10 Ways to Make Your Wedding Accessible for All Guests

• January 26, 2022

A wedding is a big day you want to celebrate with your loved ones and family. Hosting an accessible wedding is paying gratitude and honor to those guests who live with disabilities. They may not have attended many events due to their physical and disability challenges.

You can involve them in your happiness and share those joyful moments. A little effort can do, things made easy for your special guests. Here are a few suggestions to make your wedding accessible for all guests:

1. Ask Your Guests

Wedding planning is a stressful task that consumes so much time and energy. It is necessary to determine your guest's needs, especially when you are planning an accessible wedding. Yes, it is a bit awkward to ask your disabled friends and guest about their needs. But do not be shy about asking your disabled guests about any adjustments they require.

Planning an accessible wedding involves big or small considerations depending on the individual circumstances. Reach out to your guests directly and ask what their needs are. You can say, Hey, we are planning our wedding and want to make sure it is accessible to you. Please can you give us some ideas for what we need to look out for?

Ask your guest has any thoughts on seating, needs interpreter services, support with lodging or transportation, or has any dietary restrictions. Also, provide complete details about your wedding on your wedding website so people can plan their participation at your event.

Here are some tips for arranging an accessible wedding.

• Like for guests with autism, locate their seats in a quieter spot.
• You can hire a sign language interpreter if you have any guests who are deaf.
• For guests with mobility issues, share the venue plan with them. And ask where they like to be seated.
• And for guests with vision impairments, including older guests, it is better to place them closer to the front at the wedding ceremony.

The above things may create things feasible for your guests. They feel honored and cared when you empower people to make their own choices. They can feel at ease about their involvement in your celebration.

2. Add a Section On The RSVP

For making your wedding accessible, you can add a section on the RSVP to know your guest's needs. You may have some guests who have special requirements related to a disability. And to avoid any moment of awkwardness or miscommunication, let them tell their needs.

Make a section on the RSVP where people can flag anything you need to know. Allow your guests to speak for themselves on your RSVP by asking about dietary restrictions and specific accommodations. Here is one example, We cannot wait to share our day with you. Please, advise us if you have dietary restrictions or require special accommodations.

3. Ensure your venue is accessible

The wedding venue had a special place in your wedding and heart. It is the most beautiful place where you exchange vows and wedding rings and commit to a life together with your soulmate. The venue clearly reflects your wedding theme and vision.

Before selecting the venue, you had to ensure the availability, location, cost, size, wet weather, and backup. But most importantly, whether you can adequately accommodate all of your guests. The seating chart and floor plan will help you to make your wedding accessible.

A seating chart is a lie saver if you have guests with vision and hearing impairments. You can locate them near the wedding aisle, or they can be at the back if they prefer. Choose a wheelchair-friendly and accessible bathrooms venue if you have guests with mobility issues. You will also need to ensure there is enough space between tables so people can move about comfortably and chat with other guests.

For the guests with autism and sensory issues, it is polite to assign a quiet room if they need someplace with peace and quiet. And if any of your guests have a service dog or emotional support dog. You will also need to check that the venue is animal-friendly and can accommodate them.

If the venue provides you with a wedding coordinator, make sure they are on the same page. They expertly accommodate guests with disabilities. Before giving advance for the wedding venue, inquire about the following things.

Entrance/Exits

• Does your wedding venue have ramp access for accessible entering and exiting?
• Do the steps and staircases have accessible options for those who may need them? For example, would a guest be able to access a balcony or outside garden?

Doors/Elevators

• Are there automatic door openers or Push To Open buttons?
• Are there working elevators? Further, will a staff attendant fix an issue should one arise with an elevator?

Restrooms

• Do they have stalls wide enough for a power wheelchair, scooter, or service animal to fit?
• Are there automated door openers and grab bars?

Parking

• Does the venue have accessible parking and an accessible drop-off area?
• Consider scenarios of guests in modified vehicles. (Challenges with others driving their car, issues with understaffed parking garages, etc.)

Outdoor Spaces

• Does the path of travel to the venue present barriers?
• If any activities heading outdoors, does the space offer access for all participants?

Dining

• Can the venue provide tables of different sizes for cocktail hour?
• Food and beverage stations may be out of reach for some and, family-style service may provide challenges. Make sure staff has prompted to help if needed.

Inclusive seating

• Consider the path of least resistance without just sticking someone in a back corner. Every human wants to sit where it is comfortable and convenient with good lines of sight, right?
• Do not forget companion seating, if applicable.
• If the guest is in a wheelchair, have the venue remove their seat ahead of time. Make sure their seat has located to see the couple/speeches.
• Deaf individuals may want to be seated by the speakers or dance floor. So they can hear the vibrations and are also closer to the front where the ceremony or speeches will be.

Caregiver needs

Individual circumstances will vary, but will a guest or person in the wedding party need to be accompanied by a caregiver or companion?

