Throwing an Inclusive Party for Family and Friends

The post-pandemic era is one that is marked by togetherness. After almost two years of distance and strict travel restrictions, the year 2022 finally saw the restoration of many family-based celebrations like weddings, baptisms, and baby showers.

If you are celebrating a special occasion, and you’d like to ensure that everyone you love is comfortable, cared for, and included, make sure that you create an inclusive party. Relying on inclusivity features will help ensure that everyone you invite will actually show up!

This type of inclusive party is particularly important for seniors and caregivers. Otherwise, there’s a risk that they won’t be able to attend, which is disappointing for everyone (and could easily lead to family drama).

How to Throw an Inclusive Party

Ensure That Special Needs Are Met

If you have a family member who has a caregiver, contact both of them beforehand and inquire about any needs (including seating and dietary needs) that need to be met.

This way you can target those needs early on and make sure that nothing is missed.  

Actively reduce the risk of people feeling excluded by ensuring a disabled or elderly loved one has easy access to all the main features of the event—including the buffet table, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. For example, you may seat them near the restrooms and make sure their chair is easy to get up from.  

Pick a date and time that is going to work well for them. A lunch barbecue, for instance, is more likely to be accessible by all than a late night dinner.

Indeed, evening events can be a poor choice for seniors with dementia, as many experience sundowning, where they are often confused and agitated in the evenings.  

Including Loved Ones in Your Party Planning

Special events like flash mob proposals, baby gender reveal parties, and engagements can all be more special when loved ones can share their memories, ideas, and inspirations.

Family and friends may have access to information that can help you make wise decisions.

For instance, if you are planning to propose to your partner, a best friend, sibling, or parent may know the type of wedding engagement ring style your future fiancée prefers.

This is important as, these days, choosing a ring can be quite hard. Classic styles like Princess cuts are competing with fancy Asscher cut diamonds, colored gemstones, and vintage styles, giving you many options to choose between.

Including family and friends in your decision will not only make them feel more welcome, but also help you make smart choices.

Choose a Theme Everyone Will Love

Universal themes such as those based on the seasons or nature appeal to guests of all ages. This makes them likely to resonate with all your guests.

Selecting a theme that is too specific or unexpected can make some guests feel left out, so make sure to pick wisely and make the most of this theme for all your guests.

Select games, singing, dancing, or other activities that people of all ages will enjoy. Also think about your party favors carefully. Ensure that each guest receives something they can actually use or enjoy keeping at home.

You could also consider writing each guest a personalized message, so they feel that they are special to you.

Present Media in Various Formats

If you will be showing video during a special part of your event, make sure it is accessible.

This includes ensuring there are subtitles so that those with hearing difficulties can still understand your video’s message. If someone will be singing or giving a speech, try to have a sign language interpreter on site.

If you have guests with visual difficulties, ensure that visual images are explained in sound and take time to offer guests a front row seat, so they can see the visuals with greater clarity.

Also, make sure that guests in wheelchairs have an uninterrupted view of any action taking place onstage or on the dance floor. It’s easy for seniors to feel left out if they can’t see or engage with what’s happening.

Final Thoughts

Throwing an inclusive party involves catering different aspects of your celebration to the specific needs of the people that are attending.

To do so, it’s crucial to take the time to consult with your loved ones and their caregivers. The caregivers in particular may be able to offer considerable insight, giving you ideas about how to make the event enjoyable for everyone.

If you will be organizing games, competitions, and video screenings, do so in such a way that will entertain all guests and make them feel like important parts of your celebration and your life.

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