Accessibility & Guest Comfort in Historic Venues
Historic venues come with so much charm—stone walls, original staircases, tucked‑away rooms—but they’re also older buildings, which means you have to be more intentional about accessibility and comfort.
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s to make sure every guest can participate in the ways that matter most to them. Here’s how to approach that at Stone House or any similar multi‑level, historic space.
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Guest Needs
Before you finalize layouts and timelines:
Ask on your RSVP form if anyone has mobility, sensory, or dietary needs you should know about.
Think about older guests, pregnant guests, and families with small children.
Consider anyone who may be sensitive to loud sound, dim light, or crowded spaces.
You don’t need names and diagnoses—just enough to plan.
Step 2: Choose Spaces with Comfort in Mind
At Stone House, you have options:
Dining Room / Great Hall – good for seated meals with clear pathways.
Courtyard – lovely but weather‑dependent; pair with an indoor backup.
Showroom – ideal for big energy, but plan seating and quieter zones nearby.
Lounge & Parlour – softer lighting and seating for guests who need breaks.
Cavern – atmospheric, but may not be ideal for everyone if there are stairs or uneven flooring.
Your layout can prioritize accessible routes and keep longer segments (ceremony, main program) in the most easily reachable rooms.
Step 3: Make Movement Simple
Keep pathways wide and free of decor, chairs, and bags.
Plan reasonable transition times between spaces so no one feels rushed.
Provide clear signage and/or staff direction when moving rooms.
If your event spans multiple levels, consider grouping elderly or mobility‑impaired guests on the level where the most important parts of the event happen.
Step 4: Manage Sound & Light Thoughtfully
In a stone building:
Sound can bounce; work with your DJ or band to keep volumes humane, especially during dinner and speeches.
Lighting can be moody; add extra candles near steps and thresholds, and consider a bit more light during meal service for safety.
Build quiet zones—usually the Lounge, Parlour, or a side area—where guests can escape high volume without leaving the event.
Step 5: Care for Different Bodies & Brains
Accessibility isn’t just ramps:
Provide varied seating: some soft chairs, some upright chairs with backs, some bar seating.
Make it easy to identify non‑alcoholic drinks and allergen‑friendly food, and ensure servers know what’s what.
Offer a simple sensory break plan—maybe a less intense room with lower light and sound.
Communicate these options in your program, on signage, or via your MC so people know they’re welcome to use them.
Step 6: Partner with the Venue
Stone House’s team knows its building better than anyone. Ask:
Which entrances, restrooms, and rooms are most accessible?
Where are the “tricky” spots we should be mindful of?
What adjustments have other hosts made that worked well?
Accessibility is a shared project; the more everyone is thinking about it together, the more seamless and dignified it feels for guests.
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If you want your Stone House event to feel as welcoming as it is beautiful, our events team can work with you and your planner to design layouts, timelines, and service plans that keep accessibility and comfort front and center.