How do I plan a Hawaiian wedding?

Start with the legal requirements for your part of the UK, because a Hawaiian-themed wedding is still a UK wedding legally. In England and Wales, give notice at your local register office at least 28 days before, and choose a venue that is a register office, an approved venue, or a religious building registered for marriages. Since 2022, approved venues in England and Wales can hold civil ceremonies outdoors within their grounds, which is perfect for a beach or garden feel. In Scotland, you can marry almost anywhere with the registrar's agreement, and in Northern Ireland give notice 28 days ahead.

Then bring in Hawaiian touches that are meaningful to you. You might exchange leis, use tropical flowers like orchids or hibiscus, play ukulele music, and include a Hawaiian blessing or a traditional chant. Remember that civil ceremonies in England and Wales cannot include religious content, so if you want a Hawaiian spiritual element, check with the registrar first, or hold it as part of a blessing after the legal ceremony. In Scotland, humanist celebrants can include cultural and spiritual elements in a legal ceremony.

Plan the practical details too: think about the weather if you are outdoors, provide fans or shade in summer, and consider a backup indoor space. Invite guests to wear tropical colours, and serve food and drinks that remind you of Hawaii, like fresh fruit and grilled fish. The key is to create a relaxed, warm atmosphere that reflects the aloha spirit.