what to do about ASL interpreter?

cruffino

fi's parents are both deaf and we'll be having a number of deaf guests at the wedding. one of the guests graciously offered to ASL interpret during the ceremony. i have a couple of questions about it:

1) is it ok to accept the offer? i want her to enjoy her evening as a guest, and not "work"? 

2) if we do accept, i'd like to get her a gift...what kind of gift is appropriate?

3) we'll need an interpreter throughout the reception as well and plan on hiring one. should we ask the hired interpreter to also do the ceremony (whether or not 

we accept this woman's offer) or just leave it at the reception? 

i don't want to offend this woman, but i don't know her, she's fmil's friend so i'm getting this information secondhand. fmil is out of town until the end of the month, but i do plan on discussing it with her soon. 

generally, has anyone hosted deaf guests before? is there anything i should prepare for? we'll have very low centerpieces at their tables so nothing blocks their communication and will have the ceremony and menu printed up. fmil and ffil are giving input and they know best, but i just want to make sure i cover my bases. 

Jean0715

My FMIL is an ALS Interpreter and I have been to a few functions with a mix of deaf/hearing people. If she has offered to interpret and she is a certified interpreter I say go ahead. Why would you need her to interpret for the entire reception? Personally, I would only interpret the ceremony.  That is the most important part and after that guests will be mingling amongst people they know. 

I would get her a gift or tip her for her help, and feed her. If you have 'hired' her she should be fed like you would your photographer/DJ. 

For the first dance/daddy-daughter dance/mother-son dance why not make 'programs' listing the lyrics to the songs that are available at each table. That way they can see the lyrics and see the written significance. 

Simply Fated

If you hire someone for the reception, then it'll probably make sense to also have themm interpret for the ceremony, too.

You probably won't need one for the reception, though.

"generally, has anyone hosted deaf guests before?"
I've had a few deaf friends. I know limited sign language and they knew how to read lips, so communication is rarely an issue.


" is there anything i should prepare for?"
Not really. It's like with an "impairment," in that everyone knows how to adjust to their surroundings.
And what you posted next sounds great...

" we'll have very low centerpieces at their tables so nothing blocks their communication and will have the ceremony and menu printed up. fmil and ffil are giving input and they know best, but i just want to make sure i cover my bases."
These are all great ideas. Try not to worry so much, though. Surely at least some of them have been to hearing weddings before and know what to expect and how to handle things like communicating with hearing staff members.

When in doubt, keep turning to your future in-laws.


ETA IMO, if you do hire someone, then you should treat them as a vendor. If you use this family friend of your FMIL, then I think you should get her a gift and invite her to the RD, if you're havibg one.

cruffino

thanks for the input. i'll talk more with fmil when she gets back in town. i was thinking we needed an interpreter for the reception for at least the beginning with announcements of bridal party and speeches, but i guess not for the whole night.

zizibet

I would get the interpreter for both, personally-because of the intros and the toasts and also for table visits.. If FMIL's friend  is certified, I'd consider getting one just for the reception.

Simply Fated

Do you mean intros, like when the bride and groom come in to the reception? You don't need an interpreter for that. They can see you guys cone in and I'm going to guess they know who you are.
Interpreters for table visits are also unnecessary. Can fiance sign? Can his parents sign? They can interpret.

If you really want to take an extra step, you could consider learning some quick, common signs, like thank you, welcome, and hello. THAT could thrill anyone who communicates in a different language. Don't stress over being able to communicate properly with them. Cellphones have text capabilities and smiles are universal.

Kristin789

All of our school events are ASL translated (I'm a college prof), and each interpreter can only do it for about 45 minutes to an hour.  This isn't something that one person can do for hours and hours.