On your special day, the last thing you want to worry about is a gap in communication. From the ceremony to the reception, ASL interpreters at your wedding will ensure that family, friends, and all guests can fully share in your matrimonial joy.
Our Inclusive Communication Services (ICS) interpreters specialize in facilitating communication for those who require American Sign Language and English services, covering everything from the formal exchange of vows and heartfelt toasts to critical announcements and spontaneous conversations between guests.
As you prep for the big day, here are some recommendations to consider:
Requesting Interpreters for Your Wedding Day
Booking the interpreters in advance, ideally 1 to 3 months before your wedding, sets the foundation for a seamless experience. When reaching out to secure their services, be prepared to share the following information:
- A copy of your invitation with the date and location. The invitation should also include names of the bride(s) and groom(s) for spelling purposes.
- Provide information about your Deaf guests including the number of guests and their role in your wedding day. This information will help determine the number of interpreters required to best accommodate your wedding.
- Provide an overall agenda or order of ceremonies.
- Consider sharing your wedding website for additional details.
- We encourage you to book a free session with our Inclusive Team to review logistics concerns and ensure a well-organized event.
Wedding Material Preparation is Key
Once you’ve booked the interpreters, it’s crucial to ensure they receive all necessary preparation materials. This includes the pre-written ceremony scripts, poems, vows, speeches, toasts, and any musical selections with lyrics. Please also provide the names of any wedding party or family members who will be called by name, including the officiant.
We understand some people don’t write their speeches until the last minute, but please keep in mind that part of an interpreters’ job is to show up fully prepared for your big day!
Interpreter Teams
Note that we said interpreters, plural. It’s a common misconception that one interpreter can get the job done. In reality, industry standards require two interpreters, especially for longer events. A team of two interpreters rotates to maintain accuracy and energy throughout the event.
As noted in Language Scientific, “Interpreting is mentally taxing. Studies show that after 20 minutes interpreting, no matter how much of an expert the interpreter is, they will begin to slip and lose information” (2024).
That loss of information works against the interpreter’s goal: ensuring the message is conveyed accurately. Using a team helps maintain clarity and quality. Want to learn more about why interpreters work in pairs? Check out our blog: It Takes 2: The Importance of Teams in Interpreting.
Wedding Rehearsal Considerations
While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended to have the interpreters present at the rehearsal, especially if a Deaf person is a member of your wedding party. Their presence allows for sightlines to be established, last-minute script changes to be accommodated, and ensures peace of mind on the day of the event for all involved.
Interpreter Seating and Set-Up on Your Wedding Day
When considering seating arrangements for Deaf family and friends, keep in mind their need for visual access to the proceedings and the interpreters. Avoid creating a “tennis effect” where guests constantly switch their gaze between the speaker and the interpreter. While each venue presents unique circumstances, interpreters should always be positioned in full view of the audience members requiring their services at the ceremony.
If interpreter services will be used at the reception, provide them with a seat at the same table as your Deaf guests. This not only allows them to eat (which is customary for anyone working your event), but also ensures no moments, jokes, stories, or toasts are missed by Deaf guests while interpreters are away from the table.
Additionally, when hiring interpreters for both the ceremony and reception, please be mindful of the full start and end times. You wouldn’t want to exclude any guest from parts of the celebration. Ensure your Deaf guests receive full access by booking interpreters for the all the time the event truly requires.
Interpreter Etiquette on Your Wedding Day
Even though the interpreters do not dress like the wedding party -don’t worry- they will appear appropriately and professionally attired for your event. If you have specific dress requirements, be sure to inform ICS well in advance. Interpreters maintain professionalism throughout the event, including abstaining from any alcohol consumption to ensure clear communication.
If you have never worked with interpreters before, there’s no need to stress! We recommend booking a free session with our Inclusive Team to discuss some helpful tips such as encouraging your friends and family to interact directly with Deaf guests just as they would if the interpreter were not present. Your interpreter team will work seamlessly in the background to support smooth, comfortable communication exchanges.
Interpreters for Your Destination Wedding
ICS serves the following regions: New York City, Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. If you’re planning a destination wedding, ICS can provide services outside of the United States for a higher compensation due to travel. Flights and accommodations are factored into the overall cost of travel and included in the payment for interpreting services.
Making Your Wedding Day an Inclusive Experience
Your wedding day is a celebration of love and unity. By incorporating ASL interpreters, you’re ensuring that your Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard-of-Hearing (HOH) guests can fully partake in the joyous occasion. Clear communication paves the way for unforgettable memories and genuine inclusivity. Let our Inclusive Team interpreters take care of the communication, while you and your guests focus on embracing the magic of the moment.
Let our Inclusive Team interpreters take care of the communication, while you and your guests focus on embracing the magic of the moment. At ICS, we believe love is love. We are honored to interpret weddings for couples of all religious traditions as well as LGBTQ+ couples, and we proudly support all sexual orientations, gender identities, and preferred pronouns. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us!
