Sheldon Mermelstein from Teaneck, NJ wrote:

Dear Rabbi,

Would you discuss the custom of visiting deceased relatives in the cemetery before getting married? Thanks very much.

Dear Sheldon Mermelstein,

There is a widespread custom that one visits deceased parents and grandparents before marriage. The reason is first that they should intercede in Heaven for the success of the marriage, and also to "invite" them to the wedding. It is traditionally known that their spirit comes to the wedding and partakes of their descendant's joy.