Transform your backyard pool into a perfect venue for a luau-themed wedding.
Luau, Hawaiian for "feast," are well known events, though with differing names, which occur throughout the isles and cultures of the Pacific. No matter if you are in Hawaii, Samoa or Fiji, luau parties focus on the four F's: family, friends, food and fun. Incorporate the four F's into your wedding and reception and you will be sure to have a celebration to remember. Your backyard pool sets the stage for an island luau perfectly. Encourage a relaxed atmosphere by playing island music and creating a stunning environment that incorporates decorations from nature.
The Food
Use coconut shells and leaves for plates and cups.
Make authentic Luau food for the reception. Bake salt pork in your oven or request your caterer to serve a whole baked pig. Serve lots of seafood including mahi mahi, tuna and salmon in clam shells or place your serving bowls into woven baskets. Create raw salad preparations or grill whole fish on the grill. Go coconuts for dessert by serving coconut rice pudding, coconut pie or fruit salad with coconut. Decorate your serving trays with tropical flowers including hibiscus and orchids .Cut holes in fresh green coconuts and insert straws into the holes for a refreshing drink.
Decorations
Place outdoor lighting strategically so that it highlights larger plants.
Float flower leis and large floating candles in the pool for a night reception. Light tiki torches and place them around the reception area. Light small lanterns and place them on tables for guests to use instead of candles. Use banana or coconut leaves as place mats for your plates. Wrap eating utensils with napkins and tie with coconut twine. String twinkle lights around your pool area by securing them to trees with string. Purchase a truck load of sand and spread it around the pool area to have a true island-like party.
Ceremony Venue
Orchids, plumeria, hibiscus and frangipani are all tropical flowers.
Create leis for all of your bridesmaids and groomsmen to wear. Create a head garland for the bride to place on her head as a tiara. Dress your wedding party in island dresses and shirts instead of formal gowns and tuxedos. String large flower garlands at waist level to act as a fence lining the chairs. Use palm fronds instead of a white carpet for the bride to walk down.
Entertainment
Hire a Hawaiian ukelele band to play songs while the guests arrive and during dinner. Entertain your guests with a dancing group from the Pacific Islands. Request that they have some time during their steach your guests do the dancing. Play music from all around the Pacific region. Entertain children using the island theme of a luau party by having them create their own tiki face masks or by designing their own flip flops.
Tags: backyard pool, place them, pool area, tropical flowers, with coconut