Money Dances in Hawaii

Photos by Dave Miyamoto and Company

Several different cultures have some form of a money dance at weddings. At certain weddings, male guests will pay the maid of honor to join in a dance with the bride or female guests will pay the best man to dance with the groom. At others, such as at Samoan weddings, the guests will literally shower the happy couple with money. The most prevalent style in Hawaii, however, most likely evolved from the traditional Filipino money dance.


Typically, the money dance occurs at the end of the program, and often leads into dancing for the rest of the event. By placing it after all the other formalities such as cake cutting, toasts and speeches, parent dances, etc., a lengthy money dance does not preclude the guests from enjoying any other portion of the program, especially since money dances can last the duration of several songs. Following the money dance, guests may choose to return home, or stay for dancing.


Once the money dance begins, guests politely form a line, coming up to the bride and groom one by one, and placing a bill on either the bride or groom, for the other to retrieve with his or her mouth. The result is a sometimes provocative and entertaining display, as well as swollen coffers for the bride and groom to embark on their married life together.


Some tips if planning on this style of money dance:

• choose several songs to dance to, especially if anticipating a large number of participants
  
• assign someone to assist by collecting the money received
• prepare slips of paper to wrap the money in for hygienic reasons
• pack a bag or basket in which to collect the money
  
• ask someone to hold on to the money until the end of the reception, or deposit into the safety deposit box if at a hotel

Here's to a prosperous life as husband and wife!

Dillingham Ranch: beautiful venue for outdoor weddings

Many search high and low for just the right venue at which to hold their wedding. Local couples prefer to select a location where their friends have not already been married at, and destination couples prefer a site that captures the beauty of Hawaii. On a recent visit to Dillingham Ranch, I rediscovered this hidden gem which might charm the hearts of any couple wanting to celebrate their wedding outdoors.

Tucked away in Waialua, far from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, lies the expansive Dillingham Ranch. I mentioned having "rediscovered" it, as it had been years since my last visit there, and the property seems even better than I had remembered it.

The lake area vegetation has been cleared away to reveal the lake's glassy surface, reflecting the flora and skies above. I imagine many couples wanting that feeling of being in the country will fall in love this very spot for engagement photos, or even for a ceremony. Being somewhat of a city girl myself, spending but a few moments at the beautiful lake felt like such a treat, and a peaceful getaway, even if only for our half-day location scout.

The real highlight was seeing the lodge, beautifully restored to its original elegance, with modern day amenities to make it wont for nothing. Upon arriving at the lodge, an impeccably manicured lawn greets you. The space is perfect for a cocktail reception with the lilting sounds of live musicians under the eaves by the plumeria tree, a bar on the opposite end, and butler passed hors d'oeuvres to whet guests' appetite.

The living area inside boasts beautiful hard wood floors, a working fireplace, and a magnificent view of the mountains with rows of arching palm trees serving as the backdrop for a tented or alfresco reception. From a wedding planning perspective, it is the kitchen which amazes me, designed for entertaining large parties, and perfect for caterers' use.

If wanting an ocean view, the Hawaii Polo Fields, located across the street from Dillingham Ranch's entrance, features a beautiful ocean view and a location so remote that few beach-goers ever find their way their sandy shores. Managers of the two properties work hand-in-hand with one another, so a ceremony by the ocean, photos by the lake, and reception at the lodge could easily be arranged. The combination joins together the best of Hawaii, with ocean and mountain views in an area so isolated, it feels as if being whisked away to the idyllic days of yesteryear, a slower time before technology seemed to increase the pace of our lives.

For more information about Dillingham Ranch, call (808) 637-8088. Aloha!

Photos courtesy of Dillingham Ranch

Tips and Advice: second pair of shoes

Photos by Eugene Kam Photography

To much of the chagrin of many a groom, I often suggest that brides consider getting a second pair of footwear for their wedding day. Just as Cinderella would not be complete without her perfectly fitting glass slippers, so would a bride be incomplete without her "to-die-for" shoes. That's right, brides! I'm giving you a justifiable reason for shopping for another pair of shoes.


