Every couple wants to know that every person celebrating their big day with them is having  a super time. So hosting an inclusive wedding is about looking at your guestlist and asking: What can we do to make this easier, and more enjoyable for everyone? While it might be high energy and loud music in the main room, some guests might appreciate somewhere low-key and comfortable to chill out. Creating a quiet room or chill out area away from the main activity, is great for older guests, those with social anxiety or sensory issues, or guests who are pregnant or breastfeeding. By speaking to your celebrant and venue ahead of time, you can set up an alternative reception space that is a haven for those who need it. Here's how to create a wedding quiet room or chill out area for your guests.

What is a wedding quiet room?

A wedding quiet room is somewhere comfortable, and as the name suggests, quiet, where guests can go to be away from the main wedding crowd. In the main reception area there might be lots of people, loud music and dancing so this place gives guests, with additional needs or not, an option to take a break from high-spirited celebrations somewhere welcoming, low-key and comfortable.

Who might need a wedding quiet room?

There's a good chance that every guest will want to take five at some stage during your big day, but special consideration goes to pregnant guests, nursing mothers, older guests, guests who are socially distancing, or guests with additional needs, social anxiety, or sensory issues. People will be over the moon that you’ve considered them or their children on your special day!

Where can you create a wedding quiet room?

Talk to your wedding coordinator at your venue about the options available to you, as it can be a space outside or inside, depending on the weather. Or you could have both - a chill out area outside for daytime and one inside for the evening! Run through what they have available on site, and what you need to bring with you or hire, so that you can add it to your to-do list and budget in advance. If the venue is a private rental, check out the layout to see where is best to create a dedicated quiet space there.

How do you create a wedding quiet room?

Think about your guests and their needs. The there are three things to consider: decor, ambience and activities. These factors all make the space as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible. Feel free to include a question on your invitation RSVPs that informs guests that there will be a wedding quiet room or chill out area available on the day and ask if there are any additions that they'd appreciate having there.

6 Tips for Creating a Wedding Quiet Room or Chill Out Space

1. Make it comfortable

Guest who are breastfeeding will appreciate plump cushions which will help them to nurse their baby comfortably. Children like beanbags which they can read or even take a nap on, and a fort or teepee to chill out in will go down a treat, so set one up in the space with plenty of cushions and fairy lights inside. On the other hand older guests might like a straight back chair that is easy to sit onto and get up from. Cosy blankets, especially if your quiet area is outside are a nice addition too!

2. Make it quiet

Sounds like a no brainer, but making sure that the space you choose is far enough away from the sound of the band or DJ is important, so your venue might need to do a test run. Consider leaving on-ear or noise-cancelling headphones for people with sensory issues or for those who simply want to listen to relaxing tunes. Add a sign to the space which asks anyone using it to keep noise levels down and to consider turning down the volume on their phones or switching them to silent.

3. No-scent or low-scent policy

Strong smells can contribute to a feeling of sensory overload if someone is already overwhelmed, so keep this space free of room scents, scented candles and perfumes. If there's an open fire, consider not lighting it.

4. Include activities

Taking a break from the crowd doesn't necessarily mean a guest wants to take themselves away from the fun. Include activities to keep them occupied, which can be as interactive as they wish. Gather books and magazines for adults and children, boardgames, puzzles, playing cards and anything else that will bring a smile to their dial.

5. Keep lighting low

Low lighting is perfect for creating a calming effect that really lends itself to relaxation. Turn off overhead lights and instead ask for lamps to be added to the room. Consider amping up the ambience with fairy lights and other decorative lighting.

6. Let guests know

If you want to keep your quiet area exclusively for those who really need it, pop a sign outside the space letting other guests know what it is. You can also put a sign inside the room, asking people to be respectful of other guests using the space and their needs.

Creating a wedding quiet room or chill out area like this will make your guests feel welcomed and appreciated, which will lead to a huge amount of positive energy and good vibes on your big day. Trust us, your kind gesture will be remembered!

We have great advice on how to How To Make Your Wedding Disability-Friendly or other Fun Ways to Keep Kids Entertained at Your Wedding too!