Accessibility questions to ask venue

Common issues: door ways, available plugs for medical equipment, tables and wheelchair compatibility (can her feet fit under the table without issue), accessible bathroom, ramps, elevators, and ability to reach things like the bar, cake table, etc.

My FH is in a wheelchair. Some additional things to consider are the grounds - is it flat or bumpy, paved or rough? Also make sure there's a real handicapped parking spot available. And make sure she'll have enough room to move around inside the venue - will it be cramped with the number of guests, is there a table in the hallway that she can't get by, etc.

If you're looking at newer venues - it is likely they will more align with the accessibility needs/standards of your friend.

If you're looking at older or historical venues you will need to be a lot more probing in your questions. They often have exemptions on accessibility.

Make sure all parts of your venue you plan to use (or anywhere else you're planning to go) are accessible. I've seen buildings that claim to be accessible, to then find out you can't get to a certain portion of the building without taking stairs or something else crazy.

You simply ask, "Is your venue handicapped accessible?" If they say yes, ask about ramps, doorways, and restrooms. I think your gesture is lovely, and I so hope that this individual feels up to the effort it takes to attend your wedding. If she can't, don't take it personally. In her heart, I'm sure she wants to be there, but her physical limitations may cause her to regretfully (truthfully) decline.

Totally agreed. Thanks for the ideas! I will not be hurt at all if she is unable.

Hi Margaret, I have limb girdle muscular dystrophy so I'm sure I could help a lot. One thing I would do just for her is wherever she is sitting make sure there isn't a chair so she can easily be put there. For example at the ceremony have your rows of chairs and then leave one missing so she can be put there without making someone have to move a chair. It will make her feel more welcomed. Same goes for the table leave a chair out so she will have an easier time. Make sure everything is at her reach or that someone will be with her to get it. I know I have a hard time reaching things for myself. Also for the food if it's something that needs to be cut I would have someone do it for her before hand. Area rugs and runners things that her wheels can get caught on try to pick up or move. I definitely would follow through with what everyone has recommended above as well. If it's an outdoor wedding make sure you have hard flat surface. I have missed many ceremony and receptions because they had a beach or back yard wedding where the ground did not allow me to safely or easily get to. I would also ask her things that you could do for her to make her stay easier. I say that because everyone with muscular dystrophy has different abilities and something she may need that others do not. I'd love to help you as much as I can. Feel freed to ask me anything. I hope I could help a little.

Bathrooms. I have been to venues that the only bathrooms that were outside, up some steps and then there you were. (I am not in a wheelchair but have physical limitations, I'm doing much better now, but at the time it was very challenging for me to walk that much, as it was for the elderly guests). My venue has bathroom downstairs but there's a 2 handicap bathroom on ground as well as a wheel chair ramp up.

Most places are wheelchair accessible but not wheelchair friendly so it's good to think through the details!

Thank you everyone! @Rebecca, a special thanks for your insight. I will try to keep these things in mind as I continue with planning!