Truth be told, the picture perfect pair of shoes may not necessarily be ideal for comfort or for walking in grass. Select your must-have shoes for picture taking and naturally, the garter removal if tossing the garter, and switch into the practical pair for walking about and for dancing the night away. In fact, some brides will even opt for fancier flip-flops as their second pair, perfect for weddings in Hawai'i! Note: be sure that both pairs are of the same height to ensure that the gown length remains the same. Happy shoe hunting!

Leis for Weddings

Now I know I've blogged about this topic before, but with destination weddings, many couples find the culture and usage of leis a bit foreign, so I thought I might help to shed light on the subject. Who should get a lei, and what type of lei is appropriate to give?

Let's start with the bridal party. For grooms, the most popular would be the maile lei, whose fragrant leaves look masculine and readily identifies a person of honor. It also does not stain clothing - a big plus on any occasion. Maile leis are typically reserved for "VIPs," so these would be appropriate for the groom, groomsmen, fathers, officiants, and even emcees, if this person is someone dear to you.

Kevin sports a maile with tuberose lei for his wedding earlier this year. Photo by Christie Pham Photography.

As for brides, one of my favorites is the rope pikake lei. The pikake, or jasmine blossom, resembles a dainty pearl and its sweet fragrance delicately scents its wearer. I recommend the rope over the multiple strands, as the individual flowers may separate on a strand, revealing the thread or floss holding the blooms together, whereas the rope style of lei retains its shape nicely, even after many hugs and a long day.

Nancy wore the beautiful and fragrant rope pikake lei for her reception and sunset photos on Waikiki Beach. Photo by Eclat Photography.

For moms and special female guests, something "fancier" and with a pretty scent usually serves well to acknowledge key people. Pikake leis, Micronesian ginger leis, double tuberose leis, and fancy orchid work nicely. (FYI - orchid leis generally do not have a fragrance.) For dads and special male guests, opt for leis without fragrance; some of the more popular varieties include kukui-mock orange and cigar leis.

Tiare's new mother-in-law and her mom wear beautiful Micronesian ginger leis for the wedding. Photo by Kai Photo.

As for out-of-town guests and even extended family members, a simple lei generally serves as a thoughtful gesture to recognize these people, without upstaging "VIPs" such as parents or bridal party members. Some suggestions include a single strand tuberose lei, single strand orchid lei, single strand lantern ilima lei, or single strand crown flower lei, to name a few. These typically cost less but still fulfill the objective of acknowledging these guests in a kind way. Choose flowers that match the colors of the wedding; the photos look even better when things are nicely coordinated.

Remember that the giving of leis is by no means a requirement, so do not feel obligated to give leis at your wedding, but if doing so, be sure to give them from the heart. Consult your floral designer, lei shop, or wedding planner for more ideas and tips on selecting leis for your wedding and enjoy the happy smiles of your guests when they get "lei'd in Hawaii!"

Tips and Advice: picking a veil with the right comb

Photo by Chrissy Lambert Photography

I just attended a hair and make-up trial session at the Naturally You studio with our bride who will be getting married this week, and hair and make-up artist extraordinaire, CJ Bae of Naturally You, shared with me a fantastic tip that I thought merited a blog entry of its own. With regard to veils, often times, they come attached to combs to secure to the bride's hair. Not all veils need to be secured with a comb, and some simply require a few bobby pins for keeping the veil in place, but if selecting one with a comb, opt for the metal combs as opposed to the plastic varieties.

Photo by Dave Miyamoto and Company

Often times, brides will don their veil for the wedding ceremony and formal picture taking, then will remove their veil, which may be a bit cumbersome to wear with guests giving the bride many hugs, and with it being less easy to move around with, for the reception. The plastic comb on a veil, however, will leave dents or marks in the bride's beautiful hair style, whereas the metal combs do not. Today's tip: if selecting the type of veil that has a comb attached to it, pick the "dent-free" option and go for one with a metal comb.

