MISS MANNERS by Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I received a wedding invitation from a good friend that began, “Mrs. Sallie Doe and the Late Mr. John Doe request the presence of your company at the marriage of their daughter.”

I was torn between amusement and pity. Assuming I could not attend, how would one direct regrets to the Dear Departed?

Now I’m wondering if the Dear Departed will be on hand to give the bride away -- which might be a compelling reason to attend. A penny for your thoughts?

GENTLE READER: That you should try very hard to suppress the amusement and go with the pity.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, gentlereader@missmanners.com; or through postal mail to Miss Ma

See Full Page