Venus Williams is in love (no, not that kind). In her first joint print interview with husband Andrea Preti, the newlyweds open up about their multiple weddings, the moments that mattered most and what greatness means in marriage.
Updated Apr 28, 2026Autism Wedding Planning: Here’s How to Make Your Event Sensory-Friendly
Here’s what you shouldn't overlook, according to pros, newlyweds *and* guests.
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Every couple wants their loved ones to enjoy themselves on the wedding day, and ensuring that the celebration is accessible plays a big role in that. This is why we're giving you expert-backed autism wedding and sensory-friendly advice so that you can throw a celebration tailored to your needs (and your guests). But what exactly does "sensory-friendly wedding" mean? "A sensory-friendly wedding means creating an environment where everyone, especially autistic guests, can enjoy the celebration without being overwhelmed by noise, lights or crowds," says Elizabeth Laugeson, PsyD, a clinical professor at UCLA, licensed clinical psychologist and director of numerous UCLA centers and clinics.
Below we've outlined what to keep in mind amid the autistic wedding planning journey. And to help even further, we also added a list of eight autistic-friendly wedding vendors from across the country. Keep reading to find out who's the right pro for you and your circumstances, and don't forget that "a neurodivergent-affirming wedding honors authenticity over tradition and societal expectations," notes Laugeson.
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How to Have an Autism-Friendly Wedding
There's no perfect way to go about autistic wedding planning because it's not a cookie-cutter process. But that doesn't mean there aren't some basics you can accomplish. Use the following 10 tips to show support for low-sensory wedding guests and help everyone enjoy the celebration.
Hire Experienced Pros That'll Prioritize You
One of the first tasks on your wedding planning checklist is to book an experienced and diverse group of professionals, which you can find on The Knot Vendor Marketplace. "You want someone who shows flexibility and care in how they approach your wedding. A great vendor will prioritize your comfort and vision over sticking to what's traditional or expected, and that kind of support can make a big difference in how smooth and inclusive your planning process feels," says Briana Johnson, the founder of Planned and Polished Events and an advocate for accessible weddings.
Erica Shipley, senior manager of culture and experience at The Knot Worldwide, had her winter wedding in 2024. She tells us how her neurodivergent wedding planning went for her brother who has autism. "We knew that we were only hiring vendors who were going to approach our wedding day with patience since our timeline could change at any minute due to my brother's needs. For example, our photographer did an amazing job working with my brother (who hates getting his picture taken) and our band specifically played a song from the Cars soundtrack because they knew he loved the movie," she says.
Be Considerate of Noise Sensitivities
Weddings typically come with a lot of noise, especially if there will be dancing during the reception. Some wedding guests may find the loud noise overwhelming. To combat this, provide earplugs for guests who need them. If you're providing wedding welcome bags, place earplugs in each bag. Alternatively, you could have some on hand that you're ready to share if or when guests want.
Discuss Lighting Options With Your Vendors
Harsh, bright lighting as well as strobe lights can be triggering for autistic and sensory-diverse wedding guests. Ask your wedding DJ or other reception entertainment pros about their lighting plans, and consider avoiding strobe and flashing lights altogether. Have a conversation about what lighting choices are best for light-sensitive guests or tell your vendors what type of lighting bothers you and/or your partner.
Have In-Depth Discussions With Your Pros
Unknowns can be overwhelming to anyone, but especially those with autism and sensory processing disorder. Johnson suggests couples who fall into this category do two things. "First, choose a planning approach that works for your brain and comfort level, not just what's considered typical. That could mean using visual timelines, voice memos or keeping meetings short and focused. Second, be upfront with your vendors about what works best for you. Remember, you don't need to justify your needs. Having clear communication helps everyone support you better," she says. (Check out our wedding planning spreadsheet and other organization tools to see what works best for you and your partner.)
In addition, Laugeson suggests to-be-weds practice the parts of their wedding that make them the most nervous. "Plan and rehearse key moments in advance, like the first dance or sharing your vows. By doing this, it will help you know what to expect, which should reduce anxiety and build confidence," she says.
Let Guests Know What to Expect
Keeping your guests in the know is never a bad idea. Johnson recommends couples include details like music volume, crowd size and lighting on your wedding website so guests can prepare ahead of time. You should also add what accommodations are available in the wedding location or if you made a hotel room block so guests know they can book a room near the event and have a place to return to if they're overwhelmed.
