Hawaiian Theme Wedding
A Hawaiian theme wedding is a fun and fabulous way to celebrate your most special day. Even if you’re not anywhere near Hawaii, you can bring the magic of the islands to you. The most popular season for a Hawaiian wedding is either late spring or summer. This is because the outdoors makes the ideal setting for a wedding of this type. You don’t have to hold your wedding outdoors, but it is certainly more authentic that way. If you are anywhere near a beach, consider holding your ceremony there.
Invitations
Your invitations can reflect the beauty of Hawaii by featuring ocean scenes or images of bright tropical blossoms. If you would like guests to wear Hawaiian shirts, be sure to specify on your invitations. So that your guests can dress appropriately, let them know if your wedding is being held indoors or outdoors. It’s a good idea to send out the invitations at least three to five months in advance to give guests ample time to respond.
Decorations & Special Touches
When guests arrive, present them with a traditional Hawaiian lei. A lei is a garland of tropical flowers to be worn around the neck. Speaking of flowers, keep things exotic and choose blossoms in vibrant colors like orange and fuchsia. Orchids, tuberose and gardenia are fragrant and beautiful flowers. Table centerpieces can be floral arrangements or even still life arrangements of sand and shells. Another idea is to adorn real pineapples with orchids and artfully place them in the center of each table.
Attire
For a Hawaiian theme wedding, your bridal apparel should be breezy and simple. Since most Hawaii style weddings are held outdoors, you certainly don’t want an ornate gown with a long train or lots of fussy details. A basic white sheath with a bit of beading is a perfect choice. Some brides go even more casual and choose a floral print dress. Wear a garland of blossoms around your head in lieu of a traditional veil. Footwear can be open toe sandals, or none at all if you are getting married on the beach. Your wedding party can wear Hawaiian shirts (for the guys) and tropical print dresses (for the girls.)
Menu
The menu should include luau favorites like roasted pork and pineapple. Appetizers can include Hawaiian Macadamia nuts, tropical fruits and cookies decorated to look like flowers and palm trees. Your wedding cake can be adorned with bright edible blooms. Ask your caterer what they suggest for your Hawaiian style menu. Entertainment is yet another important aspect of a Hawaiian wedding. Hire authentic hula dancers to perform at your wedding, or a hula dance teacher to instruct your guests.
Favors
Wedding favors for your guests can include the leis they were presented with upon their arrival. Another fun thing to do is give each guest a decorative card featuring their name written in Hawaiian. Give guests bubble soap and ask them to blow bubbles. Younger guests will especially love this part! Another fun idea is to give each guest a packet of exotic flower seeds so they can have a bit of Hawaii at home. Or, present guests with a cute hula dancer figurine, such as the ones that can be attached to car dashboards.