No elevator in PERFECT venue

girlymartini · January 2012

I don't know what to do. My FI and I went to look at a venue last night that suits our personalities perfectly. It's very eclectic, the man who owns it is a no BS kind of guy who will do anythign to make sure we are happy with the event and the space, it's PERFECTLY priced, it's close... EVERYTHING we want, need, could hope for. Haha, you get the idea.

There is one problem. The venue is divided on two floors and there is a large (approx. 2-story) staircase that people would have to climb all night. This poses a problem because both of us have one or two relatives on each side who have trouble with stairs. Since the building is very old and on a historical register, the owner could not put in an elevator. The owner told us that he would have staff help walk or carry anyone up and down the stairs who needed assistance, but I don't want to make anyone feel helpless or anything like that.

Help! I don't know what to do because obviously we care deeply about these people, but I also really want to try and make our dream venue work. One idea is for these people to just enjoy the first floor of the reception, but we would also like to use the top floor for all of the traditional dances and whatnot since it is a little more "grand" upstairs. Any suggestions??

EDIT: The people that I'm talking about are not INCAPABLE of using stairs, it's just a little more difficult for them. Thanks.

vsgal · January 2012

Then it is not perfect. You should probably find another venue, preferably one with everything on one floor. Can you have the entire reception on the first floor? That eliminates the need for the stairs.

I could not imagine telling a family member that they are welcome to come to the reception, but they will miss all the fun because they can't climb stairs.

PMeg819 · January 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_elevator-perfect-venue?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:47Discussion:2005213f-a9f6-4913-8089-8eef9d4d2781Post:3fa98032-4172-4500-b0bc-79589569dfb5">No elevator in PERFECT venue</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't know what to do. My FI and I went to look at a venue last night that suits our personalities perfectly. It's very eclectic, the man who owns it is a no BS kind of guy who will do anythign to make sure we are happy with the event and the space, it's PERFECTLY priced, it's close... EVERYTHING we want, need, could hope for. <strong>Haha, you get the idea.</strong> There is one problem. The venue is divided on two floors and there is a large (approx. 2-story) staircase that people would have to climb all night. This poses a problem because both of us have one or two relatives on each side who have trouble with stairs. Since the building is very old and on a historical register, the owner could not put in an elevator. The owner told us that he would have staff help walk or carry anyone up and down the stairs who needed assistance, but I don't want to make anyone feel helpless or anything like that. Help! I don't know what to do because obviously we care deeply about these people, but I also really want to try and make our dream venue work. One idea is for these people to just enjoy the first floor of the reception, but we would also like to use the top floor for all of the traditional dances and whatnot since it is a little more "grand" upstairs. Any suggestions??
Posted by girlymartini[/QUOTE]

Why is this funny?

StephBeanWed61502 · January 2012

This may be your "dream" venue, but it's not "perfect" because it can't accommodate all of your guests comfortably. I don't know what "suggestions" you're looking for - the fact is, you need a venue that either has no stairs or has an elevator. This venue has stairs and no elevator. It's not usable. Sorry.