These days there are so many kinds of families that it is not often those getting married are childless. Whether you have children from previous partnerships or have had a child together before getting married, they are a very important part of your life.

If you are looking to make the wedding a family affair, there are some great ways you can include your children in the wedding day. Here are a few cute ideas.

Flower Girls, Ring Bearers, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

This one is a bit obvious but giving the children a specific role in the wedding like a flower girl, ring bearer or even part of your wedding party is a simple and effective way to immediately include them on the big day.

Include them in the (non-alcoholic) cocktails 

Weddings are filled with special moments and if you’ve opted for something fun like a gin bar or a signature cocktail, why no let your kids in on the fun with their own fancy drink to sip with the adults or a fun drink-making table, all child-appropriate of course.

Incorporate them in the decor 

If you’re having photos of you and your partner at the venue or on the wedding website, why not include your children as well? It is the perfect way to show how this day is about connecting the family and allows you to indicate to your guests the tone that your wedding is taking.

Write them into your vows 

If you’re not going with traditional vows but rather writing your own, it is the perfect opportunity to speak to your child about this big moment in your shared lives. You can even have your children participate in the vows, talking about their role in this union as well.

Put them on the cake 

Cake toppers are not as in fashion as they once were but if you’re going to go this route why not put little figures for your children onto the cake as well.

The first (family) dance

The first dance is a romantic moment with your partner, so its understandable that you would do your own couples dance first. However, before inviting others to join you, first bring out your little ones to join in on the special moment.

Adorable MC’s 

Wedding speeches need some organisation, so if you have an old enough child who is keen to speak in front of all of your guests, include them by making them the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Especially confident children will love it and it will make the evening quite special.

Picture: Unsplash

Link: Things to do in Cape Town with kids

If you love the sound of crashing waves and the feeling of sand between your toes, you should consider having a beach wedding. It’s important to spend your special day in a place that makes you and your partner happy. So, with summer fast approaching, why not celebrate your nuptials tropical-style?

Tropical beaches are specific to certain geographic areas throughout the world that are near the equator. The hot, sunny and humid climate in these regions make for splendid tropical fruits and flowers. For a wedding in this vein, think bright colours, large flowers and leaves and fresh, juicy fruits. Oh, and coconuts, of course.

This theme will fit a laid-back couple perfectly as it allows for a more casual setting. However, it is easy to spice up if you would like it to be more formal.

Here are some key components to keep in mind:

Decor

The decor should rely on the natural surroundings. White sand, blue water and green palm trees or other vegetation are likely to already be part of the setting. Add some bold extras that tie in with the theme such as yellow and pink by using fruits and flowers.

Dress

Typically, comfortable attire will blend in well with the beach. Opt for a short dress or a two-piece in light, flowing fabric to avoid the heat. However, if you are keen on rocking that perfect diamond-studded princess dress, don’t let anyone stop you!

Shoes

Consider where you will be walking. If there is a pathway to the altar and the reception is indoors, high heels will work. But if you plan on getting onto the sand, grass or rocks, release your inner child and go bare foot! You can also go with flats or pumps.

Bouquet

Tropical beaches are teeming with brilliant flowers. Use a professional florist to help you choose your selection of flora, and refrain from picking them straight from the environment as it might be illegal. Some beautiful tropical flowers to consider are:

– African Violet

– Blanket Flower

– Blood Lily

– Blue Passion Flower

– Bougainvillea Glabra

Invitations

Here you get to go wild! Make sure you have your colour scheme figured out first, then select stationery that complement it. Two or three of your main colours are enough to use, as more might seem overwhelming.

Reception

Keep things beachy with the reception and have it on the sand too if the weather is good. Try not to use small decor items that may fall from the tables and get lost in the sand. If it’s very warm, host the reception under trees or a tent, or set up umbrellas to provide shade.

Drinks

No tropical island is complete without the necessary drinks. Beautifully crafted cocktails are a must. Serve drinks in hollow coconuts, pineapples or watermelons and add some frozen fruit pieces like berries that can serve as ice.

Image: Pixabay

Genetic testing is a touchy subject because of the implications it brings up with regards to future children. However, knowing the genetic make-up of you and your partner will mean you are more informed when making decisions before getting married or having children.

