Hawaiian Wedding Ideas for a Second Marriage
Weddings held for second marriages are often arranged differently from those of first marriages. For example, the couple may choose to go with a smaller, less formal affair for a second wedding, or arrange to have a private ceremony just for themselves. However, a second wedding is also an opportunity to plan a wedding that has all of the elements the first wedding may not have had, and planning the ceremony in Hawaii is a perfect way to create a wedding that is unique and special to the couple.
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Koa Wood and Ti Leaf Ring Ceremony
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One unique way to evoke the spirit of Hawaii in your wedding ceremony is to incorporate the traditional koa wood and ti leaf ring blessing into your ring exchange. Koa wood is a native Hawaiian hardwood that carries the symbolic meaning of integrity and strength, while the ti leaf symbolizes prosperity. For this ceremony, your officiant dips a bowl made of koa wood into a body of water, then dips the ti leaf into the bowl. The water is then sprinkled over the two rings while a traditional Hawiian wedding chant is recited.
Hawiian Cruise Ship Wedding
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A cruise ship wedding avoids much of the planning usually required to be done by the wedding couple as you can purchase a cruise ship wedding package that includes catering, decorations, the ceremony and the reception. You can book wedding cruises that depart from the mainland to Hawaii or cruises that simply circle the island. If you have specific desires or needs for your ceremony, be sure to make them known to the organizer well in advance to ensure that your special day goes as smoothly as possible.
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Sand Ceremony
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The Hawaiian sand ceremony is a wedding idea perfect for second weddings, particularly if the ceremony is taking place on a beach. For the ceremony, the bride and groom each pour a small amount of sand into a decorative container to symbolize their unity and togetherness. The families and friends of the couple can also be included in the ceremony. Each invitee can add sand to the container to symbolize her blessing for the wedding and good wishes for the couple.
Wedding Attire
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Another creative idea for a Hawiian wedding is to wear traditional Hawiian wedding attire for the ceremony. Hawaiian tradition dictates that both the bridge and groom dress in all white, with the groom wearing a colorful sash around his waist. You can also request that your guests dress "island-style" in flowing dresses for the women and aloha shirts paired with light pants for the men. An informal dress code is particularly well-suited to beach ceremonies, as guests will want to be comfortable in the climate.
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References
- Photo Credit wedding image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com