A Wedding Infused with Hawaiian Elegance

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Planning a grand luau for your wedding on the Big Island? Or, are you looking for an intimate one on the romantic island of Lana’i? No matter the choice, planning a luau doesn’t have to mean an all-casual affair. You can still have a stylish reception using flowers and table elements that take their cue from the organic beauty of the Hawaiian islands.

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Seashell encrusted frame on a bamboo mat with green orchids

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The decorations: embellish your table settings with decorative shell accents that lend a hand at creating an authentic feel for the event. To illustrate some examples, you can use a seashell dish as a fancy tea light holder and place some sand inside each one for a natural look. And when seating guests at the reception, a shell-made picture frame can act as a nice accent that doubles as a wedding memento or table card name holder. For ways to create a tropical look, >> read more.

Here are additional ideas that you can incorporate into the event:

For flowers, take your inspiration from gorgeous Hawaiian flowers such as cymbidium orchids, dendrobium orchids, stargazer lilies, and hibiscus.
Tropical fruits such as pineapples, papayas, star fruits, and coconuts also make decorative accents in the form of special sculptures, which are made into Hawaiian table centerpieces.
For a favor to give your out-of-town guests, present one that has a true Hawaiian influence such as cookies made with real Macademia nuts, Kona coffee, handmade coconut soap, or plumeria candles. Present them in a lovely handmade box, or simply wrap it up in an attractive fabric with a colorful hue of lilac, aqua, or pink. Add an interesting note or story card that explains the significance of the favor. Personalize it with a greeting that says “Many Mahalos”.
To get the party really going, hire a professional dance group such as a Polynesian fire dance troupe. As always, be sure to inquire with your wedding coordinator for some references on entertainment options unique to the area.
For a breathtaking evening reception set in a garden, have your wedding in a gorgeous Hawaiian plantation such as the Waimea Plantation Cottages on the island of Kauai.