Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding in Hawaii? You're in for a treat. With its lush landscapes, majestic volcanoes, golden sand beaches, and stunning sunsets, Hawaii offers the perfect backdrop for your special day. And it's not just about the scenery; Hawaiian weddings are full of rich traditions and cultural rituals that symbolize the bonding of two lives. From the famous Hawaiian Wedding Song to the exchange of leis, there are many ways to incorporate local customs into your ceremony and reception. So, does your wedding party need to match? Well, that's up to you – but if you're looking for ideas, how about matching leis for the bridal party or even matching Hawaiian shirts for a fun twist? Whatever you choose, embracing the local culture is a great way to honor the island and make your wedding unique.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dress | Mu'umu'u or aloha shirt |
| Music | "Ke Kali Nei Au", "The Hawaiian Wedding Song", "Oli Aloha", or songs played on the nose flute, ukulele, or slack-key guitar |
| Dance | Hula |
| Food | Symbolic foods, such as lava stone wrapped in a Ti leaf, or Hawaiian specialities like coffee or cookies |
| Gifts | Omiyage or makana, products made in Hawaii like Hawaiian coffee or customized cookies from Honolulu Cookie Company |
| Flowers | Leis, pikake, orchids, rosebuds, haku flowers |
| Vows | Exchanging Hawaiian wedding bands bearing the couple's name in Hawaiian |
| Decorations | Flowers, loose orchids, or lava stones wrapped in Ti leaves |
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What You'll Learn
Hawaiian wedding attire
When it comes to Hawaiian wedding attire, there are no hard and fast rules, and you can choose to embrace the Aloha spirit with colourful, tropical outfits or opt for more formal attire.
Attire for the Wedding Party
For the wedding party, it is common to embrace the vibrant colours and designs that capture the essence of Hawaii. Matching Hawaiian shirts, known as Aloha shirts, and flowy dresses in bright, tropical prints can be a fun way to embrace the island culture. The bride may choose to wear a haku lei on her head and/or a white lei around her neck, while the groom can wear a traditional maile lei or a maile-style ti leaf lei. Bridesmaids often wear single-strand orchid leis, while groomsmen may opt for ti leaf leis. Flower girls can look adorable in petite rosebud leis or angelic haku leis.
Attire for Guests
As a guest, you can expect a range of dress codes, from "dressy casual" to "beach formal" or even black-tie. It's important to check whether the ceremony and reception will be held indoors, outdoors, or even on the water, as this will impact your attire. For outdoor beach weddings, comfortable and casual attire is often preferred. Ladies typically wear airy maxi dresses, jumpsuits, or rompers, while men choose dress pants or Chinos with collared shirts. For a more formal event, ladies may opt for semi-formal dresses or cocktail attire, while gentlemen wear suits or collared button-downs with slacks.
Footwear
Footwear is an important consideration for any guest attending a Hawaiian wedding. Heels and leather shoes are appropriate for black-tie and formal events, but for beach weddings, flats or sandals are a better option. For men, a pair of nice sandals or even going barefoot can be acceptable, depending on the formality of the event.
Embracing Hawaiian Traditions
If you want to incorporate traditional Hawaiian elements into your wedding attire, consider the lei, which holds symbolic significance in Hawaiian culture. Leis come in various forms, each with its own unique meaning based on the materials and island of origin. You can also add a touch of Aloha with handcrafted Hawaiian leis made from polished kukui nuts, shells, and vibrant island treasures. Another way to embrace Hawaiian culture is through the use of aloha prints, which can be found on shirts, dresses, and even face masks.
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Leis and their significance
The lei is a quintessential symbol of Hawaiian culture, encapsulating its rich Polynesian heritage and the islands' vibrant natural beauty. It is a traditional garland or wreath made from flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, or feathers. The most recognised type of lei is the flower lei, typically constructed from flowers like plumerias, orchids, tuberose, ginger flowers, or ti leaves.
