How to Name Deceased Parents on a Wedding Program

The job of your wedding program is to help your guests determine which important members of your family are in attendance. Because the program is a guide to attendees, it is not generally appropriate to include the name of a deceased parent in the same place as the rest of your guests. If you want to include a deceased parent on your program without causing confusion, it is best to place the name in a separate area.

Instructions

1. Create your basic wedding program, with sections for the bride, groom, important guests and a basic listing of the day's events.

2. Add a section to the bottom of your program titled "In Memoriam" or "In Loving Memory."

3. Place the names of deceased parents in this section of your program. This honors the deceased without confusing other guests.

4. Include other important but deceased family members if desired, such as grandparents and siblings.

Tips & Warnings

• If you would like to take a moment out of your wedding to honor a deceased family member, consider holding a candle lighting or poem reading and adding this event to your program.

References

• The Knot Q & A: Q&A: Invitation Wording: Including Names of Deceased Parents?
• Pop the Questions: Wedding programs How to Refer to Deceased Parents & Step Parents