Surprisingly Overlooked! 5 Considerations for Accommodating Guests with Mobility Challenges (Wheelchair Users)

2018.06.14 published

Are there guests in wheelchairs?

Among the people you are inviting to the wedding, are there any "guests in wheelchairs"?

Moving in a wheelchair can be challenging. Especially when going to a place for the first time, it’s hard to know which route will be easier.

This means that guests in wheelchairs will spend a lot of time and effort to attend the wedding.

In gratitude for their effort, what are some things "the couple can consider for guests in wheelchairs"?

Hospitality tips for guests in wheelchairs①Choose a barrier-free wedding venue

First and foremost, choose a barrier-free venue when deciding on the wedding location.＊

It is very difficult for someone in a wheelchair to go up and down stairs.

If there is no elevator to a chapel with a large staircase, it can be very difficult to get to and from the chapel.

Therefore, if you have guests in wheelchairs, be sure to confirm that the wedding venue is barrier-free from the selection stage.◎

A venue directly connected to a station is appreciated, but if that is not the case, guiding them to a taxi and providing transportation expenses would be a good idea.

Hospitality tips for guests in wheelchairs②Inform your planner in advance

If there are guests in wheelchairs, be sure to inform your planner in advance, saying, "This person will come in a wheelchair," or "They may borrow a wheelchair because they have slightly impaired mobility."

If the planner knows about the guests in wheelchairs beforehand, they can share this information with the service staff on the day of the event for smooth guidance, which is reassuring.◎

Hospitality tips for guests in wheelchairs③Confirm whether they will get off the wheelchair at the chapel or reception venue

It is also important to check whether guests will get off the wheelchair at the chapel or reception and sit in regular chairs, or if they will remain in their wheelchairs.

If they will stay in the wheelchair, the chapel may have independent chairs (for one person) that staff can remove from their seating area, or if it’s a bench type, they may clear a space for the wheelchair in a visible location.

Depending on whether they will stay in their wheelchair or sit in the venue chairs at the reception, the availability of chairs will change, so if you know in advance, be sure to ask and inform your planner.

Hospitality tips for guests in wheelchairs④Prepare cushions

Preparing cushions for guests in wheelchairs is another hospitality idea.＊

It can be difficult to move around freely in the reception area, and sitting for long periods can be tiring.

Providing cushions can help reduce fatigue, which will surely be appreciated.◎

@0625.tn.wedding

Hospitality tips for guests in wheelchairs⑤Make eye contact

When talking to someone in a wheelchair, it is important to make eye contact!

Normally, when speaking to someone sitting down, you may not bother to bend down, but from the perspective of the person in a wheelchair, standing and talking can feel quite distant.

Bend down, look them in the eye, and say, "Thank you for coming."

@nagisa_marry

Consideration for guests in wheelchairs is essential

We shared some hospitality tips for guests in wheelchairs.＊

For guests with mobility impairments, coming to the wedding venue can be quite challenging. Once they arrive, you want them to enjoy themselves without any discomfort, right?♩

By checking in advance and communicating with the staff, let's create a space where guests in wheelchairs can enjoy themselves without restrictions.◎