Leis are deeply embedded in Hawaiian culture and are a visible and fragrant symbol of the Aloha spirit, representing the warmth, welcome, and hospitality of the Hawaiian people. In the days before the arrival of Captain James Cook, leis were used in ceremonies and worn like jewellery for personal adornment and as offerings to the gods. Each material selected for crafting a lei carries its own unique symbolism, often accompanied by specific chants, myths, and customs. For instance, the vibrant yellow and red feathers of the Hawaiian honeycreepers were exclusively used for the leis of royalty. Leis crafted from the delicate ‘ilima flower were considered rare and highly valued.
The lei is an offering of friendship, love, and celebration. It is customary to never refuse a lei and to keep it on while in the company of the giver. It is considered impolite to remove your lei while the giver is still in your presence. The art of lei-making blends tradition with innovation, involving various techniques, from the simple stringing of flowers to the intricate weaving of leaves, seeds, and shells. Each type of lei has its unique meaning and significance.
In traditional Hawaiian weddings, the bride wears a haku lei on her head and/or a white lei around her neck, while the groom wears the traditional maile lei or a maile-style ti leaf lei. Single-strand orchid leis are ideal for bridesmaids, while ti leaf leis may be best for the groomsmen. Flower girls can wear a petite rosebud lei or an angelic haku lei on her head. Leis can also be used to decorate wedding cakes, adding a simple ingredient to make a conventional wedding cake Hawaiian.
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Hawaiian wedding music
Music is an integral part of any wedding, and Hawaiian weddings are no exception. The Hawaiian Wedding Song, also known as "Ke Kali Nei Au," is a popular and recognisable choice for many couples. This song can be played during the ceremony as guests gather, or when the couple says their vows.
Ukulele music is also a popular choice for Hawaiian weddings, and can add a joyful and relaxed atmosphere to the event. Some couples may choose to have a hula 'auana performance during their wedding as well.
In traditional Hawaiian culture, leis are not only worn but also given to the couple as an expression of aloha. The type of lei given holds significant meaning based on the materials and island of origin. For instance, the groom traditionally wears the maile lei or a maile-style ti leaf lei, while the bridesmaids often receive single-strand orchid leis.
There are many contemporary Hawaiian wedding songs to choose from, such as "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You," "La Vie En Rose," "Moon River," "What A Wonderful World," and "You Are So Beautiful." These songs can be played during the ceremony or reception to create a romantic and joyful ambiance.
In addition to music, there are other ways to incorporate traditional Hawaiian elements into your wedding. A sand ceremony, for example, can be a meaningful way to symbolise the bonding of two lives, embracing the "aloha" spirit and honouring the island culture.
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Hawaiian wedding food
Planning a wedding menu can be challenging, but it's a great opportunity to showcase Hawaiian cuisine and impress your guests with a unique, memorable dining experience. Here are some ideas for a Hawaiian wedding menu that will tantalize your guests' taste buds and leave them wanting more.
Firstly, when it comes to a Hawaiian wedding, there is no need to stick solely to Hawaiian cuisine. A fusion menu that combines traditional dishes with other culinary delights can be a great way to go. This will give your guests a range of flavours and the chance to try something new. For example, you could include some local Hawaiian dishes as a tasty surprise for your guests, such as Loco Moco, a "food tower" with rice, a burger patty, a fried egg, and gravy. Or, for a traditional Hawaiian wedding dish, serve Kalua pig, a local favourite.
For a fresh and vibrant menu, take advantage of the abundance of seafood and tropical fruits available in Hawaii. You could serve fish caught fresh that morning, like some couples have done, for an unforgettable taste of Hawaii. Complement the main course with a selection of tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, papayas, and star fruits. These fruits will not only enhance the aesthetic of your wedding but also provide a refreshing palate cleanser between richer dishes.
For appetizers, consider incorporating some Hawaiian/Polynesian flavours. Bite-sized appetizers, called "pupus" in Hawaii, are an excellent way to welcome guests to cocktail hour. For the main course, a tasting menu with several artfully prepared courses can be a delightful way to showcase Hawaiian flavours. This could include dishes like Hawaiian Catch with Edamame Puree, Angry Pears, and Sake Butter, or Five Spice Duck Breast with Molokai Sweet Potatoes, Star Anise Citrus Emulsion, and Ume Plums.
