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A tropical themed wedding is a great idea on many levels.

Say you are eloping to the tropics or you are having a small intimate destination wedding in Hawaii. When you get back home, you could then invite your friends and family to a local reception with that same tropical theme. You can also set up a projection system to show your guests photos or videos of your ceremony. The island décor at your reception will give just the right context to make your reception guests feel as if they were there.

Or, sometimes you really want a tropical Hawaiian style wedding but can not afford the time or money to make the long-distance arrangements.

Here are some ideas to bring the tropics home:

Whether your reception is indoors or in an outdoor garden setting, there are many decorative accessories that can be rented or bought to give that Hawaiian feel. Consider bringing in potted real or artificial palm trees, old surf boards, bamboo screens, Hawaiian tikis (statues) or tiki torches. Get some bouncy dashboard hula girls (the original bobble heads) for table décor and weave palm fronds through chair backs.

Have your florist outfit the wedding party with bouquets and boutonnières in tropical flora such as hibiscus, plumeria, orchids or birds of paradise. You can also give flower leis or lace bags of macadamia nuts as party favors.

Cater your reception as a luau with Hawaiian favorites like sweet chicken dishes, beef teriyaki, poi, pineapple, kalua pig and other exotic fare. Did you know that Hawaiian food is a mix of many ethnicities from all over Asia and elsewhere? So, there should be something offered to accommodate all tastes. And then serve cocktails such as mai tais, pina coladas, blue hawaiis or lava flows.

If you can, hire a ukulele player or at least have your DJ play some traditional Hawaiian melodies. Although not quite authentic, you can also mix in some Elvis or Beach Boys beach tunes.

To complete the theme, everyone should dress as if for an actual island / beach wedding. Consider a light weight wedding dress without a train and hold your reception at a venue where you can walk barefoot. Dress the brides' maids in similar style. Have the groom and his attendees wear white slacks and flowery Hawaiian shirts. And to top it off, instead of a veil and tiara, wear a lei on your head that is woven with flowers and ferns. This is traditionally worn by brides at Hawaiian weddings. Finally, be sure to let the guests know the theme so that they can attend in character.

The bride and groom and all their guests will thoroughly enjoy this Hawaiian island tropical themed wedding. And, the real Hawaii still awaits for a romantic honeymoon or first anniversary!

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Source by Mindy Makuta