A tailor-made party for all guests

Photo (above): Photographer: LUX Visual Storytellers

Create plenty of seating

• Food trucks, a BBQ, a picnic or a walking dinner are fun, original alternatives to a seated dinner in a party room or marquee. Of course, a slightly older audience can also enjoy these refreshing catering formulas . Just make sure you provide enough tables and chairs for people who like to eat seated.

  

  Adjust your venue plan

  When drawing up your seating plan, pay attention to the placement of music boxes. Older guests should be placed slightly further away from the planned music boxes so that they can talk quietly to each other at all times. Put your younger friends closest to the dance floor, and guests who prefer to stay at the table a bit further away. With too dense, loud music, you run the risk of certain guests wanting to go home quickly.

  

  Consider a shuttle or taxi

  Is the party venue some distance from the parking lot? Then possibly arrange for shuttles, or agree with a family member to play taxi driver for older guests.
  If this driver likes to party a bit longer, provide alternative transport home at the end of the evening. Book a taxi, for example, or provide a hotel room or B&B near your party venue.

  Provide chairs with support

  Admittedly, low chairs, poufs and beanbags are wonderfully hip and create a lazy lounge feel. However, this is not really ideal for older guests. If you prefer a lounge feel during your reception or evening party, combine low chairs and beanbags with ordinary chairs (preferably with a straight back) and armchairs in the same style and atmosphere.

  

  Wheelchair accessible?

  Do you know if wheelchair users are among your guests? Discuss with your party venue which road is best accessible for wheelchairs, or provide a wooden path if your party takes place in a park or garden. Young mums with buggies will thank you too!

  Start your party on time

  Extended aperitifs with snacks are obviously very cosy, but older guests usually don't want to make it too late. Check with your caterer that the aperitif, starter and main course follow on from each other. Possibly consider waiting a little longer for dessert. Sometimes older guests choose to leave after the main course and skip dessert.

  

  Read more on this topic via these links...

  Guests with extra wishes at your banquet table

• Glass up? This is how to get your guests home safely
• Let your guests spend the night in a tent!
• Get started with your guest list!