Sleek Sarongs
For a real taste of the islands, try a sarong, native not only to Hawaii but to Indonesia. This dress or skirt is one long rectangle of fabric that wraps and ties to your body. Sarongs traditionally have island prints, such as flowers or block printed shapes. This is a lovely look; do some "window shopping" on the internet for ideas. However, there is nothing wrong with wearing an all white sarong for your special day. This is a great way to blend island culture with Western wedding tradition.
You can wear your sarong as one piece in the length you desire (to your knees, your calves or full-length). Alternately, you can top a white sarong skirt with a white blouse.
Sarongs often come with snaps or buttons, but if you're the adventurous type, you'll want to buy a fabric rectangle and learn to tie it yourself. Look online for sarong-tying tutorials. These will also give you an idea of the many different types of outfits you can get from this one versatile piece of fabric.
Wedding Holoku
The Holoku is one dress that is traditionally Hawaiian. This gorgeous garment is close-fitting in the waist and hips and has a train in the back. These characteristics make the Holoku a favorite pick of brides everywhere.
The Holoku was originally made of silk, as the material was brought to Hawaii from China by merchants. However, if silk is too pricey, you can choose from a variety of different fabrics for your gown.
If you live in the continental United States, you might have a difficult time finding a holoku in a standard wedding shop. Look online to see if there are any stores that might carry this item in some form; you can easily alter it for an island feel. You can also order your holoku from various shops on the internet. If you go this route, make sure the merchant offers an excellent return policy. The close cut of this dress means that you'll need a good fit, and it might take one or two tries to get just the right dress.
Beach Dress
Beach dresses are non-traditional but will offer a fantastic look in your wedding photograph album. White is the usual color for a wedding beach dress. Ties behind the neck and an ankle length skirt are the usual look for this gown.
Tropical Accessories
Try pearls for your wedding jewelry. Pearls are a much utilized tropical body decoration and will add just the right touch to your Hawaiian wedding dress.
Cultured pearls are evenly sized and usually of very similar color; natural pearls offer a more ÃÂjust picked off the beachÃÂ look. Both are elegant and are simply a matter of your personal taste. A good string of pearls will make a valuable addition to your jewelry box at home as well; this decoration is suitable to any fine occasion.
Tropical Bouquet
For a splash of island color, carry a tropical bouquet. Tropical flowers will add an exotic feel and a bit of variety against the backdrop of a white dress. If you'd like to treasure your wedding flowers forever, either press them after your wedding, or buy silk flowers. They'll make a wonderful memento of our dream island wedding.
