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, dearmissmanners@gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 6

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