Inclusive, Accessible and Totally Rad: Planning a Wedding for All Your People

Photo by Hey Zinah Photography

Weddings are joyful, wild, full-of-love events. A place for everyone to celebrate. But let’s be real: too often, wedding planning and the industry overall overlooks the fact that not all bodies, identities or needs are the same or are they met in traditional wedding formats.

Whether you’re planning a festival style day, a more traditional affair or an alternative, badass wedding filled with tattoos, live music and a bold style (my favourite kind); Let’s make sure it’s welcoming, accessible and inclusive for every single one of your beloved guests.

Here’s my hot take on how to plan a wedding that smashes traditions and makes sure all your people, from your elderly Nanna toyour mate’s newborn baby, your queer chosen family, your friends of colour and all disabled loved ones feel comfortable, celebrated and safe.

1. Choose a Truly Accessible Venue

Ask real questions: Are there ramps, lifts, accessible bathrooms? Is the dance floor accessible for folks using wheelchairs, mobility aids or who need seating nearby? Consider sensory-friendly spaces too for guests who might get overwhelmed by loud music, energetic dancing and bright lights. These can be quieter spots, with room for movement breaks, fidget toys, lower lighting and less visual stimuli.

Pro tip: Don’t just take the venue’s word for it . Make sure to visit yourself and ask for detailed accessibility info.

Photo by Julie Floro

2. Representation Matters

Working with inclusive, diverse suppliers makes a huge difference. Look for photographers, planners and vendors who proudly support queer, BIPOC and disabled communities. They’ll be more experienced in creating safe, affirming spaces.

You will be able to tell if this matters to them on their website. Do they use and respect pronouns? Do they use images representing folk of varying walks of life? Do they donate to and campaign for the freedoms of minority groups?

It’s not your responsibility to have to to search or challenge suppliers on these points. Try the Rebel Love and Alt Wedding directories, who make sure the vendors they showcase create safer, more accessible spaces for weddings. Suppliers on the Rebel Love directory have all been vetted and go through inclusivity training in order to take part in their wedding fairs, so anyone on there will treat you and your guests with the upmost of respect.

3. Break the Binary

Encourage guests to dress in whatever makes them feel amazing. Comfort, ease-of-movement and style can all live hand-in-hand! Use gender-neutral wording on the invites, signage and announcements to set the tone early on in your guests’ interaction with your celebrations.

Consider allowing guests to sit wherever feels comfortable during the ceremony without choosing a ‘side’ to sit on. You can easily neutralise the bathrooms if your venue hasn’t already and allow guests to move freely to where works for them and their bodies on your wedding day.

Suit by Self-Made Couture

Photo by Kelsey Justice

4. Accessible Fun for All

Live music? It’s always a hell yes from me, but not for everyone. Consider making space for guests who might need quieter zones, accessible seating, access to medications or extra support. Think comfy chill-out areas, earplugs available for sensory sensitivities and clear signage. I can help with that last part!

I’ve seen lots of weddings with many interests showcased. You can have a murder mystery, riddles and puzzles, challenges and treasure hunts, a dance floor, live band, circus performances, lawn games, photo booths and anything in between. There is no strict format on entertainment! It can reflect your interest and include all of your guests at the same time.

Photo by Lena Mirisola

5. Food That Works for Everyone

Here’s a few tips:

• Cater to different dietary needs: allergies, cultural considerations and accessibility (for example with small, easy-to-eat portions for younger guests or those with dexterity challenges).

• Variety is key and makes your menu way more exciting.

• If you’re having a buffet-style meal, make sure everyone is happy to collect their own food and if not, assign someone from your wedding party to help those who need it.

• Continue your beautiful branding with smaller stationery bits like labelled food and allergen signs.

6. Make the Ceremony Inclusive

Use language that reflects your love, your identities and your community. Consider non-religious, queer-affirming and culturally inclusive officiants who respect your story. You might want to consider using visuals and audio so everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can enjoy and take part in the ceremony.

I can highly recommend Lovestruck Celebrant and Chloe Green who will both create to most touching, beautiful ceremonies and will be the most amazing cheerleaders during your wedding planning process, too.

Photo by Jackson Grant

7. Get Creative with Seating and Layout

Make sure seating works for everyone! Think about wheelchair users, people needing space for service animals, guests with small children needing high chairs or buggy space and those with chronic pain who need softer chairs or easy exit options. Talk to your venue about options and plan with all needs in mind. Everyone should get a seat at the table!

Photo by Ali Beck

8. Photo Policies with Consent

Be mindful of guests who might not want to be photographed for personal or safety reasons, especially for queer folks or people navigating complicated family situations. A polite heads-up to your photographer and a discreet opt-out option on the RSVP card works wonders. I can help you with wording this if you need it!

9. Celebrate All Kinds of Love

Highlight your chosen family, not just blood relatives. Honour queer elders, friends who've had your back, community heroes, your furry friends and pay homage to your cultures and backgrounds. It's your day, so it’s a beautiful opportunity to lift up the people who lift you.

Whatever you’ve experienced has brought you both to this day, so honour it all during your ceremony and reception. It’ll feel special, unique and pay respect to your story.

Photo by Iryna Husachenko

10. Your Wedding Day Should Be About You and Your Love

Embracing all of the above and making it the day you want it to be don’t have to conflict. The people make the party, so making accommodations for everyone you love creates a day that will be full of meaning, heart and thoughtfulness. This reflects the love you have for each other and for the ones who will support you throughout your marriage.

If you’ve ever gone to a wedding and cried at the ceremony, the vows or the little notes on the back of your place card, then you know that what makes a celebration special is the time and effort put in to showcase the love and all the thoughtful little gestures in between. That’s also what makes it memorable, personal and, in my opinion, totally cool. Comfort, safe spaces and a whole heap of joyful memories that are unique to you and your story - what could be better?

Photo by Carmen Lopez

If you want to chat about your ideas, and especially how stationery and signage can help elevate your accessible, loved-filled celebrations, then hit me up. I’d love to help!