Traditional & Modern Hawaiian Wedding Attire: The 2024 Guide (2024)

Unique Hawaiian Wedding Attire Ideas

If you really want to embrace Hawaiian culture, why not take wedding wear local?

Here are some totally unique, beach appropriate Hawaiian wedding outfit ideas.

Pareos

Pareos are versatile fabric wraps popular throughout the islands. Brides often wear white silk pareos for beach weddings. These billowy wrap skirts make ethereal Island boho-chic alternatives to wedding gowns.

How to wear a Hawaiian pareo:

• Wrap around hips over a bikini or strapless bra top
• Choose vibrant prints or gauzy solids in silk or rayon
• Accent with a flower crown, maile lei, shell jewelry
• Display tattoos or tropical body art

Bold Hawaiian Prints

Traditional Hawaiian quilt prints were originally made for royal families. Authentic designs feature symbolic shapes like flowers, fronds, and geometric patterns.

Modern takes on these prints embody the Hawaiian spirit. Brides now wear long Hawaiian print gowns or short co*cktail styles while grooms don Hawaiian print tuxedos or guayabera shirts

Pro Tip: Seek designers like Island Bride Hawaii, Sig Zane, and Noe Noe Hawaii for authentic, quality Hawaiian prints.

Ocean-Inspired Finery

For couples who feel at home in the sea, ocean-themed wedding wear makes perfect sense.

Mermaid Inspired Bridal Gowns

Figure-hugging gowns that flare below the knee resemble mermaid tails. These speak to Hawaii’s ocean culture. Intricate beadwork or rhinestones evoke scales while illusion panels keep lines sleek.

Fish Leis & Shell Jewelry

Small fishhooks traditionally strung with flowers or shells make unusual Hawaiian style boutonnieres and corsages. Puka shell necklaces, braided bracelets, and shell hair clips echo ocean motifs.

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Dressing for a Hawaiian Wedding: What to Wear

When attending weddings in Hawaii, prioritize the couple's suggested attire, climate comfort, and cultural considerations. Here's an overview of key dress codes:

What Not to Wear

Avoid heavier fabrics like velour, corduroy, wool, and sequins that cause visible sweating. Skip revealing clubwear; Hawaii’s culture skews conservative. Bikinis and bare chests should be reserved for the beach, not ceremonies and receptions.

Place thoughtfulness toward local customs over your own comfort. Pack attire that balances personal style with tropical appropriateness.

Here are my top tips for choosing guest attire that checks all boxes:

• Lightweight natural fabrics breathe best; pick linen, silk, or cotton
• Bring a shawl or cover up for cooler nights or protection from the trade winds
• Look for styles with capsleeves or breathable cutouts vs. bare shoulders
• Seek dresses/skirts that hit below the knee for respectful coverage
• Plan to wear leather or wedge heels for terrain versatility
• Avoid pure white (unless requested) to not upstage the bride
• Keep silhouettes streamlined to prevent clinging in humidity

From custom couture to affordable island fashions, excellent Hawaiian wedding options exist at every price point.

Locally Made Hawaiian Wedding Wear

My top recommendations for exquisite locally designed Hawaiian wedding looks include:

• Maile Andebe: Custom made & couture bridal gowns and suits incorporating Hawaiian cultural elements

• Island Bride Hawaii: Hawaiian print bridesmaid dresses & wedding gowns

• Sig Zane: Iconic couture & ready-to-wear Hawaiian prints

• Noe Noe Hawaii: High quality relaxed Hawaiian print separates & dresses

• Kealopiko: Luxurious custom Hawaiian prints & ready-to-wear dresses

I adore these designers for perpetuating heritage textile arts while creating of-the-moment fashion celebrating Hawaiian landscapes. Their cultural mindfulness inspires.

Larger Brands with Hawaiian Styles

National retailers also offer great Hawaiian wedding looks recalling breezy romance.

BHLDN's Island Bride capsule features airy maxi dresses and jumpsuits with subtle exotic flair.

Billabong's tropical bridal separates mix boho beach elegance with soft femininity.

J.Crew Weddings' Hawaiian assortment includes cute options like a strapless palm print gown and a tropical jumpsuit.

For grooms, check Bonobos' Hawaiian wedding shop showcasing lightweight suits, guayabera shirts and playful novelty Hawaiian tuxedos.

ASOS offers tons of Hawaii appropriate guest dresses and bridal separates with free returns.

Wherever you find your Hawaiian wedding vision, from custom couture to carefree silhouettes, choose thoughtfully made styles celebrating island living.

FAQs About Hawaiian Wedding Attire

Are traditional Hawaiian wedding outfits still worn?

While ancient styles like grass skirts and loincloths have faded away, some Hawaiian brides still incorporate components like lei, tropical floral prints, and local fabrics. However, most modern Hawaiian wedding attire adapts historical elements to contemporary aesthetics.

Do you have to wear flowers or a lei at a Hawaii wedding?

While not required, fresh floral lei represent an important Hawaiian tradition you may want to take part in. Many resorts include lei in wedding packages. But it's also nice when guests bring their own to greet the bride and groom.

What should male guests wear to a Hawaii beach wedding?

The protocol depends on formality, but smart casual featuring lightweight fabrics works best. Aloha shirts, linen pants, guayabera shirts, and leather sandals all suit the locale. Just avoid overly casual looks like shorts or flip flops unless explicitly told otherwise.

What should female guests wear to a Hawaiian wedding?

Female guests should select pretty resort or sundresses featuring tropical motifs like floral, fruit and foliage prints. Jumpsuits, maxi skirt sets, and rompers also work nicely. Like the guys, lean towards smart casual in breezy natural fabrics, low heeled sandals, and island-inspired accessories.

What do you wear to a Hawaiian formal wedding?

Guests attending formal Hawaiian weddings like those at resorts or historic venues should wear traditional co*cktail attire and formalwear. Ladies should wear co*cktail dresses, evening gowns, or dressy jumpsuits. Men should be in suits and ties, ideally of summer-weight fabrics like linen. Get creative with tropical details like a Hawaiian print tie or orchid corsage.

Is it okay to wear white to a Hawaiian wedding?

Unless specifically requested otherwise, it's fine to wear white or ivory as a guest at a Hawaiian wedding. Just avoid styles that too closely resemble a bridal gown. Casual sundresses, jumpsuits, blouses, and skirt sets work well.

What kind of jewelry and accessories work for Hawaii weddings?

Subtly incorporate Hawaiian themes into your jewelry and accessories. Floral, seashell and nature-inspired hair clips, earrings, bracelets and necklaces perfectly complement island attire. Also consider a tropical print scarf or pareo. If attending an outdoor wedding, don't forget hats and sunglasses.

How do you incorporate Hawaiian wedding elements on a budget?

Focus budget accessory splurges on one or two statement pieces like a Hawaiian print maxi skirt or floral crown. Then round out the look with affordable basic tops and shoes you may already own like strappy sandals and camisoles. Hawaiian flower lei also add authentic local flair for under $20.

Is black appropriate to wear to a Hawaii wedding?

Black remains a standard color even at Hawaiian weddings. However, consider tropical-inspired black and white prints or lightweight black fabrics complementing the island setting. Pair black dresses or ensembles with vibrant floral hair clips, lei, or accessories.

What men's colors and prints work for Hawaiian weddings?

Men should embrace lighter, brighter colors and fun subtle prints indicative of the Hawaiian vibe. Soft beachy pastels like seafoam green, light tan, and sky blue capture the island spirit. Understated tropical and floral prints also look sharp while steering clear of overly kitschy motifs. White or navy blazersadd polish.

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