Photo: Jessica Felix Photography
On your wedding day, there’s nothing like honoring the loved ones in your life with something old and borrowed, or you know, several of both. From cuddly handmade quilts that will wrap your guests in love to coveted family recipes passed down for generations, here are four creative ways to incorporate family heirlooms into your wedding.
1. Wrap your guests in grandma’s quilt
Calling all alfresco brides! According to Chancey Charm Houston wedding planner Skylar Caitlin, heirloom quilts and blankets can be strategically used for an outdoor wedding. Consider placing them in a box near your lounge seating for guests taking a break from the dance floor, she advises. “And if you’re the cheesy, sweet type, you could even add a sign that reads ‘wrapped up in love’. Your guests will love that you thought about their comfort and you’ll adore the photo opportunities it creates for the heirlooms.”
2. Toast with heirloom champagne glasses
Wedding planner Samantha Wiley of Chancey Charm Charleston loves incorporating unexpected, and sometimes even unnoticed, heirlooms into a wedding. “Whether it’s toasting with your great grandmother’s champagne coupes or adding ambiance with your grandfathers brass candlesticks, having these antique pieces surrounding you on your big day makes your wedding that much more special,” she says. Plus, it can always be your little secret! “I personally think it’s sweet when just a few people know about these heirlooms at the wedding.”
See More: 6 Sentimental Boutonniere Ideas for Your Groom
3. Share a family recipe (and give guests a taste too!)
For the foodie bride, why not have someone in the family make a dessert from a passed down recipe, suggests wedding and event planner Cat Feliciano, CEO of Events by Cat. Include the recipe on postcards for the guests to take and communicate the meaning behind the dessert in a frame by it, she says. “I worked with a couple that chose to do something like this and had a thin layer cake called Baumkuchen Tree Cake displayed with a tent card explaining the special meaning to the family. It was a beautiful dessert and the guests loved the sentiment.” Another idea would be to use a family recipe for your favors (think cookies or biscuits!), offers Charleston-based wedding planner Francesca DiSalvo-Follmer of Pure Luxe Bride.
4. Decorate your bouquet with heirloom jewelry
An heirloom brooch is a no brainer, of course, but what about something like a family watch, bracelet, necklace or even a rosary, recommends Chancey Charm Richmond wedding planner Alana Futcher. “Wrapping your bouquet is always a good sentiment and you can use anything to do so,” she notes. “Also, as heirlooms often include pieces of jewelry, while you use the original heirloom you can have your girls wear cloned pieces that look just like it!”