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 plumeria candles (or 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. 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 imu (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 well-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. The Hawaiian holoku, a formal Hawaiian gown with a train, is also a gorgeous choice as a wedding dress for those who would like authentic Hawaiian wedding wear. The groom typically wears a long sleeved white aloha shirt, white pants and a sash that matches the dress color of the bride. Informal wedding dresses are also great choices for the bride to change into after the ceremony (like Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. changed into more casual wear after the ceremony -- Sarah Michelle wore flip flops, and Freddie went barefoot!), as they are cool and comfortable poly/cotton. Our Hawaiian wedding dresses and matching shirts are also great for taking engagement photos!