Members of the neurodivergent community, Erica Vonderwall, digital PR manager at Hitched and founder of Colorful Comms, and Natalie Houchins, a senior UX writer for The Knot Worldwide, tell us what things they wish they told about before the wedding so they could feel more comfortable. Vonderwall suggests couples provide plenty of details about the wedding dress code and while also being flexible. "If possible, create a visual example of what you consider to be 'formal attire' and include it on your wedding website. This could be as simple as a Pinterest board of examples or links to specific items of clothing if you're asking them to wear something in particular. Keep in mind that some people have sensory issues with clothing, so asking them to wear a suit and tie or wear their hair a certain way may not be possible, so be open to compromise where possible," she says.
Houchins adds that displaying the wedding itinerary, a map of the venue, food menu and seating chart on your website would be helpful. "This frees folks to enjoy the moment without working through logistical unknowns and disorientation. Pre-event guidance and clear signage during the event is the way to go," she says.
Register for Charitable Donations
Another way you can show respect for autistic loved ones is by asking guests for charitable donations instead of gifts. With The Knot Registry, to-be-weds can create a GoFundMe registry or cash fund, which allows guests to help raise money for a charity or charities that's near and dear to you and your partner. (Remember to set it up so that your loved ones can donate any amount.) Consider having an Autism Speaks wedding donation option, since it's a nonprofit organization that promotes autism awareness, research and outreach.
Create a Wedding Sensory Room
Weddings are full of stimulants—from speeches and guest chatter to music, lights and general hustle and bustle. All of these elements, while sometimes fun, can also quickly become a source for overstimulation. Because of this, one of the best autistic wedding ideas is having a sensory room. (Shipley had one of these at her wedding!) Speak to the wedding site staff about wedding venue accessibility and ask if they have rooms on the property that don't let in a lot of light or noise and are slightly removed from the main event space. In that space, which you can fill with comfortable lounge furniture and weighted blankets, guests can pause and relax.
Also, communicate with guests that a sensory room is available by mentioning it on your website and having clear signage at the wedding. Tell guests that they can also come and go as they need. No one wants to feel as though they have to stay out when all they really need is a break. Guests will appreciate the freedom to slip away to a relaxation area without causing a scene.
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Provide Fidget Toys and Relaxation Items
In addition to creating a sensory-relaxation area, Kirsten Palladino, the cofounder of Equally Wed, floral designer and owner of Kiraflora, advises that you have a collection of items, like fidget toys, for guests to use. "For people and children with either autism and/or ADHD, you can put silent fidget toys on the reception seats or have them in a basket for people to grab as they come into the ceremony space to help them sit still," she suggests. "If you have a guest coming with greater challenges in focusing and sitting still, consider offering them a balance ball chair," she adds.
Include Sensory-Friendly Wedding Games
Speaking of keeping guests' brains or hands active, Houchins recommends having wedding games and activities at the reception to help autistic guests have an easier transition into social environments. "Consider having disposable cameras, a 'how we met' book or anything else that can give people a focal point to help put them at ease. This is great for those who might be overwhelmed with how to navigate a social setting that involves lots of unstructured time and small talk," she says.
Stay Flexible While Planning
Remember that no matter how much you plan, some things may need to be adjusted at the last minute. One of the best things you can do is to be accommodating and patient rather than getting frustrated by spur-of-the-moment adjustments. The more you're able to accommodate everyone at your wedding, the more guests will be able to enjoy the beauty of your celebration. "There's no one right way to plan or experience a wedding," says Johnson. The pro emphasizes that this truth can be incredibly freeing for folks with autism or those looking to plan sensory-friendly weddings. "The most meaningful celebrations I've helped plan were ones where we honored how the couple naturally navigates the world. Couples have to remember that sensory-friendly choices don't limit their celebration, they open the door for deeper joy, presence and authenticity," Johnson says.
Wedding Vendors Who Specialize in Autism-Friendly Weddings
Ready to find a pro that understands your needs and those of your guests? Check out this list of wedding industry experts that are happy to help with your sensory-friendly celebration, according to customer reviews and business bios.
A.Curtis Creations in Round Rock, Texas
A.Curtis Creations is a women-owned company founded by live wedding painter Avery Curtis Miller. She's been in the business for more than six years, can paint any moment from your wedding and does art for other events and commissions. Customers praise her for being talented, but most importantly, they say she's a great communicator—that's crucial for those doing autism wedding planning. Miller doesn't have a specific call out to her sensory-friendly tactics, but a review does say she donated some of her art pieces to an Art for Autism event hosted by the Treatment and Learning Center for Children with Autism. "Her support of the Autism community coupled with her unique creativity will always be appreciated and respected deeply," wrote one reviewer.
