If you decide to have a Hawaii civil wedding, you definitely want to make it authentic. The best way to do that is by incorporating Hawaiian wedding traditions into your ceremony. The island is known for its special customs that can make every union stand out. So, if that is something you have envisioned for your big day, using these glorious traditions will help you achieve the uniqueness you desire!
In this blog, we have included the most popular Hawaiian wedding customs. After reading our suggestions, you will be able to imagine how your wedding will look like and choose the best tradition that suits your style and love story.
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Lei Exchange
One of the most popular Hawaiian wedding traditions is the lei exchange. Leis are lovely flower wreaths or necklaces you often see around the island. In fact, these wreaths are symbolic of Hawaii, so when people see them, they immediately connect them to the island.
In the past, leis signified a person’s status, with different flowers representing various social ranks. Nowadays, you will see important figures like the governor wearing them during public events and holidays. In short, they are not solely used in traditional Hawaii weddings but in other important occasions as well.
More precisely, leis are worn for significant events like births, graduations, and even memorials. The flowers chosen for a lei can symbolize the reason for the occasion. So, if you decide to have a lei exchange during your Hawaii civil wedding, you will have special flowers chosen for your special moment.
When it comes to the meaning of this custom, you should consider something really deep and significant. Namely, these beautiful gifts today represent love and respect and can be given for all kinds of reasons. Traditional Hawaii weddings often feature leis, with couples exchanging them as a token of their love. They may also give leis to family members to symbolize the merging of families.
Also, it is nice to note that each lei is handmade and carries a special meaning that should be cherished. So, if you want something really special to commemorate your big day, this Hawaiian wedding custom will not be a mistake!
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Hula Performance
Hula performance is another important custom in Hawaiian culture. This type of dance is considered a beautiful way to honor ancestors and keep Hawaiian traditions alive. Plus, they make weddings special and unique, especially intimate ones!
When couples perform hula, they are not just dancing – they are connecting with their heritage and passing down something very special. Each movement and gesture tells a story, whether it is about myths, legends, or important historical moments.
However, even though hula performance is part of Hawaiian history, that does not mean that you cannot have it in your Hawaii civil wedding. On the contrary, a custom like this can enrich your ceremony and make the experience for everyone more memorable.
Actually, when it comes to Hawaiian weddings, hula can highlight the couple’s love story or celebrate their special day. For instance, some brides might perform a unique hula for their husbands during the ceremony. This heartfelt gesture is a way for the bride to show her love and commitment, using the art of hula to express her feelings gracefully and meaningfully.
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Unity Sand Ritual
Unity ceremonies have been a cherished part of wedding vows across cultures for ages, serving as a meaningful way for couples to express their love and commitment. The Unity Sand Ritual is one of the most popular and meaningful ones in traditional Hawaii weddings. This means that if you are looking for something spiritual and authentic, this custom can be your ideal option.
The Unity Sand Ceremony is a lasting keepsake. During this 2-3 minute ritual, couples pour different colored sands into a single container, symbolizing their lives coming together. This blend represents not just the couple but their families as well, marking the union in a way that can be displayed for years to come.
Once combined, the sand can never be separated, reflecting the intertwined lives of the couple while also allowing them to retain their individuality by keeping a small amount of sand from their separate containers. It is one of the most romantic and touching rituals performed at weddings. So, you will not make a mistake if you want your Hawaii civil wedding to be commemorated in a special and traditional way!
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Ring Blessing
Before the Hawaiian ring wedding blessing kicks off, the officiant blesses the rings using three key elements. First, there is koa wood, which stands for integrity and strength. Then, the Ti leaf symbolizes good health and prosperity. Finally, water represents a fresh start for the couple. While chanting, the officiant sprinkles water on the rings and says, “May peace from above rest upon you and remain with you now and forever.”
If you decide to exchange rings during your ceremony, this can be a unique way to make it memorable. Namely, this is how you add meaning to your marriage and a method to start it authentically. In short, your marriage will get a nice start, and your love story will obtain a one-of-a-kind chapter.
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Scripture or Poetic Reading
Wedding readings play a big role in creating the overall atmosphere of your ceremony and can even influence your journey together in the future. They can be anything from heartfelt biblical passages to lighthearted and quirky song lyrics. You might decide to go with a well-known piece or pick something a bit more unique that holds special meaning for you.
Remember that nice poetic words will always add a deep meaning to your Hawaii civil wedding. So, you will not make a mistake if you decide to include scripture or poetic reading in your union.
If you want your Hawaii civil wedding to be dreamy and magnificent, adding some traditions can do the trick. The gorgeous surroundings will surely set the mood for a glorious ceremony, but some special customs can be the elements that add a special touch to the entire experience!
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