No flash photography

baystateapple

My little sister/MOH is a severe epileptic, and has been for almost four years.  Only through a lot of trial and error, tons of medications, and seeing a specialist, has she managed to get herself to the point where she's been seizure-free for four months.  It's been a long road.Crux of the issue: she can't be around flashing or blinking lights.We're having an evening wedding, and I've already checked with the church and the reception hall to make sure that the lights in places will be adequate so no flash photography is needed.  Speaking to our photographer wasn't an issue either.  I'm more worried that guests (mainly my FI's side of the family and friends, who aren't aware) will use flash photography and possibly create a bad situation (at best, flashes of light make her dizzy and sick; at worst, they inflict a grand mal).Choosing a different MOH is out of the question.  Is there any way that I can politely word it to my guests (on the invitations or in the program or whatever) that flash photography is just...not okay?

jessiegirl_98

Since this is a big deal, you could include it in the program and I would have someone make an annoucement prior to the ceremony beginning. You can also put your ushers on it to make sure that guests follow this.

Brie2010

I would ask FMIL/FI to try to spread the word amongst his side of the family before the wedding.I would then include a very obvious "flash photography is prohibited" in the program, and perhaps have the program passer-outers say something as people walk in.

WildRumpus

Maybe you can put a note in your program, and announce it when everyone is seated? That's a pretty big deal, I wouldn't worry so much about being polite as I would about getting the message across.

Travis&Cari

I would put it in the program and have the officiant mention something before the ceremony begins.  I've heard it said at many weddings before and no one had a problem with it.

ggmae

I would have someone make an announcement before the ceremony starts to ensure that everyone hears it. Make sure they mention no flashes at ceremony and reception. We wrote something in our program about remaining seated until all parents and grandparents had recessed at the end of the ceremony. Some people didn't get the memo and just walked out when they pleased. Writing it in the program might help, but announcing it is best.

peachkins

Totally agree w/ pp.  I would definitely mention something in the program, but just in case people don't read it I would have the officiant mention it also before the ceremony starts.  It's too big of a deal to trust that it will be spread through word of mouth or programs. 

agk0125

Ditto putting it in the program, making an announcement, and also having your ushers tell people as they seat them.You could also have a sign at the entrance to the church letting people know also. I would also have the sign again at the reception.

mandysmear

I would spread it by word of mouth.  If I was epileptic i don't think I'd appreciating reading a blurb about it or overhearing guests talking about me at the wedding or reception.  Or maybe I would include a note with the invitations, just on a random slip of paper.I would figure out the best way without making my MOH feel like a horses asss because she has a condition. 

baystateapple

The announcement is a good idea.  I thought about it but wasn't sure if that was being too heavy-handed.  My sister is somewhat shy about it, and hates having people make a big deal over her, but at the same time -- I'd rather have her be a little embarrassed than in the ER the night of the wedding, especially when she's almost as excited about it as I am.Our reception venue has offered to put little cards on each place with a reminder, I'm going to take them up on it.

Brie2010

You don't have to mention it's her or that it's because of epilepsy.  Just have the officiant say, "Due to health concerns, absolutely no flash photography."

jessiegirl_98

Definitely don't mention that it's for the MOH. I don't think that an annoucement is too heavy handed. Like you said, it's better than having her end up in the ER. Many people think that announcements like these are suggestions, so I would distribute the info in enough ways to make sure they don't just ignore you.

aerinpegadrak

I would definitely mention that it's specifically for health reasons in the announcement.  You don't have to specify for who or exactly what health reasons, but otherwise people will think it's merely an aesthetic choice, and that certainly their flash won't be noticed.  Or they'll just completely ignore it because the rules don't apply to them.I'm not trying to bag on your family or your FI's, but I've worked in several locations where flash photography is specifically prohibited, and flash pictures still get taken all the time.  Don't feel bad about guilting people into following the rules if it protects your sister.