Bliss & Bridal in Escondido, California
A winner of The Knot Best of Weddings in 2025, Bliss & Bridal is an autistic-, women-owned bridal boutique that opened in 2023. The shop specializes in custom gowns and accessories, has plus sizes and boasts about having affordable prices for every budget. Since the owner, Olivia Hops, has autism, you can expect she'll be a great aid while navigating the bridal attire shopping process. Also, those with sensory sensitivities can feel happy knowing that customers say Hops is very personable and that the boutique is only available to one bride at a time. Interesting fact: At 24-years-old, Hops was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She eventually created a YouTube channel to help fellow women with autism learn more about themselves—her channel has gained over 68,000 subscribers.
DoubleTree by Hilton Nashua in Nashua, New Hampshire
Need accommodations and a wedding venue in the New England area? Then the DoubleTree by Hilton Nashua might be the place for you. With 230 guest rooms and more than 10,000 square feet of event space, which includes a grand ballroom, this location works for those who want their ceremony and reception on the same property. Representing the hotel is Lily LeBlanc, their catering sales manager, who's worked as the wedding specialist for more than three years. Check out an excerpt of this review, left by a neuroatypical couple: "Organizing and planning are genuinely difficult for us. Lily made it all possible, and she was patient through the whole process. Getting her as our wedding planner was truly the best case scenario."
Douglas Adam Entertainment in Florence, Kentucky
Douglas Adam Entertainment is an LGBTQIA+-owned business founded by Douglas Adam, who is a winner of The Knot Best of Weddings in 2023. Adam has more than two decades of DJ experience for all kinds of events, but says weddings are his favorite. (Fun fact: In 2023, Adam had his 1000th wedding.) But even though Adam can do more than DJ, such as provide a sound system, uplighting and photo booth, what customers love most about him is his attention to detail. "He knew that there were guests with sensory issues, two with autism, and worked with us on modifying the lighting and sound so nothing would be overwhelming," one reviewer wrote.
Enlightened Beauty in Fargo, North Dakota
Owned by a woman in the LGBTQIA+ community, Enlightened Beauty is a salon and spa that claims to be inclusive and eager to welcome everyone into their space. Fast facts: The business runs a team-based model, which means they don't work within an individual "commission-focused system" and collaborate instead, the staff of three have a combination of over 10 years of beauty expertise and they offer waxing, speciality hair and makeup services, and even tarot card reading. Also, Enlightened Beauty has numerous reviews saying that the staff is welcoming and happy to make any needed adjustments. Prepared to get you ready for any wedding-related event, this beauty vendor sounds like a great, forward-thinking safe space for those with autism.
Equal Opportunity Officiants in Mill Valley, California
Two-time recipient of The Knot Best of Weddings in 2024 and 2025, Equal Opportunity Officiants works with interfaith and spiritual couples. Whether you need an officiant for your ceremony, vow renewal, elopement or marriage license signing, this company has you covered. For those anxious about the ceremony itinerary or script, there's no need to worry. Before the wedding, your desired officiant, all of whom have at least a decade of experience, works closely with you and your partner so you both feel prepared and supported. They even offer "new officiant consultations" for those who want a loved one to officiate their ceremony. Here's one of our favorite reviews: "Reverend Sam and his assistant Emily custom tailored our ceremony to our personal tastes perfectly, it made for a dream of a wedding. Their attention to detail and timely communication really went the extra mile and our special day was so much better off for it! We highly recommend EOO to any other LGBTQ or neuroatypical couples who are looking for a stress-free wedding ceremony that is perfectly you."
Gardenia Weddings in Phoenix, Arizona and Austin, Texas
Gardenia Weddings is a LGBTQIA+-inclusive and Black- and woman-owned full-service wedding planning business based in Arizona and Texas with the flexibility to work nationwide. Founded by Krystal Gardenia, the company states they'll support and suggest unconventional ideas and alternatives that represent the best you. Their site even says they can help with sensory sensitivity. Gardenia Weddings has been in business for at least four years, and customers love how easy the team is to work with.
L.I.P. Photo in Charlotte, North Carolina
You don't have to search hard for L.I.P. Photo's values because they state them clearly on their storefront bio: "I welcome clients of all kinds—LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, SWers, all races, ethnicities and religions." Bex, the owner of this LGBTQIA+-, Native American- and woman-owned business, has been in the world of photography since a child, and captures weddings, engagements, maternity shoots and more. Also, Bex loves going to nontraditional events so feel free to talk to her about what out-of-the-box sensory-friendly ways you might need your photos taken.
Additional reporting by Hannah Nowack.
