There are many ways to accommodate elderly guests at a wedding. These tips are also useful for guests with limited mobility due to temporary or chronic conditions. Make it hard for them to decline your invitation due to what they’d perceive to be extra trouble by simply following this advice.
- Choose a venue that is accessible. If you are having your wedding indoors, make sure the venue has ramps, elevators, and wide doorways for wheelchairs and walkers. If you are having your wedding outdoors, make sure the ceremony and reception areas are on level ground and there is plenty of shade.
- Consider seating. Elderly guests may not be able to sit for long periods of time, so consider seating them near the front of the ceremony or reception so they can easily get up and move around. You may also want to have a few extra chairs available for guests who need to sit down. One other important thing: Seat them near a restroom for faster accessibility.
- Provide comfortable seating. If your event is indoors with air-conditioning or outdoors in the evening, consider providing blankets or shawls for guests who may get cold.
- Offer a variety of food and drink options. Consider dietary restrictions or preferences. Also, keep fresh water nearby for taking pills or satisfying a dry mouth and avoiding dehydration.
- Plan for transportation. If you have elderly guests who are not able to drive, you will need to plan for transportation to and from the wedding. You may want to hire a shuttle or car service to take guests to and from the wedding.
Here are some additional ideas for accommodating elderly guests and those with limited mobility at your wedding:
- Consider hiring younger members of your family to serve as concierges, assigned to guests who have special needs. Give this person the task of keeping up with these guests during the wedding preparation process to the second they are to be delivered back home or to their hotels or to the airport.
- Consider a special gift for your older guests. Create a gift bag or basket with nibbles from your wedding, and snacks they can enjoy later. Insert a special card inside too.
We hope these tips help you accommodate the older guests and guests with limited mobility at your wedding. Visit our contact form, if Reid Rodell can assist you with further consultation and planning.