Sometimes it takes an unfortunate, serious occurrence to make it clear to everyone what is really important in their wedding. This bridal couple is stepping up to the challenge.
A local bride asks…
“I need a response quickly, please. My fiancé and I have a fabulous wedding planned that is about three months out. All of our friends and families have received Save-the-Date cards. My future mother-in-law has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness and we’re not sure how long she will be with us. We really want her to be at our wedding, but don’t know how to move back the event to sometime very soon. Can you help?”
The Wedding Guru says…
Let me first commend you for your mature, intelligent decision. Weddings are about people you love sharing your marriage, so arranging a “quickie” wedding so that your mother-in-law can attend is absolutely the right thing to so.
I’m assuming it’s not possible to reschdule your venue, entertainment, and caterers for an earlier date; luckily, there are many options for couples who need to schedule a wedding in a very short period of time. Start by checking availability at venues for “off days” like Friday or Sunday. These are days that are less common for weddings, so you’ll have more luck finding an available venue.
Select a venue that has an on-site caterer and offers a full-service wedding that includes everything you need. This way, you won’t get bogged down with running around and dealing with details.
You might want to also consider a backyard picnic or barbeque. Some caterers can provide the soup-to-nuts type of service that includes everything related to food, such as tables, chairs, dinnerware, and so on. Bring in a deejay and, if none are available, ask a friend to record music on an iPod and attach it to speakers. Ask one of your attendants to pick up some flowers locally to place in vases on the tables.
If you can’t find a venue that works for you, consider a ceremony and reception in a restaurant. Cut back to immediate family and close friends and let everyone else know that you’ll be having a party for all the guests who don’t make the intimate wedding.
What’s most important is to focus on having your dear ones with you on your special day. You’ll never be sorry that you took the high road. Best of luck to you and your mother-in-law.
Got more questions? Write to me at judy@hvmag.com
