Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)
Question: My fiancé’s dad is legally blind and I have a cousin who is deaf. We want both of them and anyone else on our guest list with similar impairments to feel included and enjoy the wedding. How can we accommodate hearing and sight impaired wedding guests?
Answer: It’s thoughtful of you to consider this in advance. For your fiancé’s father and any other guests with visual impairments, consider aids such as braille programs and other printed materials, audio assistance and high-contrast signs, available. Discuss these options with your wedding coordinator, printer and venue manager. For hearing impaired guests, hire a sign language interpreter to sign the ceremony and, if it’s in your budget, to be dedicated to your cousin throughout the reception to provide interpretation with other guests. To find a reputable sign language interpreter, visit the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? Respond in the comments or email Melanie@MyNewOrleans.com.
