Father dying of cancer

My friend was in the same situation and she decided to elope with just her and her fiance's parents at a church and do a big wedding later.

View Quoted Comment 💔 i was kind of thinking this ..

My sister-in-law was in a similar situation ten years ago. She and her husband were all set to get married Labor Day 2011 and had made all the arrangements, sent invites, etc. Unfortunately, she and my husband had another sister who'd been diagnosed with terminal uterine cancer. They got word that despite the treatments, the cancer was progressing too rapidly, and she wouldn't make it to September. The bride said she couldn't get married without her big sister there, so about a month and a half before their original wedding date, they officially got married at a park with only her parents, the dying sister, that sister's twin, her then-husband, and their two kids. (My husband couldn't get the time off work.) The sister died eight days later. The wedding in September became instead a celebration, which my husband was able to not only attend but be in.

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This made me cry so much when I read it. I think I will probably want to do something like this. My fiance is close with my dad as well and he would want to make sure my dad is there to see us. They start a new treatment next week- praying it works so my dad will be able to go to the wedding and see my nephew graduate from high school (his two goals). Thank you so much for sharing this.

I'm sorry you're going through this. Whatever decision you choose, your father will know you love him.

My dad has dementia and I know he wouldn't be able to travel for the wedding next October, let alone what state he would be in then. SO this past Christmas, we did a commitment ceremony and my dad walked me down the aisle, did our father-daughter dance, and I got to have him be a part of it. My younger brother, who I am very close to, will walk me down the aisle at the official wedding, but... My dad is the last parent standing and it was bitter-sweet to share this with him. You do what makes sense for you and your family.

First off I m so sorry to hear what your family is going through. This happened to one of my friends her wedding was all set for Oct but by June it was pretty obvious her sick dad wouldn't make it. They were incredibly close and so this was very difficult for her. She was hesitant to move it up at first because she felt it was giving up on him and I remember someone saying to her ask yourself this will you ever regret making a special memory with him, its not giving up its just ensuring you have a special moment to always carry with you. She ended up getting legally married in her parents front yard at the end of June and invited all the people her dad wanted to see one last time. Her immediate family and the groom's immediate family, the best man, maid of honor (me), and anyone the dad wanted to see was there. A friend took photos she found a short white lace dress at Lord & Taylors, had food catered from a local pizza place, a family friend made her dad's favorite desserts. Her dad was so happy that day it was bittersweet but super special. Her and her siblings gave their dad a very special toast and there was not a dry eye there. Her dad passed away days later and she was so happy they moved it up, she treasures those photos. They kept the big wedding in October too and had a sweet tribute to him. Do what feels best to you. Sending you so much love and prayers for your family.

View Quoted Comment Omg this just made me cry - thank you for sharing such a lovely approach- the inviting people my dad would want to see one last time is such a great addition to the other suggestions/examples.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has shared on this thread. It’s been nice to hear how others have approached this and while I’m praying he makes it I will have these options as my plan B. Going to share these with my mom and fiancé. ❤️🙏

View Quoted Comment I love the idea of doing the father daughter dance at that time- I think he would like that- will definitely be biter sweet but Worth it for the memory.

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Thank you, Laura.

I am so sorry to hear that Tyff. I think everyone above had wonderful suggestions for you. I'll be praying for your dad and your family's comfort during this difficult time!