How to Plan a Multi‑Generational Celebration at a Historic Venue
One of the most beautiful things about weddings, anniversaries, and milestone birthdays is the way they gather multiple generations in one place. But planning an event that works for toddlers, college friends, and grandparents at the same time? That’s an art.
Historic venues add another layer: stone stairs, character‑filled rooms, and multiple levels. Spaces like Stone House offer huge benefits—a variety of rooms, rich atmosphere, and farm‑to‑table dining—but they also require thoughtful planning so everyone feels comfortable.
Here’s how to design a multi‑generational celebration that feels easy and welcoming for every guest.
Step 1: Choose the Right Combination of Rooms
Think in zones:
Calm zone: Lounge or Parlour—a place with comfy seating and softer sound for older guests or anyone who needs a break.
Main zone: Great Hall or Courtyard, where the meal and primary program happen.
High‑energy zone: Showroom or dance‑floor area, where volume and movement can ramp up.
By giving each group a place to gravitate toward, you avoid the all‑or‑nothing problem where the only options are “loud party” or “their hotel room.”
Step 2: Plan for Mobility & Accessibility
Historic buildings weren’t originally designed with accessibility in mind, which is why modern upgrades and smart planning are essential.
Ask your venue about accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating options.
Seat older guests or those with mobility needs close to exits and restrooms—ideally without stairs in between.
Make sure walkways stay clear of décor, extra chairs, or crowded buffet lines.
Stone House’s team knows their own building intimately; looping them in early about specific needs makes a big difference in how comfortable your guests feel.
Step 3: Stagger the Intensity
Create a schedule that ramps up rather than jumps straight into the deep end:
Arrival: Soft music, plenty of seating, and a chance for relatives to reconnect.
Meal & Program: Moderate volume, clear sight lines for speeches, and time for kids and elders to eat early.
Dancing & Late‑Night: Higher energy in a dedicated room, with the option to step into quieter spaces nearby.
This lets grandparents stay for the meaningful parts without feeling trapped once the party turns into a club.
Step 4: Build a Flexible Menu
Multi‑generational groups come with a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.
Work with a kitchen that’s comfortable cooking for vegans, vegetarians, gluten‑free guests, and omnivores in the same service—like Stone House’s farm‑driven, seed‑oil‑free restaurant.
Include a few familiar, comfort‑food elements (roast chicken, simple salads) alongside more adventurous dishes.
Offer kid‑friendly versions of key items instead of building a totally separate menu.
Step 5: Design Intergenerational Moments
Some of the best memories happen when generations connect:
A grandparent giving a toast in a quiet moment at dinner
A “family song” that brings everyone to the dance floor once
A photo station stocked with family albums or framed prints from earlier decades
Historic rooms—with stone walls, warm lighting, and the sense that many stories have already unfolded there—naturally support these kinds of moments.
Planning a celebration for all ages?
Reach out to Stone House to talk about layouts, menus, and flows that make your event feel welcoming for every generation in the room.