Lastly, for dessert, there are many unique Hawaiian options to choose from, such as the traditional Haupia, a coconut milk pudding or pie. Or, for a real showstopper, collaborate with a local pastry chef to create a custom wedding cake with island-appropriate flavours like lilikoi, coconut, mango mousseline, or macadamia crunch.
Remember, it's your special day, so design your menu to reflect your tastes and preferences. By incorporating fresh, local ingredients and unique Hawaiian dishes, your wedding menu is sure to be a memorable part of your celebration.
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Hawaiian wedding gifts
Hawaiian weddings are known for their spiritual and communal nature, with traditions that are a celebration of love and a manifestation of ancient traditions passed down through generations. The act of giving gifts in Hawaiian culture is deeply embedded with symbols and meanings, reflecting a rich heritage.
The lei is a traditional Hawaiian gift that holds a special significance in weddings. The circular shape of the lei, made from flowers, leaves, shells, or nuts, represents eternal commitment and unending love and respect between the couple. Brides in Hawaii often wear a haku lei on their head or a white lei around their neck, while the groom wears a traditional maile lei or a maile-style ti leaf lei. Single-strand orchid leis are also ideal for bridesmaids, while ti leaf leis are best for groomsmen.
Kapa cloth, made from the beaten bark of the wauke or paper mulberry tree, is another cherished gift in Hawaiian weddings. The cloth symbolizes warmth and protection for the couple's new life together. Items woven from the leaves of the hala tree, such as mats or baskets, are also popular gifts, representing the weaving together of two lives.
Modern adaptations of traditional Hawaiian wedding gifts include incorporating designs into more contemporary items such as artwork, jewelry, or home decor. Koa wood, a native Hawaiian wood type, is often used to create handcrafted gifts such as bowls, sculptures, picture frames, or ornaments. These gifts blend traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance, making them relevant and meaningful in today's globalized world.
Other gift ideas for a Hawaiian wedding include island-inspired gift baskets containing tropical lotions, soaps, scented candles, and Hawaiian music. These gifts capture the enchanting beauty and aloha spirit of the islands, creating a romantic getaway for the couple.
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Frequently asked questions
Matching outfits are not a requirement for a Hawaiian wedding, but they can be a fun way to embrace the "aloha" spirit and add a unique touch to your special day. There are many options available to match your wedding party's attire, from colourful leis to vibrant Aloha shirts and flowy dresses.
There are several beautiful traditions you can include in your Hawaiian wedding ceremony. Exchanging leis with each other, and presenting them to your wedding party and guests, is a popular custom that symbolises your aloha, or love, for one another. You could also incorporate a hula performance, with the bride dancing for the groom, or hire a troupe of dancers for a special performance during the ceremony.
There are endless ways to personalise your Hawaiian wedding and make it memorable. You could include a sand ceremony, play the Hawaiian Wedding Song, or have your family and friends form a circle of flowers for you and your partner to stand in while exchanging vows. Decorating your wedding cake with loose orchids is another simple but stunning way to add a Hawaiian touch.
It is customary in Hawaii to give gifts as a parting gesture. You could choose locally made products such as Hawaiian coffee or customised cookies from the Honolulu Cookie Company. Alternatively, you can give your guests beautiful Hawaiian leis as a keepsake, or other special Hawaiian gifts like artwork or crafts.
A traditional Hawaiian luau is a must for your wedding reception, with the star of the feast being a kalua pig that has been slow-cooked in an imu (underground oven). Hawaiian cuisine incorporates native ingredients with Asian and Polynesian flavours, so you can expect a delicious fusion of cultures. Don't forget to add a Hawaiian touch to your drinks as well—fresh orchids placed on the lip of each cocktail or beverage will surely impress your guests!
