Deaf wedding guests

I think you should take the extra time to have a copy of the major ceremony things like the vows for them to follow if they have a hard time at any point in the ceremony reading lips. I know it can be hard to have the pastor/priest/or JP give you Exactly what they are going to say word for word so having the major things like reading and vows and prayer etc printed in the program or for them would be helpful. since they said that they wouldn't want you to hire a translator then I think that might be the best way to go. Seat them close too.

My grandparents were deaf and they preferred to read lips and often found the translators hard to follow because they werent used to their style.

I don't think you need to get an interpreter. I think having a reserved spot for them at your ceremony venue/church would be enough where they can read lips. But, it doesn't seem to be too expensive either. I suppose it depends on the family.

I have a moderate hearing loss, so do have problems hearing in places where people speak softly or where background noises are loud (wedding receptions). One thing you are not considering is the fact that this couple has probably been to other weddings in the past, and are honored to be invited to yours. I've gone to weddings where I didn't hear every single word that was spoken, but there was no mistaking depth of emotion between the couple.

Where the concern comes in is the reception. People might want to chat, and are often "turned off" by people who have a hearing problem. I would make sure paper and pen/pencil is prettily and discretely placed at the table to make communicating with the hearing community easier for them. If they have stated they do not wish an translator, then I would not push the issue. Respect their wishes.

I forgot to say last night. There are places that will have free services for deaf for things such as wedding and etc. Here in vermont we have a service in our area and the interpreter are paid by the state or the company that they are working for so you wouldnt have to pay. Also about paper and pen. A lot of people think that is the best way to communicating with deaf. be honest, that could be the worst way becuase it is straight english where ASL you do not do straight english. Just becareful with that.because deaf people do get messup with writting.

Hmm, well more than likely the kids are fluent in ASL since both parents of HI.. i don't know their ages, but if they are old enough then they can interpert for them.. by the way its called interpert for the HI, not translate as in from English to Spanish

Ive asked my co-worker if there was anything she needed me to do to help her enjoy the occasion. She said just being able to attend was more than enough. She said she didnt need an interpreter and if she isnt clear about something she will ask her husband. She joked with me and told me that I could text her the whole ceremony... hahaha thats how we communicate alot while at work. She is so funny. She assured me that anything she needs she will take care of. Im still planning on putting a copy of our vows in the programs. Not just for her, but also in case people cant understand us with the crying =)

Glad you talked to them and got it figured out, and I'm sure that no one will be thinking you were rude for not getting a translator, and if anyone asks, just tell them that you talked to the couple and they said they did not need one..

I am a professional sign language interpreter and have Deaf people in my family-depending on your state, there may be money available through a state agency to hire interpreters if the Deaf couple's concern is money only. not all Deaf people use interpreters so i cant assume they would like to have interpreters at all. but Deaf people who sign should always be provided with interpreters at something like a wedding because someone like a spouse/friend should not be the fallback "interpreter"-professional interpreters dont do weddings without having a team of 2 or more interpreters because of the tremendous work involved in the interpreting process. but sometimes local interpreting programs have students who can work under the guidance of a qulified interpreter and they will sometimes give you a discount.

But some people had mentioned hiring a student or others and this is actually illegal in many states because interpreters are required to be licensed and/or certified

Sorry my above comment was so long (and this one) but wanted to give u some options...interpreters can be very expensive so i would check into grant or state funds if you would like to go ahead and get the interpreters to include your guests. rid.org has national information about interpreters if you are interested and you can always google "ASL interpreters" and your state and you should come up with an interpreter referral agency

I cant imagine your Deaf guests would like to sit through a whole wedding and reception without interpreters-how boring for them! Imagine yourself being a wedding guest at a wedding in somwhere like Russia, with no one speaking English...not very fun for myself, I will be having 3-4 interpreters at our wedding

Good luck!

I agree a lot with rayne. I will be having 2 interpreter at my wedding as well. Might need one though to stand with me since I might end up sayin HUH the whole time. lol. but again my family used to that

I'm an interpreter in training, and highly recommended hiring an interpreter (they're called interpreters, not translators :-)!) While members of the deaf community have learned to adapt, they have to adapt in every form of life, and going the extra mile to hire an interpreter just shows that you value them. They're there for you, and to have fun, but they're going to probably be a bit reserved because of the language barrier, at least make it easier to enjoy their time.