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Something Borrowed: Incorporating Family Heirlooms into Wedding Deco

Oct 29 / The IWED Blog

What better way to make a pledge to the future than honoring the past? No matter the distances traveled, we bear the imprint of the history that created us, sometimes quite literally carrying it. The china gifted to you by a great grandmother, for instance, or that recipe passed down through the generations. Or maybe just the compassion of those outside our family who helped raise us. They are tangible and intangible embodiments of love withstanding the test of time, testaments to the importance of heritage. Incorporating them into your wedding design is a perfect way to add a personal touch while also paying homage to where and who you came from.

Heirlooms come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the more common ones that are used during celebratory events are rings, brooches, cufflinks, and shawls. Pocket squares and watches too. No matter how vintage or seemingly outdated these items are, their scaled-down size makes for seamless integration into modern wedding decor. Family-owned glasses and linens are also excellent options should you want heirlooms that are a bit more utilitarian. But not all heirlooms can be included of course. Some are far too valuable. Some, such as rocking horses, are a bit too cumbersome and unconventional. If you find that you’re having to rework your decor to such a degree that your vision is completely compromised, it’s ok to leave them behind. There are so many other ways to foreground a legacy.

Showcasing archival family photographs, for example, is a particularly effective way to evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. They also work with just about any theme or setting, indoors or outdoors, winter or spring. If you prefer a more classic and understated look, you can incorporate one into a simple centerpiece. If you’re more maximalist leaning and casual, though, you can string them up alongside some fairy lights and flower garlands as a kind of installation. Either set-up is sure to make a statement.

Intangible cultural heritage also holds a great deal of sentimental value. While cherished objects like lace doilies and sofas can enhance aesthetics, there are other sensory elements that are equally significant. Taste and smell are chief among them. Perhaps there’s a certain meal you grew up with, a dish that was whipped up specifically for special occasions. A wedding celebration is the perfect time to reintroduce them. Let precious memories of your childhood abound and your loved ones know where you came from. 

Our ancestors play a hugely integral role in our lives whether they’re in the room with us or not. This is why family traditions and oral histories, if we have access to them, should be preserved at all costs and shared so they’re never forgotten. Whether they can be touched or not, all of it constitutes a life. An inheritance. Featuring them, whether it be through song or dance or story, on your special day is a beautiful and unique way to honor it.