Whether your best friend is about to give birth, or an elderly relative is unable to travel, there are many reasons why some friends and family may not be able to attend your wedding celebrations.
While nothing can ever compare to having your nearest and dearest actually present to celebrate this important milestone with you, there are ways to help those who can’t attend feel like they’re experiencing the wedding along with you. Check out these ideas:
Invite Them Anyway
There may be some family members or friends who let you know far in advance that they won’t be able to attend. Send them an invitation anyway. It may seem like an extra expense, but it’s an important gesture.
Livestream the Ceremony
With today's technology you can livestream your ceremony so that they can watch the event as it happens! Your videographer may be able to assist you in setting this up, you can even live stream in 360 degree video, so that your absent loved one can watch with VR googles and be fully immersed in the action! See our guide to setting up a livestream!>>>
Create a Wedding #Hashtag
Make sure your guests are aware of your wedding hashtag and encourage them to post photos and video from the big day on social media. Those who aren’t able to attend can follow the hashtag and feel like they’re celebrating along with you!
Give a 'Shout Out'
Mention those close to you who were unable to attend during your speeches. Ask your videographer to record your speeches and send a copy to your absent friend or loved one.
Play a Favourite Song
Ask your DJ or band to play a song that makes you think of your family member or friend. It’s subtle, and maybe only you will know the song’s significance, but it’s still a nice gesture.
Give Them a Call
If there is an elderly relative who is not tech savvy, it’s a nice gesture to take a moment out of the day to give them a quick phone call and let them send their congratulations. It might be difficult to take the time to call them, but it will certainly be appreciated.
Hire a Videographer
Whilst photographs are (usually!) a wonderful record of the day, nothing beats video when it comes to reliving the experience. Videographers capture all the details, as well as the smiles, the tears and the ushers careering about the dance floor. Watched together, a video will be the best way for absent friends and loved ones to share the day with you. Here's 7 questions to ask your videographer.>>>
Save Some Cake
You’re probably already freezing the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, so why not also save a slice for a family member or friend who couldn’t attend? If you’ll be seeing them in the near future, bring them a slice of frozen cake for a sweet memory of the day.
Send them a Present
Your friend or family member will be delighted to receive a little gift in the mail from you—and it will help them feel like they actually attended your wedding.
Pay a Visit
If a friend or family member cannot attend your wedding due to illness, try to visit them as soon after the wedding as is feasible. We know of a couple who visited an elderly grandmother on their way to the airport for their honeymoon—a lovely gesture that brightened Granny’s day!
Is Hiring a Wedding Videographer a Must or a Maybe? Find out here!>>>
