Resources are a great tool to help anyone. Whether you have no clue where to start or are stuck on one problem, check these items for a possible wedding planning answer.
Charities
Wish-Upon-A-Wedding (U.S.) This non-profit “grants weddings and vow renewals to couples facing serious illness or life-altering health circumstances.” Since 2010, they’ve granted over 150 wedding wishes nationwide. Not every bride in a wheelchair has a health condition that is too serious to plan for a wedding, but there are those who do (this goes beyond the scope of being in a wheelchair), so this may be helpful for someone who may need it.
My Wedding Wish (Australia) is a charity that “suppliers and community fundraising efforts are able to ensure that our couples can have a care and burden free celebration without the stress of organisational challenges, time issues and limiting budgets.” This organization was started in 2013 and has planned about 50 weddings.
Facebook Groups.
Weddings With A Difference: This is a group created by Rosie Farrell (McCormack) that “is a page for couples who are getting married and who live with a disability or chronic illness.” This is a small group of less than 100 members (as of 2020), but is a great place to find support and advice, and connect with other/former brides with a disabilities.
Our own Brides In Wheelchairs group has former, current, and future brides in wheelchairs. We share new blog posts about wedding/honeymoon planning, survey questions for members, and encourage others to share their own tips/advice.
Article Series/Blog Post Collections
Disabled Bride + Weddings/Confessions of a Disabled Bride Series (via LoveMyDress) This is a website for wedding dresses and other wedding supplies (not disability related or designed, specifically), but the site offers a few blog posts from other people with disabilities and their wedding planning experiences.
Posts spotlighting Disability Weddings (via Offbeat bride) This site is just a wedding planning advice site (with worksheets and resources), but includes blog posts spotlighting disabilities and weddings, such as an accessible mountain wedding or finding a dress when chronically ill.
Accessible Weddings Posts (via One Fab Day) This site offers wedding planning tips and features different couples on their wedding day. They have a minor section of advice for making weddings more accessible for guests, as well as brides and grooms, but is not created for disability-related wedding planning.
Disability Representation in Weddings Article Posts (via Catalyst Weddings Co) This site is a cultural, queer, and ethical diverse wedding planning support team with inclusive wedding advice, tips, and vendors. Although there are less than ten articles on weddings and disabilities, it’s a great site for celebrating inclusivity.
Vendor Lists.
Catalyst Wedding Inclusive Vendor List (major U.S. cities only) This site is all about celebrating couples of all types, although not specifically disability-driven. The vendor’s lists offered may not market disability inclusion, as they push cultural and queer weddings more, they are inclusive inclined and may be more enticed to making things possible for a bride in a wheelchair over traditional wedding vendors.
Etsy.
Etsy (cake toppers example) as a shop has many things to offer, but it is not specifically a wedding site or disability friendly. Do your research and find what unique items can add that special feel to your wedding, such as a wheelchair cake topper or braille bridesmaids announcements. Most items can be customized, so talk to an Etsy seller for options.
Research on, beautiful bride! Your future wedding dress is practically calling your name!
None of this content is sponsored, and we are not affiliated with any of the organizations listed above. If you have other helpful resource tips, please comment below. Thank you.
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