Stop, drop and sanitise is the new motto of life in the time of coronavirus. While large events are discouraged, weddings are allowed to continue as long as everyone in attendance follows strict health and safety protocols.

Lathering up on hand sanitiser is not the most glamorous thing to do, but there are ways to make it a bit more fun and interesting for your guests. Instead of plonking some sanitiser on a table, consider setting up a dedicated sanitising station.

Sanitising stations are trending in the wedding world at the moment. Here are some tips to put your own together.

Placement:

Speak to your wedding venue to have your sanitizing stations set up at all entrances and exits. Remember to also consider spots your guests are likely to congregate at, like restrooms or the bar area. Assign someone the job of monitoring the stations and refilling them when the need arises.

Touchless sanitisers are best, to reduce the amount of contact your guests make with items. They are, however, the more expensive option. If you cannot afford that, simple pump bottles are perfect to get the job done. Make sure to have wipes on hand as well in this case, so guests can use them to wipe the pump bottle down before or after use.

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Punny:

Have a little fun with your station by creating a punny sign to stand alongside your sanitiser. Here are some ideas:

– Spread love, not germs

– Stop, drop and sanitise

– You can’t touch this (unless you’ve sanitised)

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Dress it up:

You don’t want a boring table that looks like it belongs in a hospital. Give it life by placing it on a fancy drinks cart, and dress it up with some flowers that match your wedding colours and aesthetic.

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Picture: Pexels

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