Navigating Your Wedding Venue
10 things to look out for during your venue tours to make sure it is accessible for you and your guests.
First things first, congratulations on your engagement!
I hope the excitement is still floating around you and that you and your partner are enjoying this time together before you are officially married.
As you embark on the journey of planning your dream wedding, one crucial aspect to consider is the accessibility of your chosen venue. Ensuring that your celebration is accessible to all your guests, regardless of mobility challenges, is an essential part of creating a memorable and inclusive experience (and also gives you less to worry about on the day).
Here are 10 key things to keep in mind when choosing your venue:
1. Having your ceremony and reception in one place?
Whether your venue will host both the ceremony and reception or if you’ll need to travel from one to another, consider the logistics:
- How will guests get from A to B?
- Will you need to provide transport between venues?
- Where will guests go during room turnarounds?
- Are there comfortable waiting areas?
- How accessible are the areas where ceremonies and receptions will take place?
If the celebrations will be taking place over multiple venues or areas, make sure you’re keeping these considerations in mind across all of them.
2. Flooring Matters:
The type of flooring at your wedding venue can significantly impact the ease of mobility for guests with walking aids, wheelchairs or those who are unsteady on their feet. What kind of flooring is used in the venue? Is it the same throughout?
Some examples of common venue flooring types:
- Tile: smooth and even, making it easier for mobility aids.
- Gravel: challenging for wheelchairs, consider pathways or alternative routes.
- Loose stone: uneven surfaces may pose difficult for guests with mobility challenges.
3. Level Grounds:
Check if the venue is level throughout, especially in areas where guests will gather. Uneven terrain can be challenging. Ensure that pathways are smooth and easy to navigate.
Consider the inside and outside areas you intend to be using for your celebrations, for the ceremony, reception, photographs and the routes in between.
4. Weather Considerations:
If your wedding is outdoors, even just for part of the day, think about how weather conditions might impact accessibility.
Have a backup plan in case of rain or extreme temperatures.
5. Steps (and I don’t mean the 90’s pop group):
Take note of the number of stairs and steps at the venue.
- How many staircases are there?
- How many steps in each staircase?
- Are there lifts, ramps or alternative routes available for guests with mobility challenges?
6. Navigating the Venue:
Understand the routes your guests will need to take around the venue.
Are there:
- Clear, directional signs for navigating the venue/s?
- Easily accessible washrooms and toilets?
- Are there any potential obstacles or tight spaces guests may need to manoeuvre around?
7. Emergency Exits and Safety:
Ensure that emergency exits are clearly marked and easily accessible.
It’s crucial for everyone’s safety, especially in the event of an evacuation, that the exits are accessible and clearly signposted.
8. Parking and Drop-Off Points:
Consider the convenience of parking and drop-off points.
- Is there enough accessible parking?
- Is there a designated area for drop-offs close to the venue entrance?
9. Communicate with your guests and vendors:
If there is anything that you feel can be communicated ahead of the big day, do it.
Extra information on your wedding website or an extra page of info within your wedding invitation package could help put your minds at ease and help give your guests an idea of what to expect from the venue on the day.
10. Communicate with Your Venue:
Finally, don’t hesitate to communicate with the venue staff. They are there to assist you and can provide valuable insights into the accessibility of their space. Discuss any concerns or specific needs your guests may have early on in the planning process to minimise stress.
Remember, creating an inclusive and accessible wedding venue is a beautiful way to ensure that you and all your guests can fully enjoy and participate in your special day.
Happy wedding planning!
Love,
Rachel x
