About Tropical Wedding Dresses

Tropical wedding dresses are lighter in weight, brighter in color and more revealing in cut than other wedding dresses. They are ideal for summer, beach and island themed weddings. There are tropical wedding dresses to flatter every figure and body type. The dresses can be worn thigh high, calf length or ankle length. The dresses usually bare the shoulders and show more cleavage than other dresses, but there are styles with flowing, gauzy sleeves as well.

Unlike traditional wedding dresses, tropical wedding dresses can be worn after the wedding as evening wear or casual beach wear for years to come. This makes them an especially good bargain for brides and bridesmaids who have a budget.

Types

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.

History

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.

Significance

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.

Considerations

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.

Potential

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.

Resources

• More about tying a Pareu