How Important Is It...  

I would discuss it well beforehand with my parents saying that I would really love them to be there but I would quite understand if they didn't feel up to it. My first concern would be that THEY were happy with the arrangements.

If it were possible, I would be prepared to organise transport and wheelchair so that they could attend if they wanted to; otherwise, I would go out of my way to see that the ceremony and reception was videoed so that they could 'join in' later. I know that most elderly parents would appreciate that immensely.

If it were that important to me I would make arrangements to have my wedding as close to them as possible, seeing how traveling is especially hard for them. maybe having the wedding practice at their home would still include them without any effort on their part.

If my parents were sick and couldn't make it. I would have someone else take thier place and I would make arrangements to have the wedding video taped and vist them after the wedding so they could see it. I'm glad that my parents were at my wedding and my dad walked me down the aisle

I'm with you, in fact, I would do my best to move the wedding perhaps to their house if I could, or at least have the wedding in a church and then go by after the reception to share the pictures (ain't digitials great) from someone I'd've asked to take shots for them - clearing it first with the wedding photographer so they understand that these aren't for the album, but just to quick share with the parents.

If possible, I'd move the wedding to where they were. There's nothing wrong with a backyard wedding if their house is big enough and they would like that. Or I'd have it in one of the event rooms in a local hotel or hall. There's no way I wouldn't try my best to make sure my parents could attend! If there was no way to accommodate them because they were so ill, I would videotape the wedding and reception (making sure people greeted them as they would if they were actually there) and watch it with them while they eat a piece of my wedding cake.

If I wantred my parents there for the cerimony I would hold a small one att hier house then if wanted it bigger do it again with stand ins!

If it were me I would probably have to say that for the first one I'd visit them before or after the wedding. If it's the second case I would have someone else step in, I wouldn't want them to not be enjoying themselves, either like you.

If it was a situation where their health could improve in a short time, why not wait to get married? But if i is a chronic illness and would be more of a burden on the parents do it closer to home. Or with today's technology why not do a web cam? Set up a camera and stream the wedding to a computer so that the parents, if they are to frail to attend, can still watch and "feel" like part of the family?

Having your parents at your wedding is extremely important, and I'm sure it's quite important for the parents to attend as well. I would just do things to ensure my parents are comfortable, such as make sure everything has wheelchair access and allow the parent to stay in the wheelchair the whole time. I'd enlist help from friends and other family to ensure the parent has help getting dressed and getting to and from the venues. It's just not the same to visit them the day before or the day after. Plus you have to realize the parent has a choice too. If they don't want to do it, they'll just say no and the bride and groom will have to deal with that or make other accomodations for the parents.

I know parents are the happiest person when it comes to the marriage of their beloved children.If my parents are sick and cannot attend my marriage,i will shift the venue of marriage closer to their residence after discussing it with my fiance.If it is not possible then i will make proper arrangements for their arrival like hiring a cab for them.For the second part,if they are too sick and cannot come to church i will get my marriage videotaped and show them as soon as possible.