"No flash" reminders -- how much is overkill?

baystateapple

I know most of you probably saw me mention this before, but my little sister/MOH has severe epilepsy, and we can't have any flash photography at the wedding or reception.  The chances of her having a grand mal seizure are rare, but she is very susceptible to "petit mal" seizures, which are much less dramatic but still usually leave her feeling light-headed, nauseous, and exhausted for hours afterward.  Generally after she has a petit mal, she's unable to function normally and has to sleep the side effects off for a few hours.  So you can see why we're trying to avoid her having one (always, not just during the wedding).

I've already spoken to the church coordinator, the priest, our photographer, DJ, and the staff at the hotel where we're having the reception.  We're putting a reminder in our programs.  The hotel staff told us we should probably put reminder cards on the tables at the reception hall, so that guests don't forget. 

Am I just being too overcautious at this point?  And if not, should I put cards at each seat, or just one sign on each table (maybe next to the table number)?

I don't want to go completely overkill, but I don't want my little sister getting sick or hurt at my wedding, either.  Advice is welcome.

kikibaby

I think a little reminder on the tables, next to the table number is good.  Your concern is understandable.

texagj

I don't think its overkill at all! I agree wholeheartedly with the card idea as well. I know you don't want to sound like a pain but that kinda thing is not something to play with and your sisters health is very important. I've seen too many seizures take a patient in the wrong direction and IMO I think its wonderful your taking such consideration for her health

sarah0725

I agree that you should put a card on the tables next to the table numbers, and I'd also like to caution you that you may have some boneheads taking flash pictures anyway, even after all the warnings. How do I know this? Because I've been in lots of art museums and seen people using their flashes all over the place in front of incredibly delicate paintings. People are dumb.

My brother is also epileptic, and although he doesn't seem to have too much trouble with flashing lights, his seizure disorder isn't exactly what one would call under control - it's not a fun illness to have.

[Deleted User]

I think putting a card at each table would be fine.  I wouldn't put one at each seat necessarily, but definitely each table.  You have every right to be concerned, hopefully everything goes smoothly!

pizzanfries4me

I think it would be overkill if you just didn't want to have the flash in your eyes and you put annoucements out for the guests. But when it comes to someones safety then I would say it and put out as many cards as possible. Are guests allowed to take photos during your ceremony or is that something only the professional photographer will do? If anyone can take photos maybe you just want to change it to no guests taking photos during the ceremony - thats what we did. You can trust that the professionals will remember your warning and will be super careful. And during the reception the 1st thing I'd have the dj announce is no flash photography (he doesn't need to provide details if you dont want them - but just say that rule will b strictly enforced)

baystateapple

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_flash-reminders-much-overkill?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:a8abfed2-d1e2-4d7e-9f15-fae467dc0462Post:c7b13797-cc11-45cb-a6ed-698a15d304a6">Re: "No flash" reminders -- how much is overkill?</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree that you should put a card on the tables next to the table numbers, and<strong> I'd also like to caution you that you may have some boneheads taking flash pictures anyway, even after all the warnings. How do I know this? Because I've been in lots of art museums and seen people using their flashes all over the place in front of incredibly delicate paintings. People are dumb</strong>. My brother is also epileptic, and although he doesn't seem to have too much trouble with flashing lights, his seizure disorder isn't exactly what one would call under control - it's not a fun illness to have.
Posted by sarah0725[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I figure this will happen anyway...I'm hoping there are enough people there who will let anyone taking a picture know that he/she is being an insensitive idiot.  My family (of course) knows, FI's family (most of it, at least) is aware, and all of my friends know, I'm just not certain how many of FI's friends are aware that my sister has seizures.

skippylouwho

Because this is a serious health concern I think putting a reminder on tables is the right thing to and I'd probably put - in large, bold font (very large)

        ABSOULTELY  

                NO  

 FLASH   PHOTOGRAPHY.

goetzr19

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_flash-reminders-much-overkill?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:a8abfed2-d1e2-4d7e-9f15-fae467dc0462Post:8f23050a-eb98-42bc-bf55-b30140e57bfb">Re: "No flash" reminders -- how much is overkill?</a>:
[QUOTE]Because this is a serious health concern I think putting a reminder on tables is the right thing to and I'd probably put - in large, bold font (very large)         <strong><em><u>ABSOULTELY                   NO    FLASH   PHOTOGRAPHY.</u></em></strong>
Posted by skippylouwho[/QUOTE]

THIS.  I also like the idea that @pizzaandfries came up with about having your DJ announce it.  If there is going to be alcohol, people will likely forget, and therefore having 2 or 3 (no more than that) announcements would be good.  Make one at the beginning, and then only have him announce it if you notice flashes going off.  As long as your sister is ok with it, you could have the DJ mention that because of medical conditions of a guest (not mentioning names) no flashes are allowed.  But I don't know how personal you want to get. 

Also, have FI tell his friends.  That way all bases are covered.

katiewhompus

I'm wondering if it wouldn't be a good idea to put the reason for the no flash on the cards as well. Maybe something like "Due to health concerns, absolutely no flash photography is to be used at any time".

I could just see someone going "Geez, it's not like the flash is going to ruin her wedding pictures or something" and not realize that it's a health concern.

goetzr19

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_flash-reminders-much-overkill?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:a8abfed2-d1e2-4d7e-9f15-fae467dc0462Post:d675b71d-85b1-4dee-8832-c6f2bc10d8be">Re: "No flash" reminders -- how much is overkill?</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm wondering if it wouldn't be a good idea to put the reason for the no flash on the cards as well. Maybe something like "Due to health concerns, absolutely no flash photography is to be used at any time". I could just see someone going "<strong><em><u>Geez, it's not like the flash is going to ruin her wedding pictures or something" and not realize that it's a health concern.</u></em></strong>
Posted by katiewhompus[/QUOTE]

Good point.  A number of people might realize that churches hold restrictions against flash photography, but not at the reception.  Again, I would definetly put something on the cards that it is a medical condition.  That will emphasize the importance.

Your sister is lucky to have you be so considerate of her :)

hetshup

I also think you should hire bouncers and have them perform flying tackles if someone uses flash photography.


Ok, really? I would have signs, have the DJ annouce it and have it spread via word of mouth.

nannewmur

First of all, you are a very considerate, loving sister to think of your sister like this!

In my experience with dealing with the public, some people have to have it spelled out so I think spelling it out on signs is great, and, unless your sister does not want, I would put "DUE TO A HEALTH CONCERNS, ABSOLUTELY NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY IS PERMITTED."  Many people are aware flashing lights can trigger seizures but some do not.  If you put the "Due to health conerns" on it, it gets your point across more.  Good luck!!

calindi

Honestly, since this is actually a health concern and not just a personal preference, I would have the officiant announce it before the ceremony, and then also have the DJ announce it before the reception.  Also, a note on each table and perhaps a little insert in the program, just to be sure!

Meaghann17

Maybe even put the word out through your website.

I would definately add something like "Due to health concerns.."

Because I know for sure some of my family/friends would do as pps mention and ignore it unless they realized it was potentially harmful to someones health. You could be ok though through the signs you have planned and word of mouth?

Good luck!