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Next weekend is Memorial Weekend, a time to remember and cherish memories of those who've passed. During wedding planning, it can be difficult to thinks of ways to memorialize a family or friend that won't dampen the joyous day for guests.

Recently, we touched on a moving memorial story in a special Mother's Day section of the New York Times. However, if you do choose to have some sort of memorial during your wedding, the following ideas are simple, uplifting ways to honor a loved one:

• Memorial Candle Lighting
  Lighting a candle or even candles for those who have passed during the ceremony is a lovely way to remember loved ones. After lighting, there is typically a moment of silence. Many sites, like this one, have beautiful memorial candles.

• Pictures Tell a Thousand Words
  By placing a photo or even a photo board of the deceased in a prominent spot where guests pass, you can honor your friend or relative. Some couples even leave a book by the photo or photos for guests to leave comments about fond memories they had of the loved one.

• Seat of Honor
  Leaving a vacant chair, even decorating it with flowers or other items, is a wonderful way to show respect and love for those who have passed.

• Wedding Program Remembrance
  Not all couples have a wedding program, but if you do it's effortless to add a memorial note. If you're uncomfortable about having a public memorial, this way of remembrance is much easier as well.

However, you chose to honor deceased loved ones, you should never feel pressured by family or friends to hold a memorial service at your wedding. It's your wedding, and everyone has their own feelings about death and remembrance, so only do what you're comfortable with during your big day.