Planning for Those With Special Needs
Mar 24, 2010 Wedding Planning InstituteAs a certified wedding and event planner you are trained to be prepared for everything. This means unexpected pops and rips in gowns; unexpected tardy caterers and florists; and even unexpected requests from wedding guests. The point of a wedding is for couples to begin their new life together but to also begin it with their friends and family. They want their wedding to be beautiful and touching, but they also want it to serve as a gift to the people they plan to call on as they grow as a couple. This means that no matter what a guest needs their request should be taken care of. When you first meet with a couple and begin to plan their special day it’s a good idea to ask if anyone in either their wedding party or anyone on their guest list has special needs.
1) Do they have someone attending the wedding who is hearing prepared? Will they need an interpreter or special equipment made available to help these guests take part in the ceremony? This is an easy request to plan for, and it makes it easier on you - and the guest - if you know about what they need in advance.
2) Will there be guests who are unable to walk, or walk up steps? Make sure that the venue you choose has entrances made specifically for those with disabilities. It would also be a good idea to choose, perhaps, a specific usher or groomsman to help these guests to their seats. Grandparents are often a special part of the ceremony, and sometimes they need more help. Having a plan in place, including accessible parking, restrooms and reserved seating will make things go a lot smoother when guests begin to arrive at the wedding.
In addition make sure that their seats at the reception are accessible - not too high. This may mean a special, reserved table is required. When it comes to helping them at the reception try not to attract too much attention. Find out if they have a caregiver or relative who plans to help, and discreetly explain what has been set up for their convenience. Buffet tables could be an issue, too, so let the person know in advance what they’re dealing with.
3) Dietary concerns are an issue at every wedding no matter who is on the guest list. There are guests who vegetarians, guests with dairy and gluten intolerances, and guests with allergies. A well-planned meal with a few options that can please everyone is often in order. The bridal couple should know who and what type of preferences they are planning for, but remember to ask! They have a lot on their minds, and since planning a reception for possibly hundreds of people is stressful enough, remembering all the special requests they have is even more stressful.
4) And lastly, as always, plan for the unexpected. We know this seems counter-intuitive, but while your bridal couple knows about the people they’re inviting they don’t necessarily know about their guests’ dates. Thanks to most state and federal laws most buildings are handicap accessible in regards to walk-up ramps and restrooms. If your couple is planning to say their vows on the beach, however, you want to have a plan in place in case someone arrives who needs help. Organization and preparation are the keys to every successful wedding and event planner, and that means you! You know what they say: Expect the unexpected!
Do you have any tips for planning for the unexpected? Have you learned from experience what a wedding and event planner should be prepared for?
Tags: planning, wedding, wedding planner
Posted in Wedding Planning
March 24th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
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March 24th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
[...] Wedding Planning Institute: Certified Wedding Planner Blog » Blog Archive » Planning for Those Wit… http://www.weddingplanninginstitute.com/blog/2010/ – view page – cached As a certified wedding and event planner you are trained to be prepared for everything. This means unexpected pops and rips in gowns; unexpected tardy caterers and florists; and even unexpected requests from wedding guests. The point of a wedding is for couples to begin their new life together but to also begin it with their friends and family. They want their wedding to be beautiful and… Read moreAs a certified wedding and event planner you are trained to be prepared for everything. This means unexpected pops and rips in gowns; unexpected tardy caterers and florists; and even unexpected requests from wedding guests. The point of a wedding is for couples to begin their new life together but to also begin it with their friends and family. They want their wedding to be beautiful and touching, but they also want it to serve as a gift to the people they plan to call on as they grow as a couple. This means that no matter what a guest needs their request should be taken care of. When you first meet with a couple and begin to plan their special day it’s a good idea to ask if anyone in either their wedding party or anyone on their guest list has special needs. View page Filter tweets [...]
March 24th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
It is often we get special requests for vegan, low salt and other dietary dishes. We must be creative to get the buzz we are looking for. The special requests create the most Buzz. As a wedding planning in Bucks County PA, competition is fierce. Articles like this stimulate ideas. Thank you for the chocholate cake idea! Nick
March 24th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
The vegan chocholate cake is a great ideas. We have to be creative today to set us apart. As a catering company doing wedding planning in Bucks County PA, it is important we stay on top of specialty dishes. Thanks, Nick
March 27th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
For the dietary needs, I would just include that in the rsvp card, “Please specify any dietary needs” which would be more relevant if you were having a sit down dinner at your reception with place cards. You can code the cards for the people with dietary needs using those color sticker dots and notify the staff. Let the caterer/staff know ahead of time when giving your head count guarantee what special dietary requests you have. If it’s a buffet though, then you just need to make sure you always include vegetarian options.
April 9th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
I would predict that in most weddings, adjustments have to be made to accomodate for certain guests. It is important for the wedding planner to go over these details with the bride and groom. In regards to dietary needs, I like Bridget’s idea to request this information on the RSVP cards for a sit down dinner. Having a few options on the menu would make this task easier. A buffet dinner with a wide variety would also work well. Making adjustments for people who need special accomodations such as wheelchair access is also very important. Generally, all hotels, venues, halls, etc. should be up to ADA code meaning this should not be an issue. However, when having a wedding or event at a home or somewhere of similar nature, these things would have to be taken into consideration. Your wedding is a wonderful day for you….you want it to be wonderful for your guests too!