Tips for Hawaiian Theme Weddings

Weddings in Hawaii can be very expensive, but no matter what your budget, the savvy bride is always searching  for value. Hawaiian or beach theme weddings can be both very elegant and cost efficient when done right. No matter where you are, it's easy to bring Hawaii -- or any beach -- to your own back yard.

Decorations and Favors
Typically when one thinks of Hawaii, images of Waikiki, pineapples, fire
dancers and hula girls come to mind. However, there is a side of Hawaii
that is much calmer and less touristy. Think of the natural beauty of
Hawaii -- go to your nearest craft store and purchase some seashells.
Place in a glass bowl, fill with water, and float candles (plain white
ones do just fine) as a centerpiece, or find a wooden bowl, fill with
water, and float real dendrobium orchid blossoms to give your tables that
delicate rainforest feel. Garnish with loose blossoms on the table tops.
Buying online might be cheaper if your local florist charges too much for
tropical flowers -- you can find florists in Hawaii who sell loose
dendrobium orchids, plumeria, or loose ti leaves -- all of which are
colorful, inexpensive and hardy. Silk flowers are another option -- they
will last forever!

Food
You don't have to splurge on roast pig or dig up your yard to create an
<I>imu</I> (Hawaiian underground oven). Hawaii-style side dishes like
fresh pineapple, luau punch, lomi salmon and haupia (a Hawaiian coconut
flavored jello dessert) create an authentic feel without breaking the
bank. Here's a hint: if your punch is pink/orange rather than red, it
gives it a much more "authentically Hawaiian" look (think guava juice,
passion fruit, and orange drink mixed together). Float some loose
dendrobium orchids in the punch bowl (don't worry, they're completely
edible if you are so inclined) for an even more tropical touch.

Attire
Hawaii is actually known for being laid-back and casual, so why not apply
the same attitudes toward your wedding? It's not uncommon for couples
getting married on the beach to throw tradition to the wind and dress
down. Pick an informal wedding dress and dress your groom in a white aloha shirt with linen pants or khakis. Trust us -- he'll be happy to oblige! For accessories, try a silk maile lei for the groom and a pikake, tuberose or white orchid lei for the bride. Pikake blossoms smell heavenly and their
delicate white blossoms are perfect for the occasion. Do keep in mind that
if you buy them online, pikake, white ginger and puakenikeni flowers are
very fragile and might not make the trip unless you are on the West Coast
of the US (there's no guaranteed overnight delivery from Hawaii).

Guests
It is customary in Hawaii to give special guests a lei as well to
acknowledge their presence and importance. Sign-in table attendants, the
emcee, parents of the bridal couple, members of the wedding party and out of town guests all warrant leis if it's in your budget.

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