Honing Your Cooking Ritual

Posted on: 5 December 2016

If you have your heart set on a Hawaiian wedding but can't afford it, don't worry! You can still create a fabulous celebration by turning your backyard or banquet hall into a tropical paradise. Here are four creative ideas for hosting your own luau nuptials.

Inform Your Guests Of The Theme

On your invitation, let everyone know you are having a Hawaiian-themed wedding, and ask them to dress accordingly. Rather than stuffy suits and expensive dresses that guests and attendants will likely only wear once, allow guests to choose their own festive attire. Suggest Hawaiian shirts for men and Hawaiian sarongs for women. Your guests will be thrilled when they learn it's a casual affair instead of a formal one.

Pick Your Props

Party planning stores have everything you could possibly need to re-create the feeling of the islands. You'll need plenty of leis with artificial flowers for your guests to wear. You can also buy inexpensive hula skirts, which will be fun once the dance starts. You could even have your flower girl or bridesmaids wear hulu skirts. The party stores also offer tablecloths that resemble hulu skirts, as well as tablewear and drinkware that fit the theme. They may even have an inexpensive tiki hut that you can set up for your bar! Ask your photographer to set up a backdrop with a tropical paradise theme for guests to have their pictures taken while "on the beach." Be sure to have props, such as beach balls, lawn chairs, and sun glasses.

Supplement Your Fresh Flowers

Of course, you'll want as many fresh orchids and hibiscus flowers as your budget allows, but flowers are expensive. Add fresh tropical fruits like pineapple, bananas, guava, and papaya along with Hawaiian ti leaves to create gorgeous table centerpieces. Ti leaves can be ordered online, are inexpensive, and they lend an authentic feel to the tables and décor. While your guests will have silk leis, don't forget to order the real deal for the betrothed to don.

Have A Luau

A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast or party. Hire a party catering company who specializes in pig roasts. Let them know you will be having a Hawaiian-themed wedding and see what they have to offer for accompaniments. Rice, coconut shrimp, sweet and sour chicken, fresh fruit skewers, and tropical cole slaw are just a few ideas. Don't forget to create a signature tropical cocktail, which you could even serve in faux, hollowed-out coconuts. Consider a strawberry-mango-coconut filling for your wedding cake, add some Hawaiian music to your playlist, and you'll have a fun, relaxed wedding everyone will enjoy.