Maui Wedding Photographer

Wedding Traditions of the Pacific Islands and Hawaii

Wedding traditions throughout the world have many similarities, and yet many have their own twists based on the culture in which they have lived for many generations. It can be anywhere from cultural to spiritual, but in the end, it all comes down to the joining of two people.

Wedding traditions in the Pacific Islands and in Hawaii are no different, as they are very entrenched in cultural traditions and styles in everyday life, which includes wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Hawaiian Islands

In Hawaii, the islands are known for their flowers. When made into a garland, and added ribbon, you now have the Hawaiian Lei. Lei are placed over the necks of both the groom and the bride and that symbolizes respect and love.

Lei come in various forms and sizes. They can be made from very fragrant and beautiful flowers or they may also have some kind of meaning. For example, a lei made out of apple seeds or other seeds may represent the seeds to a new life. Lei are often worn at most celebrations on the islands and also just for recreation and enjoyment.

Generally both the groom and the bride dress in pure white clothing, while the groom includes either a black cloth belt or a red sash around his waist. In addition, it is customary to have the couple’s names engraved on their gold wedding bands.

No Hawaiian wedding reception is complete without the traditional playing of the Hawaiian Wedding Song.

Hawaiian Wedding Song

This is the moment
I’ve waited for
I can hear my heart singing
Soon bells will be ringing

This is the moment
Of sweet Aloha
I will love you longer than forever
Promise me that you will leave me never

Here and now dear,
All my love,
I vow dear
Promise me that you will leave me never
I will love you longer than forever

Now that we are one
Clouds won’t hide the sun
Blue skies of Hawaii smile
On this, our wedding day
I do love you with all my heart

Philippine Islands

North American weddings generally assign certain people tasks for the wedding and reception. However, on the Philippine Islands, every family member, friend and anyone else attending the ceremony each have some responsibility of carrying out part of the tradition.

One interesting tradition that takes place during the ceremony is the bride’s veil is pinned to the groom’s shoulder, which symbolizes the couple clothed as one. Then a cord, which is pure white, is placed around the bride and groom’s necks to represent an ever-lasting bond together.

Then in an effort to symbolize the promise of prosperity and faithfulness, the groom presents to his bride 13 gold coins that have had the blessing by the priest.

At the reception, there are many traditional dances that are performed, but the most traditional is the Pandanggo sa Ilaw. Pandanggo, for short, is derived from the dance Fandango, which comes from the Spaniards. This dance includes the skill to balance and keep stable the three oil lamps known as Tinggoys. There are many steps and clapping going on during the Pandanggo sa Ilaw.

Of course no, reception would be complete without the traditional releasing of white doves from a decorated birdcage that resembles a wedding bell. Like in many cultures, the doves represent the symbol of the young couple starting a new life together in love and in peace.

Fiji Islands

In Fiji, the tradition of the father of the bride being asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage by the young man still exists. In addition to that, it is custom for the potential groom-to-be to present a gift to him as well. Fiji’s custom suggests that the gift is that of a whale’s tooth, as the tooth represents wealth and status.

If the gentleman gets the permission he seeks, he is then expected to “warm” the bride’s family. Warming is a custom where the groom prepares a well-to-do feast and sends it to the bride’s family.

Other Fiji wedding traditions include:

- The bride to be tattooed just before the wedding. This signifies the beauty of the islands.

- A gift exchange that takes place between the families of both the groom and the bride.

- Drinking the traditional drink of the Fiji Islands, Kava. Made from the root of the Kava plant after the root has been crushed.

As with any wedding ceremony across the world, you will find many similar things. However, with each culture, you will also find traditions of past generations that are very different and still alive today.

Hawaiian Weddings; Things To Know

Is there anything more romantic than a wedding in Hawaii? Hard to come up with one isn’t it? Therefore, since you are about to experience one of the greatest days of your life, allow me to give you some important insight and what you can expect from Hawaii as you plan to kick off your new life.

Best Times To Go

Is there really a bad time to go? Not really, but like anywhere else, there are times that are better than others. Obvious times of the year are during the summer when you have slightly warmer temperatures. However, in Hawaii temperatures usually average in the 70’s and 80’s throughout the year.

A more important weather notation is Hawaii’s rainfall. Hawaii is one of the largest rain forests in the world and it rains often. However, due to the flow of Hawaii’s trade winds, the rain generally hits most often on the northeastern parts of each island and in the mountains. Therefore, if you plan your Hawaiian wedding on a southwestern part of an island, you have a much more likely chance of nice and clear weather.

Wedding Styles

If you are not familiar with Hawaii, I suggest a Hawaiian coordinator. They can bring to you a selection of Hawaiian traditions, customs, cultures and sense of Hawaiian tranquility and relaxation.

In deciding a style for your Hawaiian wedding, there are many options you can choose from. You can go with traditional indoor weddings at one of many locations or maybe you prefer an outdoors wedding in a garden area or on the beach.

You can also make your wedding as simple as you want or more complex; you are in Hawaii after all. Maybe you want to include waterfalls, horses, the ocean, volcanoes or even take a helicopter to some remote location. The options are endless with a Hawaiian wedding.

Your Honeymoon

Hawaii is one of the top destinations for any honeymooners, whether you are married on the islands or not. Plan ahead and list everything you want to do and see while you are here. Some of the items may be on different islands, so do your homework and be prepared.

First there is lodging. Hawaii has some of the most beautiful resorts around or you can go more local and rent a condo or villa. Although most areas are short drives, consider your activities and restaurants when deciding where to stay. No matter where you stay or what you do, you are here for two reasons: Hawaiian Paradise and Each Other.

Which Island Should You Go To

After listing all your events, be sure to check them against what each island has to offer. Many of the islands offer many of the same things, but some do not. If you don’t mind traveling from island to island, then you’re set. However, if you are budgeted for less travel, then research the islands and see what they have to offer before making your choice.

After all, if you are set on lying out on Waikiki Beach and visiting Pearl Harbor, but plan on staying in Maui, you will realize these are different islands. So do you stay in Maui? Change to Oahu? Or simply do both? Once again, plan ahead and don’t wait until you get here, you may be disappointed.

To help with this, here is a quick rundown on the Hawaiian Islands as you prepare for your Hawaiian wedding or honeymoon.

On Molokai, you will find this island to be one of the more natural states as it is the least affected by big business. If you are more into cultural experiences, this may be the island for you.

Maui is often considered to be the most romantic of the islands. There are many things to do, even if it’s simply doing nothing. Anything from ocean walks and boating experiences, to up country farming. From waterfalls and tropical paradises, to a night on the town. Maui offers a variety of different things to do and see.

The biggest island is called, Hawaii. Much like Molokai, the “big island” offers more of a cultural setting. The weather here is like no other. The world has 13 climatic zones and this one island can experience 11 of them alone. From sun, to rain, to even snow topped mountains. Hawaii also offers some of the best lava flows around.

Kauai is your garden island. This is the island of beautiful tropical appearances that has been the stereotype in the movies or television. If you are an outdoors kind of person or prefer a slower pace, Kauai is for you.

The island of Oahu generally has the most action. This island is home to Honolulu, the state capital, as well as Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and much more. If your preference is for a faster pace and action, Oahu should be your choice.

As you can see, there is so much to offer for a Hawaiian wedding. Plan ahead and make the most of it. You will never forget Hawaii.