Have I mentioned that my amazingly talented, wonderful, a-sister-to-me, MOH is also a Crip?
No silly! That's a gang!
She's a Crip which is Muscular Dystrophy Camp slang for a Cripple... someone in a wheelchair. She's the best person I have ever met (okay she ties with the FI) and I forget that everyone notices the big huge wheelchair.
Personal Photo of MOH in her Wedding-Decked-Out-Wheelchair
But to me it's sort of second nature. I have driven MOH around since I was 16 and could drive her minivan with Father approval. Because for obvious reasons, she couldn't ride in my car!
Ok it's not that cool... it's a forest green minivan with a somewhat-big-obnoxious ramp that takes forever to come down and honestly how can you make that look cool? Meh!
This brings me to my point.... Ladies if you have a member of your bridal party or a guest who happens to be in a wheelchair (power or otherwise) make sure to compile a list of handicapable questions! Here's what I asked at each meeting:
At the Venue:
Me: (As I stared at some stairs leading into the chapel- OMFG) There are stairs- how can we get people in wheelchairs into the Chapel?
Them: Oh, no worries, we can move the potted tree there- it blocks the ramp that comes directly up to the Chapel.
Me: (PHEW That was close)
Me: (As I peered at a 5 inch step up to the altar in a VERY small Chapel) Um, do you have a ramp or something we can use for someone in the bridal party who is in a wheelchair?
Them: Unfortunately no, but I can give you the dimensions.
Me to FI: Ok, looks like we're building a ramp!
At the Hotel:
Me: Now I like the Suites we'll have as part of our "block" but are any handicap accessible and can I see it? (Tip for any brides dealing with handicap rooms- take a peek and make sure your friend in a power chair REALLY can get around).
Them: Sure! Let me show you this one...
Me: Perfect! Lots of room and it looks like a big bathroom that's helpful!
Personal Photo
At the Florist:
What you didn't think there would be wheelchair related questions here?!
Me: Ok, now my MOH happens to be in a wheelchair and she's rather petite so I'd like a small bouquet so she can still "roll" up the aisle with one hand. And of course no bridesmaid bouquets can be bigger than hers.
Them: Done.
Phew that was a bit of a workout, but I wanted to compile a list of the BIG questions I asked. I hope this helps any brides in a similar situation.
Any questions you asked that I didn't? Does anyone else have a person who happens to be in a wheelchair in their bridal party or on their guest list?
3 comments:
You should submit this to A Practical Wedding. I think a lot of people would find it very helpful.
Also? That van is the bomb.
Hey thanks Faye! I appreciate the comment and I'll keep that in mind.
Thanks about the van- it was the best "tricked out minivan" I could find :o)
looks like you got her back covered! You had me going at first though, I thought you really knew some gangstas, lol.
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