Expert Advice from wedding guru, Sharon Naylor
Question:
I knew it was a possibility that one of out groomsmen would be deployed with his Army unit when we asked him to be a part of our wedding, but we all agreed it was something we'd deal with if it happened. As we've gotten closer to the wedding (Oct 30) it's about a 99.9% chance that he will not be able to be there. My fiance and I decided to ask one of my close cousins to step in (no big deal). But I really want to still recognize the Army groomsman who has supported us for so long but now cannot be there in person. How can I include his commitment to us on our program?
Answer:
Oh, that's a lovely idea! On the back of the progra, the bride and groom usually print a note of thanks to their parents, and they thank their guests for sharing their special day with them. That's where you can write a special note to that groomsman. It might look like this:
"We'd also like to send our thanks and love across the miles
to our very dear friend and groomsman-in-spirit, (his name),
who has been so supportive of us for so long. We ask that you lift a glass to him and to his fellow soldiers on this special day."
or something like that. Keep it a secret from him, and now here's part 2: sometime during the reception, ask your guests (or a circle of friends and family members who know him) to raise their glasses in a toast to him and have everyone wave to him as someone videotapes this tribute on their digital camera [not your pro video, if you're having one.] Then, you can send him the video link and scan and e-mail him a copy of the wedding program so that he can see it right away. He's going to *love* it that you included him in your day!!
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