How to include absent family in wedding ceremonies

Whether it was extreme weather, airplane delays, or visa problems, many of the important family members of some couples were unable to attend their weddings this month. Some were out of country and could not get visas. Some were unable to afford to travel from one coast to another, and some were stranded.
We used our cell phones, and had friends set up speaker phones for distant places. (Be sure to check the time difference across the ocean!) We managed to have two absent moms offer their blessing via phone - and integrated it into the ceremony. We had people fax their personal messages, and read them in the ceremonies. One mom sent a mantilla by fedex so the bride could wear 'something borrowed'. We lit candles, held hands in silence, rang a meditation bowl, and sent pictures by cell phone and set up instant blogs. We asked other family members to stand in for missing ones and speak for them. We listed family names in the ceremony. Of course we saved flower petals, a wine glass, and a copy of the ceremony, as keepsakes.
Consider having a vow renewal and family wedding blessing if you can get together with missing people at a later time. Repeat parts of the ceremony, have missing relatives light candles, and offer a wine toast. A wedding is not just one day -- it's a family event.