Having read her most excellent blog (and now featured in it) I started to think far more about guests with extra needs at weddings, and how wedding planning can take their needs into account without having to make too many changes.
So, when planning your wedding day – do you have any guests who may need extra consideration? I deliberately don’t say “disabled” because I am sure you don’t view them that way, but therefore may inadvertently overlook their needs. This may be anything from a friend who uses mobility aids to Grandpa who walks a little slower.
I’ll start with hearing loss – because Grace has taught me so much!
When planning your wedding breakfast room, take into account the table layout, and the table positioning. Grace prefers a round table, because she needs to be able to see the other guests’ faces. If space allows you can use round tables without seating people all the way round to ensure that all guests can see top table, which is also just a nice thing to do! Nobody really wants to have their back to the bride and groom! When it comes to the speeches, I always recommend using a microphone – its not just about how loud the speech makers can talk, but how noisy the room is. This is extra relevant if you have a guest with a hearing impairment. If the room doesn’t have a PA system, consider bringing one in (I have several freestanding speakers with radio mics that are perfect for this).
It doesn’t have to be complicated, and with wireless technology it will be possible to position the speaker in the best place to support your guest rather than having to physically seat them next to a speaker – which may be your consideration if the pa system in built in and fixed.
The same is true for the ceremony itself – when you marry you will be facing your partner, which means that any guest who relies on lip reading will only be able to see one of you (at best). A discreet microphone/pa system will benefit your hearing-impaired guest, and all the other guests too!
From a legal point of view it is worth knowing that your “witnesses” are exactly that, they must confirm that they heard you make the legal declarations etc – so you must ensure that they can actually hear the whole ceremony.
Mobility needs come up at many weddings. It isn’t just a case of whether or not the venue has a wheelchair ramp (and remember that some of the most beautiful venues are listed and will therefore present their own challenges). Wedding days can involve a lot of moving the guests around to tight timescales. Keep in mind any of your guests who may need a little extra time – you might want to assign an usher or family member to assist them, ensure they are seated close to anywhere they need to move to and advise the venue/Master of Ceremonies so that they can be given advance warning of when guests will be asked to move to the ceremony room, wedding breakfast, first dance etc.
When it comes to comes to seating plans consider not only access for your guest, but also take into account any other movement around them – the last thing you want is a guest who feels like they are in the way or a hindrance to your day.
We want to ensure that every guest enjoys your special day, so don’t forget to ask an expert – your guest!
