Saturday owambes has never been the same again. Before now, it was something to always look forward to. People dressed to kill in different asoebi and latest styles troop into the owambes and party hard.
Everybody goes to the Saturday owambes with the expectation of eating party food. It was another highlight, usually different from home food. Some say it is because the caterers used firewood to cook. Then the music and dance were the icings on the cake. However, after COVID-19 intruded on our lives, things have changed.
During the lockdown, no form of partying was allowed. Now that the ban has been lifted, we now have to observe safety precautions in parties.
If you are planning to get married amidst the pandemic, here are a few things you must note:
1.Provide Customised Face Masks
With the rise of COVID-19 cases, you never know who could be carrying the virus! If you’re worried about people showing up without wearing masks (or wearing inadequate ones), get some customised wedding masks for your guests.
2. Spread love not germs
Insist that your guests observe safety precautions. A sanitiser or handwash is a must. You could install a handwash/sanitiser station at the entry (or a foot-operated sanitiser dispenser to avoid contact), or even provide a personal sanitiser and a mask to your guests as they arrive.
3. No buffet
Don’t get your guests clustered as they go around multiple counters to serve themselves. Choose a plated service to minimise contact through self-service. You are also relieving the guests from long queues.
4. Change seating arrangement
Any seating arrangement that encourages closeness, intimacy, physical proximity, should not be used. As you host your wedding during the pandemic, ensure that your floor plan is more spread out and socially-distanced than normal.
5. Consider outdoor ceremonies
Have you considered an outdoor wedding ceremony this period? You should throw functions outdoors instead of in closed, confined spaces. That way you reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19.
6. Achieve a big wedding by going virtual too
Use this opportunity (and make it a blessing in disguise) to experience each and every moment of your big day, with the people you love most – your extended relatives, friends, acquaintances, etc join you over Zoom or any virtual platform to celebrate with you.
7. Install signages at your wedding
While everyone may work towards ensuring safety and taking sufficient precautions, it’s human nature to relax and forget all. To avoid this from happening, install signs and quotes across your wedding location to serve as a ‘soft reminder’ and communicate your expectations to your guests.
8. The revamped wedding photobooth
While hugs, kisses, and embracing your loved one for a photo is cute and all, it is practicable with socially-distancing. So get creative and revamp the wedding photo booth!