Ensuring Comfort and Accessibility for Older Guests at Dodmoor House

Weddings bring together family and friends of all ages, and making sure every guest feels comfortable is a top priority! We know that another priority for a lot of our couples is ensuring that their grandparents can be there on their wedding day too, as this is such a privilege if it's possible! Older guests can often face unique challenges at event venues, especially those with rustic or historic settings like barn wedding venues. Here at Dodmoor House, we take special care to create an accessible and welcoming environment so older guests can fully enjoy the celebration without any worry!

Thoughtful Accessibility Features

One of the main concerns for older guests can be navigating the venue safely and easily. We have had a few occasions where older guests have called ahead of the wedding and arranged to visit the venue before the Big Day. We are always so happy to accommodate this (it would just need to be arranged in advanced), as this means the guests can check out both the journey and the venue, making it all the more relaxed for them on the day itself.

We can also then reserve the parking spaces closest to the entrance of the courtyard for any guests with mobility issues, who use wheelchairs, or who are slightly slower on their feet. Couples can let us know ahead of the wedding who would require these spaces, and we would ensure they are kept for them to park in on the day, meaning they have a shorter and easier walk into the venue.

Here at Dodmoor itself, all of the main areas of the venue are generally on the ground floor and on even ground/paths. The lower level of the courtyard is accessible via a slope rather than the main steps, which is important as photographers often use the steps for the main group photo, and you will of course want grandparents front and centre for that!

While the bar is on the first floor, we will always ensure that waitress service is provided to any guests who may not be able to get up the stairs and for wheelchair users we can put out ramps for access into either of the barns. This means that guests using mobility aids or those who tire easily can move around freely or order drinks via waitress service without feeling excluded.

We also ensure that paths around the venue are well-maintained and free of obstacles and the barn’s wide doorways and open layout further support easy movement for those who use wheelchairs.

Service to Enhance Comfort

As well as the waitress service to the bar, we will also aim to provide extra special service to older guests during the drinks reception and meal! Drinks will be free-flowing during these periods of the day and we aim to offer top ups to guests as much as possible, but will keep in mind any guests who may need to remain seated most/all of the time.

This allows them to order drinks without leaving the comfort of their seats or struggling through crowds, helping them to relax and enjoy the celebrations. Our staff are attentive and respectful, and will always check in regularly to see if guests need anything. Whether it’s a drink, assistance with seating, or simply a friendly conversation, we aim to make every guest feel valued and cared for!

It's useful to note that wheelchair users are best seated at the end of long tables, or nearby the main doors if on round tables, as this best helps with accessibility. Please ask us if you have any questions about where to seat guests with specific needs on your table plan!

A Relaxed Atmosphere

Comfort is about more than just physical ease, so we always ensure that a quieter seating area is available for older guests during the evening. As the party kicks off and it gets louder and more crowded in the Catesby Barn, we will keep the Courtyard Barn open with casual seating and quieter background music.

This space then allows for guests to rest and relax, perhaps eat some evening food in peace, or simply just enjoy conversation in a cosy and quiet area of the venue, while still being a part of the wedding.

Plenty of outdoor seating is available in the summer months too, which means older guests can enjoy the drinks reception from the comfort of their seats, whether that's down on the lawn or in the main courtyard! We will also provide parasols to ensure comfort on very sunny and hot days.

These thoughtful touches make a big difference in how older guests experience the day, turning potential challenges into moments of ease and joy!

If you have any worries or queries about older guests or any guests with mobility issues attending your wedding, please just email us at weddings@dodmoorhouse.co.uk. We are happy to help and answer any questions you may have!