How to include a deployed brother in your wedding

I like the idea of a recorded speech. We also mentioned deployed friends and family in the prayers of the faithful (not sure if you're having a religious ceremony) and did a toast to all of them later. I would be careful about the empty seat with the flag, that really seems more appropriate if he had died and could come across as pretty morbid.

I don't know if yall could get the timing right depending on what he is doing overseas but I have a friend whose fil was in ICU. They set up Skype and skyped with him while getting ready and after the ceremony. All of it was caught by the videographer. They are so thankful as he passed a few weeks after the wedding.

I do like the recorded speech idea.

We have a friend who was in Afghanistan up until recently, and he served as a groomsman in the wedding via Skype. One of the other groomsmen held the computer. Everyone loved that!

Our friends did the recorded speech thing when their best man was deployed. It was really sweet, and his wife stood in for him in the ceremony as the "best woman"

I attended a wedding for my FH's good friend who's brother was deployed. He had recorded a really cool video that was played during speeches and it was the greatest thing ever. I will warn you that there wasn't a dry eye in the room! It was really special and heart felt and a great way to include him in their wedding.

I love the recorded speech Idea & the chair with the flag (which you could drap over it or fold) It would def. be beautiful. You could maybe get a picture of you sitting in a chair next to it?

I like the recorded speech... the flag and the photo reminds me too much of memorial chairs. I'd honestly think he'd been KIA.

Yep, not to be repetitive but from a military standpoint, I would really, really encourage not doing the empty chair with a flag. It's reminiscent of a draped coffin/memorial service and I think it would set the wrong tone.

You ladies are so lucky you live in an age where Skype is available. I love that idea. I also love the pre-recorded video. I'm in the no-flag on the chair camp. I would immediately assume that this was a memorial for a solider who died in combat.

I like the video idea. I would also mention him in the program.

I like the video and recorded speech ideas too.

Yeah I've come to like that idea a lot too lol. I don't want it to seem like he's gone at all, because he's alive and well! I just want home to know that we are thinking about him and missing him on the special day ❤️

Love the video and recorded speech. Can he skype?

Oh, @ Alexandra.... I know most active duty find this to be a little awkward and embarrassing, being a veteran myself, send him my thanks for his service, and to your parents for encouraging him to become such a selfless man who would serve.