In memory of fiancé’s mom that passed away

If it's a daytime ceremony, you might have a legitimate concern.

It's so thoughtful though! Perhaps we can brainstorm alternate ways to honor her?

Honestly, a whole dance plus showing her photo sounds like it might be a lot, especially if she passed recently. What if it's upsetting to some of the guests? I would suggest a more "private" way to honor her, such as wearing her ring on your other hand (I did this) or your fiancé can keep a photo of her in his suit pocket. You can also have your officiant say it during the ceremony: "Let's take a moment to remember those no longer with us, including ____."

I agree with this. The trend of memorials at weddings is relatively new and this takes it to a level that I can easily see causing grief or discomfort to others. IMO it’s a wedding, not a funeral. If it brings comfort, I’d do something more personal.

So for the practical question, you might need to rig up enough of a shade over the screen to give it some shadow so the images can be seen. That can be a problem with an outdoor daytime.


But I’ll join the others in saying be sure that you, your fiance, and other close relatives are okay with such a public memorial. It could be a very sweet and poignant moment, but it could also be uncomfortable crying for both of you. Maybe the dance to her favorite song without the slideshow, or have a candle, flowers, or pictures set up somewhere.
My husband’s mother passed away less than a month before he proposed, and under a year from our wedding. She was very much in all our thoughts at the wedding, and my father-in-law struggled getting through the event as it was without any overt memorials. He ended up asking to cut his toast because he didn’t think he could get through it. We had a special floral arrangement at the foyer to the chapel with an “in loving memory” sign without listing anyone specifically, and I used one of my mother-in-law’s brooches as my “something borrowed,” pinned to the handle of my bouquet.


You’ll want to work with your fiance to find the best type of memorial for you.

I am also having a special song for my mom that passed away. But instead of a projector with her picture, I am having a memorial table. The table has a picture, flowers and a candle that will be lit all night. That might be a good option for you.