Tragedy before the wedding

So sorry for your loss. Prayers and strength sent your way.

My fiances dad just passed away in an accident last week. All I can really say is make sure you're surrounded by people that love you, focus on the good times, and be there for him.

Sending prayers and love for your wedding day.

My bffs mother died two weeks before her wedding. It went on as planned bc she would have wanted them to be happy. They included her in memoriam at the ceremony and had her picture at the reception. The FOB spoke of her during his speech.

Sometimes you need something happy to look forward to, to stay positive and to keep moving forward.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Oh how sad! Of course this is hard. You are by your FH's side and that is what he needs the most. Also glad to see that family is also there for you both. Having to deal with tragedy before a wedding is an emotional roller coaster. I think what you are doing is an appropriate response in this situation. There has to be time to grieve but your wedding is a celebration and that needs to happen as well.

I am so sorry for you. You are so strong to be there for FH and his family right now.

Dear God, I'm so sorry to hear this, good vibes and prayers sent your way!!!

I'm so sorry to read this, sending strength and love. Can I make a suggestion? Why not have a reception, maybe not as catered, but have the reception celebrate your marriage and celebrate your fiancée's brothers life. Your fiancé could say a great speech and toast in his honor. I know it's difficult now, but in 10 years you don't want to think back and remember why you never had a reception. Losing someone is awful, heartbreaking, and tragic, and no one can ever make it right, but- while they are gone you will see them again, and life here on earth must go on. Just a suggestion, wish you the best.

I'm so sorry and I just wanted to say that you're very selfless and supportive- and you're doing the right thing. One of my best friends lost her younger brother in a tragic accident last year, and her older brother still carried out his full blown, bells and whistles wedding a month later anyway (in which she had to be a bridesmaid). It was extremely painful for her and caused a lot of resentment towards his now wife for wanted to do it anyway, so on her behalf, thank you for being so sensitive towards your FH & his family.

Thank you all for your comments and support. At first I assumed were going to cancel everything because I felt that my fiancé and his family wouldn't be ready. I didn't want to even touch the subject of the wedding with my fiancé. Then I mentioned it to him and he was surprised I told him we should cancel it. He is so selfless and would have gone through with it for me even though he isn't even much of a social butterfly. But his dad suggested (like some of you said) to do something very small and intimate together as a family. Life is so short sometimes! It's important to focus on what is really important. It's hard to believe that before last week our only worry was the expense of certain things, and which added things we could afford.

I am so sorry for your loss

I'm so sorry for your loss. I would agree that something small with immediate family sounds best for you all.

Very sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers.

My heart breaks for you. I am so sorry to hear about this. You are so selfless and an amazing partner to your fiance and his family. I'm glad you are still going to have something. Maybe in a year or so you can have a happier celebration. There would be nothing wrong with having the reception you wanted for your first anniversary. I can't imagine people not understanding that. I'm sure they would be super supportive. Stay strong.

My son is getting married on September 9, so the closeness of this tragedy to your wedding day really hit me. I put myself -- as much as I am able -- in your situation. Could I, in 26 days, celebrate a wedding with genuine anticipation and happiness? I honestly don't know, but I do understand your decision to alter your plans.

I am so sorry...primarily for the loss of your FH's brother, but also for the loss of a day you've been thinking about, planning for, and working hard to create for a long time.

I would never intrude on such a private situation and decision, but because you mentioned canceling your reception, I can't help but conclude that the sadness has been doubled. You're drowning in grief, and your decision to cancel your reception has been made merely days after your FBIL's passing. I'd urge you to consider, at the very least, a small, romantic, restaurant reception. No, it may not be the big, thrilling party you had planned, but you should still be able to have a few hours, in the midst of an enduring tragedy, to celebrate your love and life-long commitment. It might be exactly what your late FBIL would want, and it may be an opportunity for the immediate family to focus on something positive -- if only for a few hours. Or, perhaps you should consider a postponement until March or April of 2018.

My prayers and deepest condolences are with you both. I'm so very sorry for your loss. May you both find a measure of peace during this very difficult time.

I'm sooo sorry for your loss,My brother passed May 2nd and he was such a huge part part of my wedding that I almost cancelled the whole thing and just went to the courthouse. He was my best friend and we talked about everything we'd do at the wedding. I finally came to the conclusion to still include him by getting his picture put on a canvas and having my maid of honor/my big sister carry it down. He told me he wouldn't miss my wedding for anything and this is my way of letting him keep his word. You supporting him is opening his eyes to how amazing you are, I know because if it wasn't for my FH I couldn't have gotten through it and it made me love him so much more

Thank you all. @crazyinlove I agree we can have a celebration in a year or so for our anniversary. @rachel, thank you for your kind and wise words. You are right. We do have a lot more to think about regarding the details. I hope your sons' wedding is amazing and wonderful. @shantell this whole experience makes me love my fiancé even more, and makes me realize it doesn't matter how big our wedding is. I just want to be with him! You all are so amazing, and truly do make me feel a little warmer inside after all this sadness. So sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Life is so hard sometimes, especially around big days like these where we were supposed to be so happy with all family around to celebrate.

So sorry for your loss. Praying for strength.

Im sorry for your loss. I believe the party should go on as planned. Maybe not as spectacular and upbeat but more relaxed and just celebrate the marriage and his life and the memories everyone has had with him. A nice night to celebrate him and you guys might be what everyone needs to but a smile on their face, even if it's just for that night. It will allow people to be surrounded by others and not be simmering in the heart ache this has brought. I can only guess that some things will still end up being paid for so why not instead of loosing that money just put a twist to it to accommodate this situation.

My condolences