Yes, I know not technically etiquette.
I was the bride that cancelled her July Jackson Hole wedding this month due to my father's shortened time on earth. The events were possibly going to overlap which would just be too hard. There is much relief all around.
We learned recently that the town doctor is who gave dad the time frame back in January, while his actual oncologist said that doctor should NEVER have given him a time frame to begin with. The oncologist was furious and thought the town doctor should be fired. (I know my dad and he probably badgered the poor town doctor til he coughed up some number.) The town doctor has not been an active part of my dad's cancer treatment, only the oncologist. Who knows if the oncologist thinks the same thing, but just doesn't say it out loud. We don't know. But this is new news to FI and I.
My mom also said (according to my dad) that dad wanted more chemo and surgeries but the doctors told him no, when in fact the oncologist insisted they do more chemo (they still insist) and my dad actually decided no more treatment, his body is done (my mom actually went to this doctor appointment last week so I know this part was true). Maybe he didn't want us to get on him about refusing treatment so he made up the first story? I don't know, but I respect his choice. I kind of felt like we cancelled the wedding with misinformation - although it's probably for the best anyway. I haven't talked my dad about any of this. He's the one that said don't rearrange anything on account of him. We did because we felt based on the info it was for the best.
In reality, the town doctor is probably not that far off. I do think my dad will pass this year. He thinks so too. He has been battling the cancer a long time and now with no more time buying tools....
So things are even more uncertain now. Such is life.
I have been researching our NEW (and 3rd) location lately for an ELOPEMENT. The goal is to make it a 2 week weddingmoon - get married where we are honeymooning - Canadian Rockies. There was no honeymoon planned previously, it all went to the wedding event. I don't think we have the luxury of planning this last minute based on my research. The summers are short and the place is popular. I worry that waiting too long will make this idea fall through.
April - I have a thesis to finish, cannot elope then
May- Canada is still under snow, cannot elope then
June - could be chilly, but doesn't overlap with chalet dates
July - going to Jackson Hole anyway since already bought some cabins for the cancelled wedding, might as well use them!
August - seems the best month weather wise and we'll be doing some camping on this weddingmoon, overlaps with chalet dates
Would you just go ahead and plan for August? The only vendors really are the marriage commissioner and the photographer. Drive up from Utah, get married, get photos, go to dinner, get a fancy hotel - then resume our 2 week road trip.
Seems like we can cancel this one easily should the sad events go down the week of our wedding.
We don't plan to tell anyone of this new August plan until it gets closer. It's sad to share plans, plans fall through, then I have to go tell everyone, so probably best to wait on this one. No one is invited, maybe FI's parents, but they are retired and can go last minute if they want.
We kind of wanted 2012 if you're wondering why not wait another year. Yes, the original wedding was for July, and this one we're looking at August. I know - not much difference.