-
There are three main types of tropical wedding dress--pareu, sarong, and muumuu. The pareu is a rectangle of brightly colored silk or other light, gauzy fabric. It can be tied halter style, or as a shoulder baring sheath. The sarong is a similar rectangle of bright silk, but it is often tied at the hips, leaving the bosom to be covered with a bikini top, flowers, or other decorations, including body paint. A sarong can be worn thigh or calf length. The muumuu is a floor length dress with cap or caftan sleeves. The fabric is cut to fall in folds rather than in the straight, crisp lines of the pareu.
- When Captain Cook traveled the Polynesian Island chain, he and his men were greeted by women whose scanty clothing was shocking to English society. By the 1950s, when Hawaii became the fiftieth state, pareus, sarongs and other tropical garments were being worn at beaches and in summer retreats around the world.
- The flower children of the 1960s and early 1970s adopted tropical outfits for their freedom from constriction and their sexual liberation. Worn by both sexes, sarongs in particular contributed to the egalitarian ideal that all human beings were beautiful and capable. As weddings have moved away from formal, patriarchal transfers of authority over the bride from her father's hand to her husband's, wedding outfits have changed to reflect the couple's partnership and celebrate the sensuality of both bride and groom.
- Although not practical between late fall and early spring in northern climates, tropical themed weddings are still possible if held indoors. Tiki themed restaurants, Polynesian or Asian themed hotels and resorts are great alternative locations for a late spring or early fall tropical themed wedding.
- Tropical wedding dresses are a good choice for nontraditional couples. Sarongs and pareus are appropriate for both men and women. The fantasy element of a tropical or island themed wedding works well for a couple whose commitment to one another is deep and true.
