Hawaiian Wedding Wear Essentials

Whether on the beaches of Hawaii or simply having a Hawaiian theme wedding, understanding Hawaiian wedding wear essentials can help keep from making embarrassing mistakes and also show true respect for a sometimes-forgotten culture. The following items are essential for a Hawaiian wedding.

1. The bride will wear either a traditional wedding gown or a white Hawaiian style gown such as a holoku. Formal Hawaiian gowns can be purchased from shops in Hawaii via the internet, or if in Hawaii, simply by going to a Hawaiian wedding shop. There is little difference in price from a holoku gown and traditional wedding gown, so this is personal preference.
2. The groom will wear either a traditional tuxedo, if the bride is wearing a traditional gown, or possibly shorts or light pants with an aloha shirt that may match the bride’s gown’s fabric if she opted for a Hawaiian gown. Wedding wear shirts typically run more expensive than the average aloha shirt and some grooms will wear a typical, colorful, aloha shirt instead. This, too, is personal preference.
3. The bridal party and groomsmen will wear aloha wear, such as aloha print shirts and matching dresses. The length and style of the bridesmaids’ dresses depends on the formality of the wedding and personal preference. These can be special ordered from wedding shops also. The groomsmen will wear shirts that typically match the pattern of the fabric for the bridesmaids’ dresses and will usually wear shorts or light pants depending on what the groom is wearing.
4. Leis, headpieces, Hawaii-style jewelry, or umbrellas are also common essentials for a Hawaiian wedding. The bride may opt for a Hawaiian headpiece instead of a traditional veil, or may combine the traditional veil with a Hawaiian gown to keep some tradition but still maintain a Hawaiian wedding. The headpiece would be special ordered from a local florist or through the wedding shop. Leis are also typically special ordered for weddings, but if the wedding is planned quickly they may be purchased from anywhere in Hawaii (e.g. grocery stores, florists, even the airport), Umbrellas may be nice to have for guests, especially if the wedding is during the day with the sun on everyone. Hawaiian jewelry is sometimes given as wedding favors or may be chosen to accompany the wedding party’s attire.
5. Footwear is usually optional, and many get married barefoot on the beach or in flip-flop sandals, aka “slippers.” This is personal preference and will depend on the location and level of formality.