What is genetic testing 

It is testing to see whether a person is a carrier of abnormal genes, which can result in a disease in future children. It is done usually through a blood test.

Why do genetic testing

Genetic testing is done to identify if there are any “faulty” or disease-carrying genes present in a person. This is because two sets of the same gene, one from each parent, might not cause a defect for them but when combined could result in a child with a disability or disease.

It should be noted that a child with a disability or disorder is not inherently a negative outcome. Society has framed it in such a way that it seems like an undesired outcome, but with more inclusivity and support, this no longer has to be the case and of course, does not lessen the value of the child as a human being.

However, being prepared to care for a child with a possible issue is key for parents. Without this mental and economic preparation there can be serious strain on everyone involved.

This is why genetic testing can be useful. If parents are identified as being carriers of a specific abnormal gene, they can weigh up their options and decide what is best for them when it comes to future children.

Who should do genetic testing 

Diseases such as Sickle Cell Disease, Tay-Sachs and others are commonly found in certain people groups from specific regions of the world. Tay-Sachs is commonly found in people of Jewish descent whose ancestors lived in Eastern Europe, while Sickle Cell is common among those from or with heritage from African or Mediterranean countries.

Understanding your background will help you find out if you should get tested, although with the mix of backgrounds many come from, it is easier to do it just to be safe.

Picture: Unsplash

Microweddings are all the rage currently. As the pandemic continues, couples have to be selective with their guests and are opting for smaller weddings.

If you’re struggling to find an appropriate venue or simply want to stay closer to home, your backyard might just be the perfect place to say ‘I do’. You’ll be in pretty good company with this choice. Celebs like Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi, and Beyonce and Jay-Z all tied the knot in their homes.

There are so many benefits to holding your wedding at home, but also drawbacks. Here’s what you need to consider.

Flexibility:

By picking your home as your wedding venue, you have the choice of any wedding date. You don’t have to hope your venue is available on a certain day or settle for another.

Beyond this, you can work with your guests availability. Now that most people are working from home, they are likely to be a lot more lenient with their schedules.

Cutting costs:

With your backyard as your wedding venue, there is no need to rent out a spot. You also save on transport to and from the venue. This can save quite a few thousands that you can put towards something else like your food, decor or outfits for your big day. You also avoid extra costs like corkage fees, cleaning up afterwards and possible fines if your wedding is too loud or runs overtime.

At the same time, you might have extra costs you wouldn’t have to consider with a traditional venue. You will have to cover the costs of renting seating, cutlery and crockery. You may also need extra lighting installed.

Rules and regulations:

Most venues have rules on what decorations you may put up, when your music must end and how many guests you may cater for. By hosting your big day in your backyard, you eliminate these concerns.

However, you do have to consider zoning regulations to make sure you’re even allowed to hold a wedding in your home. You’re also working with a smaller space and may have to trim your guest list to accommodate this. Bathrooms may be in short supply, as weddings typically require one bathroom per 50 people.

The parking situation will be a major drawback, as you need a place for your guests to leave their cars that does not inconvenience neighbours. You could arrange for them to park at a nearby park or church and then bus them to your home, but this will be an extra cost.

Feature image: Unsplash

Most wedding cakes are similar, no matter the style you go for. They often give off the same vibe. However, with a peekaboo wedding cake, you can get the best of both worlds.

Two-sided wedding cakes, otherwise known as peekaboo cakes, allow for the elegance and decadence of a normal wedding cake, with the added splash of personality and pizazz of extra decorations. You could add an interest or hobby that you share as a couple, or simply have one side be showier than the other.

Whichever option you decide on, a two-sided cake will add a personal touch to any dessert table and will stand out from all other wedding cakes. Your cake will be remembered for years to come.

Here are some two-sided cakes, to inspire you:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4AEznmlSum/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDX2lvPBBeB/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4AYsb8BTMc/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzaHZQqjE49/

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByN–RFFu3G/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BygKr-QiBdJ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx0amxAB10u/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu-xCDqAD_X/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlOyvWSBjsK/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxuZIHgBPAk/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYrTe_jHOby/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnNUzTUHSAu/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjOZDGuBlUx/

Image: Unsplash