Newly engaged? Congratulations!

If you aren’t in the middle of wedding-day preparations yet, you will be soon! Planning a wedding can be a huge undertaking. Ask any bride or groom, and they’ll verify that having a good support system is so important during those stressful moments. Your wedding day is all about you, but there are a few key people who deserve some recognition for their lifelong love and support. I’m talking about your parents, of course!

In this post, I’ve compiled a list of the best ways to honor your mom and dad on your wedding day. Whether you put together a grand gesture or create something homemade and from the heart, your parents (and don’t forget your fiance’s parents!) will be grateful you made the effort to remember them. Regardless of how you choose to honor your parents, try to make your efforts personal and special.

Take Pictures with your Parents

A great way to remember your parents on your wedding day and beyond is to make sure you get lots of pictures with them! Before and after your ceremony, grab your parents and in-laws for individual photos with each of them. Moments like these with people you love will be ones you look back on with love and appreciation. Wedding day pictures with your parents also make for great Mother or Father’s Day gifts in the future!

Give Them a Special Gift

Another special way to thank your parents on your wedding day is to give them a gift. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be something personal that you know they’d appreciate. You can give a gift to each of your parents individually, or find something that they both would like.

Write a heartfelt Letter

Sometimes, the best recognition you can give is a letter from the heart. Take some time and think about all the reasons why your mom or dad is important to you and compile it into a handwritten note. Even if you think they already know why you love them, it’s always nice to hear you’re appreciated. Give your parents your letter on your wedding day!

Consider their Seating Placement

When planning your seating arrangements, consider where your parents are seated. By placing them at the head of the table or near the front of the room, you can show them how important they are to you.

Wear a Family Heirloom

Is there a necklace or lapel pin that has been in your family for generations? Maybe a piece of jewelry that was a gift to you from a parent. Wearing a special heirloom on your wedding day is a beautiful way to honor your parents and even your grandparents.

Ask the father of the bride to give a speech

If your parent is comfortable with the spotlight, consider asking them to give a speech at the reception. Traditionally, giving a wedding speech is a big honor. Especially if your father is one for public speaking, this can be a really special way to connect with your parent on your wedding day.

Father/Daughter or Mother/Son dance

And my personal favorite piece of advice: plan a dance with your parent. Before your first dance as husband and wife, put on a special song and dance with your mom or dad. In all the weddings I’ve photographed, these moments are always some of the most special.

I hope these ideas are helpful to you! Remember to think about your parents individually and honor them in a way that is personal to your relationship. No matter what, it will be a day you all remember forever.