Weddings should be joyful celebrations for everyone present, but for neurodivergent individuals—those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or sensory sensitivities—the typical wedding environment can quickly become overwhelming. Bright lights flash, music thumps, schedules run tight, and social expectations mount. How can wedding planners create truly inclusive experiences?
Master Certified Wedding Planner & Certified Educator, Brianne Ackerland, joins CWP Society Vice President, Krisy Thomas, as she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to this vital conversation. With approximately 15-20% of the global population processing information atypically and diagnoses rising among younger generations, wedding professionals must adapt their approaches to serve all clients and guests effectively.
Through practical examples and thoughtful solutions, Brianne reveals how small adjustments make profound differences. From creating sensory kits with headphones and fidget tools to establishing quiet spaces at venues, coordinating with photographers about physical touch preferences, and providing step-by-step instructions rather than general directions—these modifications require minimal extra effort but transform the wedding experience for neurodivergent participants.
The most powerful tool? Communication. Starting with onboarding questions about neurodivergent family members, understanding specific triggers, and coordinating with vendors ahead of time prevents day-of surprises. While there's no one-size-fits-all approach (what triggers one person might not affect another), preparation creates space for everyone to participate comfortably.
Whether you're a wedding planner working with neurodivergent clients, a couple with neurodivergent loved ones, or simply committed to creating more accessible celebrations, this episode offers valuable insights into making weddings genuinely welcoming for all minds. After all, inclusion doesn't detract from a wedding's beauty—it enhances it.
Ready to create more inclusive wedding experiences? Visit cwpsociety.com to explore membership and certification opportunities to elevate your wedding planning expertise.
www.cwpsociety.com | info@cwpsociety.com | IG: @cwpsociety | FB: @cwpsociety
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!