Technology

Be mindful of adjustable mic stands to help accommodate varying heights of guests and their mobility.

4. Select a wedding menu that caters to everyone

Selecting food and drinks for your wedding is an essential part of wedding planning. No wedding is complete without succulent food and drinks. Firstly, set the menu with your partner. Then ask the people by including a section on the RSVP. It is for those who may have allergies, intolerances, diabetic requirements, and conditions like Crohn's and Coeliac disease. Gather dietary information from your guests and let your caterer know in plenty of time. Most importantly, make sure there are tasty alternatives so that no one feels left out.

For guests who have an assistance animal like a guide dog, determine their needs. Look for what they will need to cater for their canine, such as providing easy access to drinking water.

Ensure you have a tasting before the wedding day to avoid any mistakes in the wedding menu. Include seasonal food staples that can cause lesser allergies. And in last it is your day, make sure the menu has you and your partner's favorite food too.

5. Hotel Accommodations

When you have a destination wedding go for the (ADA) hotels. The rooms may vary their compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). When you are going for accessible rooms few things to think about:

After receiving a request for accommodation with special needs in RSVP. Ask for specifics and if they need help. Since this is not their first time, many people will arrange their own accommodations to meet their needs. But, some family and friends may need some help.

Ensure hotels have sufficient and appropriately accessible rooms. You must check things like roll-in showers, the height of the bed and sink, etc. Also, if you had a chance to inspect accessible guest rooms during site visits to make sure they actually provide what is needed.

6. Transportation

Transportation plays a crucial role in wedding planning, whether you have special guests or not. It is one of the barriers that keep your disabled guests away from your event. When you plan an accessible wedding, go for those companies that can provide ease for your guests. Once you determine the level of transportation support needed, ask clarifying questions:

• Do you have vehicles or a fleet that can transport a foldable wheelchair?
• Can your staff operate lifts and ramps?
• Do you have vehicles with a ramp or lift? (For individuals with power chairs or scooters)
• Are drivers trained to assist deaf, blind people, or those who have low vision?
• Are accessible shuttles conveniently located?

7. Select vendors who are on the same page

Vendors are an essential part of any event, especially when it is your big day. The correct selection of the vendor can execute your event lavishly. They can make your vision to life and create a grand event for you. When you plan an accessible wedding, meet vendors in person and ask for your needs.

Choose the best wedding planner, photographer, caterer, and makeup artist. Coordinate them to help you in hosting accessible weddings. Meet with your vendors in person or schedule a phone call to determine whether you are on the same page. Ask them to provide services for disability-friendly weddings and be willing to accommodate special requests. Ask questions or request examples of their previous work.

8. Consider the disabilities we can't always see

Sometimes we can not notice the disabilities at first glance. But we know that some of the guests could have medical disabilities, visual impairments, or be hard of hearing. To make your wedding accessible to these guests, you have to do, some changes in your preparations. If needed, consider the following support systems to ensure each guest enjoys your special day:

• You can put a screen streaming or sharing a video at your event. If needed considers having closed captions.
• You may need to hire an interpreter for the wedding speeches. Ensure they are visible to the audience. You can also engage a sign language interpreter for those who have hearing impairments or autism.
• Restrict the use of flash photography for those who may be sensitive to bright or flashing lights.
• If you are hosting offsite events, inquire about their options for those with disabilities.
• Consider sending accessible wedding invitations with a larger font to your guests.

9. Let people celebrate their way

A wedding is one of your most joyous days with memorable moments. You sure want to enjoy every second of your big day. After the ceremony, it is time to celebrate with your new spouse, your family, and your closest companions. Dancing is a traditional and most common way to celebrate your big day. You spent most of the time of your wedding day in dancing. For this, you can prepare a wedding playlist before the special day. You can hire a DJ or live band to keep the tunes going.

When you are hosting an accessible wedding, consider the needs of your guest. Ask your guests how they would feel most comfortable celebrating. Give your guests access to the dancing floor if they have mobility issues or use a wheelchair. If they wish to dance, you will need to ensure the dance floor is accessible.

Also, you can arrange live music or karaoke for guests who love to be a part of the music but do not prefer to dance. It is better to ask your guests how they would like to celebrate. If they are comfortable joining the dance floor, then make sure they can enjoy it. And if they prefer to stay off the dance floor and chat with other guests, let them know that is fine too.

10. Make the Ceremony Accessible

You can also make your ceremony accessible for your guests. You can make the aisle plenty wide enough for a wheelchair and cover it in something easy to glide over. Like plywood or similar thicker materials can cover sand or grass to prevent getting dirty or stuck.

If one from the bride or groom is in a chair, decide to be at the same eye level at the altar. You can place a bench facing your guests can be a great option. And for wedding guests, the seating options are accessible, or there is designated space for guests in chairs.

Make sure your wedding can be a space where everyone is celebrated, respected, and included. After all, you are there to celebrate your love in front of those who mean the most to you.