Hawaiian Weddings 101

March 18, 2013 / admin / No Comments

Whether you’re planning a destination wedding to Hawaii or using a Hawaiian theme for a local celebration, a Hawaiian wedding can be a colorful and delightful affair for the wedding couple and guests.
Wedding Attire
The “Holoku” is the traditional Hawaiian wedding dress. Its silhouette is reminiscent of the afternoon tea dress of the Victorian era. It features a high neck, long sleeves and a fitted bodice. The hemline flares in a trumpet or mermaid style. Modern Hawaiian dresses may use a lower neckline, off the shoulder style or sleeveless and may be shorter. However, most styles feature the fitted bodice and long skirt. The dress is typically white silk, cotton or fine linen.
Many brides choose a tropical fashion for a wedding dress. This can be a long or short style, strapless or halter neckline with a fitted or flared skirt. The print can reflect the beautiful flowers of Hawaii in bright or pastel shades. The groom may choose a matching shirt and choose white linen pants or shorts. The attendants may be attired in the same print or may mix and match prints. The bride may substitute a wreath of flowers instead of the traditional veil.
Finding Hawaiian fashions locally can be a challenge, especially out of season. Try sites like Tropiholic.com for a wide selection of moderately priced tropical fashions, resort wear and accessories for men, women and children.
Hawaiian Wedding Customs
Leis – For women, tradition dictates all white flowers of the pikake flower, commonly known as white jasmine. For the groom, green leaves, white jasmine blossoms and orange petals are used.
Conch Shell – Hawaiians traditionally blow a shell at the beginning of the wedding ceremony to summon good spirits.
Pandango (“Money Dance”) – This custom is popular in the Philippines but also practiced at Hawaiian weddings. At the first dance, guests tuck or pin money to the bridal couple’s clothing.
Origami Cranes – Traditionally, the bride creates 1,000 paper cranes for her wedding day. In Japanese folklore, cranes are supposed to live for 1,000 years. This custom is supposed to bring good luck and a long life to the married couple. The Hawaiians have added one additional crane, making 1,001 cranes. The extra crane is usually made by the groom.
Hawaiian Wedding Song – A tune popularized by Elvis Presley can be played on the ukulele to add a romantic touch to the ceremony.