Can’t attend your wedding? Most people want to have the wedding of their dreams. It’s your one day, so you want to make it memorable.

This could mean all of the relatives you rarely speak to attending, a build-your-own sandwich bar, or a bluegrass band that plays 90’s music. Whatever weird stuff you’re into, I won’t judge. It’s your day after all.

However, COVID-19 has likely put a wrench in your grand plans. Some people have had their weddings over Skype, which hardly seems like a day to remember.

Imagine the big day you’ve dreamt of your entire life, now envision being unable to attend. Technological advancements and unforeseen circumstances have made this once bizarre notion a growing trend in today’s modern weddings.

Key Points For What To Do When You Can’t Attend The Wedding

-Technological advancements

-Virtual weddings

-Unforeseen circumstances

-Surrogates at ceremonies

–Legal implications

-Emotional challenges

-Emerging trends in the wedding industry

Technological Advancements

The rapid rise of virtual platforms has transformed wedding dynamics. Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime allow couples to tie the knot, even oceans apart.

This isn’t merely about long-distance relationships. Military deployments, immigration issues, or health concerns can lead to virtual “I dos.” While not traditional, it has its charm.

Illness, accidents, or last-minute work obligations can bar a bride or groom from physically attending. In these cases, technology or a stand-in might save the day.

Reasons Why Couples Might Miss Their Own Wedding

Ever seen a tablet on a stick, rolling down the aisle? Some couples opt for robotic surrogates, giving a whole new meaning to ‘walking down the aisle.

While heartfelt, virtual weddings may face legal scrutiny. Marriage laws differ globally. It’s essential to ensure that the union is legally binding.

Missing one’s wedding is tough. Emotions run high, with feelings of disappointment and frustration. But technology and adaptability can offer silver linings.

Customized virtual wedding packages, VR wedding experiences, and digital wedding planners are on the rise. The industry adapts, proving love knows no bounds.

In the age of digital transformation, the timeless act of marriage has evolved. From heartfelt Skype ceremonies to robotic stand-ins, couples are finding inventive ways to say “I do.” Whether driven by passion or necessity, one thing’s clear: love, in all its forms, will always find a way.

Can’t attend a wedding last minute

As a family law expert, this begs an interesting question. 

Do you have to attend your wedding in person? If you were not in Canada, could someone be your “agent” at the ceremony? Minus the kiss of course.

When you want to get married in Canada, you first get your marriage license (at London Drugs in some provinces) and then have a wedding ceremony ( normally not on Skype).

As the last step, within two days of the wedding, the person who conducts your wedding will send off the paperwork to the Vital Statistics Agency. Once it’s been registered, you are married! The first step really should have been to sign a marriage agreement.

You are then free to determine if you were meant to be or not, hire a law firm if not, and start the multiyear divorce process. It is easy to get married, and hard to get divorced.

Getting married is so easy, that when it comes time for the ceremony, you might not even have to show up at all. There is something called a proxy marriage. It is normally used when someone is in the Navy and is away at sea for an entire year.

Hiring An Agent To Attend The Ceremony

Someone can stand in for you at the ceremony. However, you need to sign paperwork with your agent, the person who is representing you at the ceremony.

Some people in the military want to get married quickly because it can lead to increased pay or benefits. The military person’s spouse might get health benefits as well. This could easily be worth over $10,000 over a one-year period.

Sometimes proxy marriages are used in unique situations. This can include people in jail, during COVID-19, or forest firefighters who are away for many months at a time.

You can get married without attending, but you won’t be able to enjoy the marriage ceremony ambience of mason jars, Facebook photo booths, and an overpriced wedding cake. Can’t attend your wedding? Do the best you can.

Alistair Vigier is the CEO of ClearWay Law, a website that connects people with attorneys.