How much information do I put on the STD?

elijoy

We are getting married at a historical cabin on a mountain that is 5,500 ft above sea level. Because of this it is not accommodating for people with disabilities or heart conditions. This amounts to quite a few family members. It is also a pretty remote area for out of town guests to get to. I'm just wondering how much information we give about the location and conditions of the area on the STD. I want to give people enough info so they understand the possible difficulties. We also want people to understand that there are no sleeping accommodations on the mountain. I feel like waiting to send out the invite to explain this is not enough time. 

Should I just say "We are getting married on top of a mountain in a remote area outside of San Diego?" and then give more information verbally to family members that have health problems? 

KatWAG

elijoy said:

We are getting married at a historical cabin on a mountain that is 5,500 ft above sea level. Because of this it is not accommodating for people with disabilities or heart conditions. This amounts to quite a few family members. It is also a pretty remote area for out of town guests to get to. I'm just wondering how much information we give about the location and conditions of the area on the STD. I want to give people enough info so they understand the possible difficulties. We also want people to understand that there are no sleeping accommodations on the mountain. I feel like waiting to send out the invite to explain this is not enough time. 

Should I just say "We are getting married on top of a mountain in a remote area outside of San Diego?" and then give more information verbally to family members that have health problems? 

I feel like this is information for your wedding website. And then use word of mouth.

stephanie727

I would probably just put the date and location like most stds have and then direct them to your wedding website for more detailed information on the location and the surroundings. 

itzMS

stephanie727 said:

I would probably just put the date and location like most stds have and then direct them to your wedding website for more detailed information on the location and the surroundings. 

This. And unless you're a physician...leave off the fact that you feel it's not an okay location for the disabled or heart condition individuals. Mention the elevation. Post pictures of the cabin and grounds on your website. Definitely let the guests make their own call with their MD. Post the venue's phone number if someone would like to privately inquire about accessability.

elijoy

The same people who would need to know the info about the elevation and non-disability friendly grounds (which they of course would talk to a doctor about and not me) are the same people who would never look at a wedding website. Any other suggestions?

mlg78

Do the website and word of mouth.

doeydo

Perhaps you could call them and explain what the venue is like and that it may cause them issues.

AprilH81

Why would you book a venue that is somewhere that a good chuck of your guests can't/shouldn't access?

itzMS

@elijoy

I'm also not getting why you'd pick a venue that excludes enough of your guest list for you to worry about it.

Does the venue explicitly not allow those with wheelchairs/walkers and/or heart conditions, or are you making assumptions?

I'm no mountaineer or physician, but Dr Google told me that 8000ft not 5000ft can perhaps cause issues for those with valve issues or CHF.

I would think any logical person with a disability or severe heart/health issues would think twice before heading up a mountain.

daveANDkristen

It also seems odd to me that you are inviting guests who are unfamiliar with the area and/or disabled to a remote area you assume they will probably not be able to get to.  Under the circumstances, most people would either have their wedding in an accesible space or keep the guest list small.  Anyway, yes I think your STD should be names, date, city, state and URL. Set up an informative website and encourage your guests to visit it or spread the info by WOM.

elijoy

I spoke to my parents and they said that we should not pick a venue solely based on the handful of guests with health issues since they may not make it to the wedding regardless of the location. We are basically doing a "semi-destination" in the mountains for a whole weekend. I do however want to give a heads up in case any of them do decide to try and come. 

The venue is a historical designation so they don't have things like ramps or accessible bathrooms. The elevation will definitely been something each individual will need to discuss with their doctors. 

I guess I'll go with the wedding website and word of mouth. I always feel like no one looks at wedding websites so I kind of thought it was a waste of time but you all seem to think people will utilize it which is good to know. 

Thanks.

kitty8403

I live right below 5,000 feet. Even at this relatively mild elevation, altitude sickness is often a thing. You should be prepared for it and have someone designated to be prepared for it.
I do think your guests should be told about the elevation and clued in to potential access issues, but I also think it's your job as a hostess to consider these things when choosing a venue. There is a reason we chose a spot just off a state highway instead of the gorgeous mountain lake with incredible views that we both thought would be amazing.
Can you run a shuttle bus? Can you designate an usher to assist with maneuvering wheelchairs? Do you have a nurse or EMT who will be on site (we do)? Even with a challenging venue, attendance should be your guests' choice. Otherwise, why would you invite them at all?

ETA: when it comes to elevation, it's predominantly a matter of acclimation and general health. It's not old vs young, necessarily. Lots of older adults do just fine.