Question from Kevin:
What is the proper etiquette when it comes to putting a deceased parent’s name on the wedding invitation? Is it suppose to be done or not?
Answer from Wedding Expert Angela:
Hi Kevin. Deceased parent’s names are not put on the wedding invitation. This video I made on wedding invitation wording will give you the basic guidelines.
Deceased parents are usually acknowledged through a memorial candle or some other act during the wedding ceremony or reception. The ceremony program or bulletin can have wording acknowledging the deceased parent(s). During the wedding, which is a happy occasion, the deceased usually do not play a large part. Acknowledgement of the deceased in done in a subtle way either through the ceremony or reception. Sometimes they are mentioned in the speeches, and at other times, if there is a photo display of the couple’s life to this point, a picture of the deceased parent(s) will be included.
From an etiquette standpoint, at a wedding you want to acknowledge the person without drawing undue attention to the fact that they are dead.
If you have further questions, please feel free to ask.
Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Wedding Expert