How To Plan a Hawaiian Wedding

Dress the bride and groom appropriately. Traditional Hawaiian brides should wear a white holoku or wedding dress. She will usually have flowers in her hair as well. The groom should have on a white shirt (causal or formal) and white pants. He should also wear a colorful sash. Footwear is optional if you're being married outside.

Get leis for everyone. Hawaii is known for the wearing of leis, or traditional flower garlands, around the neck. Two maile leis made of fragrant green leaves should be ordered for the bride and groom. This shows that they are both welcoming of each other and it is also traditionally meant to symbolize how their ancestors were at one with nature. In addition, the bride's lei should have white jasmine woven into it and the groom's should have a flower called ilima woven into it. The mothers of the bride and groom should also be provided with special leis, and again, a lot of white jasmine is recommended to make these leis extra special. If you prefer, you can order leis for every wedding guest you invite.

Have a traditional Hawaiian ceremony. If you want your Hawaiian wedding to have many traditional elements to it, start it off by blowing a conch shell three times. This is believed to signify that the Lord is present and supportive of this Hawaiian wedding.

The ceremony should also include customs that reflect the many cultures that are found in Hawaii - Filipino, Chinese and Japanese traditions can all be mixed into a Hawaiian wedding. For example, you may want to have 1001 origami cranes at your wedding to bring good luck (a Chinese tradition). Or, perhaps you want to set off fireworks to keep evil spirits away. A Filipino wedding tradition that you also might want to consider is a money dance (Pandango), during which the couple are surrounded with a string of taped money from their guests. The mix of traditional elements from these cultures is really up to you and your partner. Just be sure to consult your parents before deciding to include (or leave out) any traditional features of the ceremony or reception.

Don't forget the wedding cake. Although it is traditionally a western tradition, cutting the cake is now done at most weddings, regardless of the cultural background of the bride and groom. To incorporate traditional Hawaiian elements into the cake cutting, first have the cake made with wheat flour, as it symbolizes the start of the couple's new relationship together. Then grasp a knife together and cut the cake as one to show your commitment to each other. You can then dig into the cake and give each other a nibble to represent how you'll share whatever experiences lie ahead in your marriage. After cutting the cake and serving a piece to each other, plan to have enough cake to offer each guest a piece at your Hawaiian wedding.