How often do we come across would-be brides fussing over the miniscule flab at her waist and the best trousseau fittings that will conceal it superbly but has someone really given a thought to the couture for not-an-able-bodied bride, who is perhaps on crutches or dependent on wheelchair?
When it comes to planning the Big Day for these special couples who have decided to face all the odds together bravely till death do them apart, there are a few things that should be kept in mind. Moreover, these are all generic in nature and not specific to any bodily or psychological impairment.
Wedding Planner vs. Do it Yourself
It is best advised to go for a wedding planner to arrange your wedding because they are experts in all the aspects of wedding planning and with proper information regarding the needs and preferences of the couple, they can really ad glamour and warmth to the entire ceremony and take care of the things.
Accessibility of the Venue
The venue for the nuptial should be easily accessible so that the couple may get to it and get around it on their own with minimum external help. It should be spacious with right proportion of decoration so that free movement is not hindered. If one or both of the spouses use wheelchairs for navigation, then appropriate sitting arrangements should be made for them, both during the performance of the rituals and the reception ceremony.
Bridal Attire
Last thing they like to do is depend upon external help for getting dressed and doing their basic chores but infinite couture sessions with the designer and the seamstress can leave them exhausted and may be even seek help from their friends or family. The bridal attire no doubt should be made observing all the nuances of tradition and latest fashion but it should not hinder mobility or make the bride ill at ease because of its sheer weight. It should be tailor made to incorporate all the needs of the bride.
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Groom’s clothes must also be tailored keeping his needs in mind in addition to his preferences with respect to the choice of clothes, as to whether he would be comfortable in a tux or sherwani or something simple and less flamboyant.
Miscellaneous
There are other subtleties which should be kept in mind in order to make the day big for the bride and the groom. For instances, invitation cards can be printed in Braille for those with visual impairment and a sign language expert can be appointed to help the hearing impaired.
Most of the Hindu wedding rituals can be performed while sitting, but the ‘Saptapadi’ ritual requires movement. Similarly, all the ceremonies in a Catholic wedding are carried in a standing posture. So the arrangements should be made such that the bride & groom are at their ease and enjoy each and every part of their wedding.
