How to Include Memorial Jewellery in a Wedding or Family Event
The times we feel the loss of a loved one most strongly is typically when we get together as a family. When the whole family is together but someone is missing, the loss is palpable. This is why we often look for ways to memorialise them when we come together in celebration.
Introducing memorial jewellery and other keepsakes into an event is a beautiful way to honour the memory of those who are no longer with us. It can bring comfort to those left behind while also paving the way for everyone to feel comfortable talking about those who are no longer with us.
If you’re wondering about how memorial jewellery and other keepsakes could be included in a wedding, family gathering or other special occasion, we have some wonderful ideas to consider.
Add memorial ashes to a wedding band
If a beloved family member isn’t going to be present at your wedding, this can be a devastating revelation. But this doesn’t mean you can’t honour them in a truly unique and special way.
Creating your wedding bands containing the ashes of those who aren’t going to be present on the day is a beautiful way to keep them close and feel the presence of their spirit. It can bring your strength on your big day while also giving you the freedom to allow yourself to feel the weight of your loss.
There is a temptation to try to shut out the heavy emotions and to pretend that everything is fine, but there is no reason to do this. Weddings are supposed to be emotional occasions, so you should allow yourself to feel the full depth of your joy and the sadness that your loved one can’t be there.
| Occasion | Memorial Option | Jewellery Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wedding Day | Add ashes to wedding bands | Rings | A symbolic way to include a loved one on your special day |
| Gifts for Family | Create personalised keepsakes | Earrings, Cufflinks | Thoughtful pieces that family members can wear daily |
| Family Dinner or Gathering | Use engraved glass stones or placeholders | Decorative glass keepsakes | Keeps the memory present during shared meals or events |
| Birthdays or Anniversaries | Wearable and continuous memorial jewellery | Forever bracelets | A constant symbol of love to wear every day |
| Milestones & Graduations | Wearable tribute pieces with ashes or fur | Necklaces, Bracelets | Provides emotional support during significant life moments |
Create memorial earrings or cufflinks
Another touching way to mark a special occasion is with special earrings or cufflinks. By adding the ashes of a loved one to your jewellery, it creates a special bond that cannot be broken. If your bridesmaids and groomsmen are also family members, this could be a beautiful gift.
The wearer will feel the strength of their loved one’s presence and it can help them to get through days that might be difficult without them. This would be a touching gift for a wedding, a graduation or the first day of a new job.
These special earrings or cufflinks can then be saved for special occasions, or worn whenever the person needs to feel closer to the person they have lost. If you’re considering these kinds of designs, you may also want to read our guide on what to ask when buying cremation jewellery or glass art memorials.
Save a place at the table
Ashes can be added to decorative glass stones that are then engraved with a message or a name. This is the perfect placeholder for saving a seat at the table during special family dinners. It’s also common to light a candle for your loved one to remind everyone of their presence.
These commemorative stones can be used for special occasions, Christmas gatherings, or for your weekly Sunday lunch. It doesn’t have to be a big event to make the space to remember your loved one.
This can be helpful for children as it lets them know that it’s okay to talk about their loved one. The loss stops being an elephant in the room and there is space to talk about their memories. You never know – it could pave the way for some beautiful conversations about those who are missing from the table.
Mark their birthday with forever bracelets
On your loved one’s birthday, it can be difficult to know what to do. There is a temptation to ignore it and wait for the feelings to pass. But there is a better way to mark the day. Get your loved ones together and book an appointment for forever bracelets.
These are delicate bracelets that contain a small vessel holding the ashes of your loved one. Rather than having a clasp that you can remove, the bracelet closing link to welded shut while you are wearing it. This means that you do not take the bracelet off.
This can be a beautiful way to get together with your loved ones and share a special experience. The bracelet will bond you together with the person you have lost, but also bonds you with those who attend the appointment with you. This can pave the way for some beautiful conversations about love and loss.
Final thoughts on memorial jewellery and keepsakes
As you can see, there are lots of ways to include the memory of a loved one in a wedding or other special occasion. Jewellery and other keepsakes remind you that it’s okay to feel their loss. It’s okay to feel sadness. And it’s okay to want to include them in your special occasions. Just because they cannot be there physically, it doesn’t mean you cannot save space for them spiritually.