While in the past it was much more difficult to get around if you were disabled, things have improved considerably and while we still have a long way to go, there are numerous ways in which you can make your wedding day more disability-friendly. Here we have listed a few tips to ensure you have a wonderful, access friendly day.
1. Be clear about what you need
Make a list of all the things you need beforehand and stick to it. If you have clear expectations, it will be easier to avoid getting unexpected surprises. Don’t shy away from carrying a notebook around with you to take down any extra notes and questions that you may have in the course of your wedding planning. Needs vary from couple to couple but if you know what you want, it will make your life and ultimately, your day, easier.
2. Always make sure to personally go and visit your wedding venue beforehand
While most wedding venues will state that they are access friendly, this does not mean that all of them will be able to cater to your very specific needs. The thing is that although it might be easy to enter and exit your venues, the facilities themselves might prove to be problematic. Pews, aisles, and corridors which are too narrow can all prove to be problematic to someone in a wheelchair. Don’t forget to survey the toilets and dressing rooms too.
3. Make sure that the most important wedding moments are comfortable for everyone
Your wedding day is about you which means that if you feel self-conscious about having a first dance and you absolutely don’t want to, there’s nothing wrong with doing something completely different instead. When it comes to the cake-cutting, make sure that your cake is easily accessible and reachable; the last thing you want to do is be put in a situation where you are unable to do the things you wanted to do on your big day.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice
Just because somewhere isn’t accessible initially, it doesn’t mean that changes can’t be made. Don’t be afraid to ring venues after you’ve visited them and ask if small changes can be made. Sometimes all a facility would need is an extra ramp or for a table to be moved elsewhere. GetHitched.com can help put you in touch with all the access friendly wedding venues in Malta and can even help you get in touch with venues which would be willing to make a few changes to accommodate you.