Kana with her veil for the formal picture taking, and without it following the ceremony. Photo by Visionari.

Kimono for Weddings in Hawaii

I recently learned of a new service now being offered by Zest Hawaii for couples wanting to add a unique, Japanese element to their wedding in Hawaii. Zest's "Kimono Reception Package" for brides and grooms includes a choice of kimono, assistance with getting dressed, hair and make-up styling for the kimono outfit, and a second hair and make-up styling for the wedding gown, and even someone on-site to assist!


Having donned a kimono before, I can definitely appreciate the fine skill involved in dressing someone in this beautiful garment. In fact, kimono-kitsuke, or dressing someone in kimono, is considered an art form in Japan, requiring years of study and training. What makes Zest's offering so much more impressive, is that the professional responsible for dressing brides and grooms in kimono took first place in a kimono dressing contest in Japan, a noteworthy distinction indeed!


Zest also offers a photo package for couples who would prefer to dress in kimono for photos, but just not on the wedding day. This "Modern Kimono Photo Plan" includes kimono and props for the bride and groom, dressing assistance, hair (Japanese kimono-style wig or "regular" styling) and make-up for the bride, along with a photo shoot at Aloha Tower, including 70 shots and a CD of images. Imagine what fun and unexpected engagement portraits these would make!


To learn more about the kimono options available through Zest Hawaii, call 808-591-0123, or e-mail info@zesthawaii.com.

Tips on Preparing to Attend a Wedding Expo

With the Hawaii World Class Wedding Expo coming up this Friday and Saturday at the Hawaii Convention Center, I thought it only apropos to share these great tips on preparing to attend a wedding expo from Pamela Ann Noxon, Producer of The Wedding Party Bridal Show (in San Diego).

• Plan to spend a few hours at the show. Collecting literature is great but the real benefit of the show is talking with wedding professionals about their ideas and capabilities for your wedding.

• Open a temporary P.O. Box and/or email address to provide to vendors. If you really don't want offers and information coming to your home and email addresses, provide these when filling out contest entry forms and inquiry sheets. When the wedding is over you can simply cancel the accounts and avoid any further wedding related information. Reserve your "real" e-mail address for vendors you actually contract for your wedding to be sure you stay connected.
  

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. The odds are you'll be on your feet for several hours, and uncomfortable shoes are not the best option.
  

• Slow down! The entire point of [attending an expo] is to give you and the wedding professionals eager to help you the time and respectful environment you need to get to know what you want, who you want and to ask questions, and get a lot of research done in one place. Don't just blow through and grab paperwork as you will never remember what card went with whom.

• We love kids but you might consider leaving small children at home as they can tire quickly and derail you from your mission of finding vendors and ideas for your wedding.

• Don't come alone. Bringing your fiancé, mom and friends to the bridal show will help them feel involved and also will give you a chance to bounce ideas back and forth. And there really is something for everyone...!

• Prepare some contact labels. Vendors will often have awesome drawings for prizes at their booths. Instead of having to fill out multiple forms with your contact info, prepare some electronic labels before the bridal show. Information to include: your name, address, phone number, email address, and wedding date. Avery 5160 (30 per page) are easy to complete labels on any word processor.

• When filling out forms make sure to print VERY clearly. You'd hate to miss out on a spectacular prize because they couldn't read your handwriting!

• Bring your date book so you can schedule appointments for follow up and a notebook and pen so you can take notes. Prepare for information overload. When you find a vendor you would like to follow up with, take a pen and write what struck you as appealing about them in your notebook or on their card or literature. When you get home and are faced with brochures from 14 different photographers, your note may be the only thing you have to remember which ones you liked and why. Also, write down any good tips they may have given you on their literature to help you remember who was knowledgeable and helpful.

• Visit every vendor regardless of whether you need their services or not. Many vendors can tell you other people they work with and who they recommend. Take the literature or brochure they are handing out. Even if you think you have no use for their services, it's better to have it in hand in the event you change your mind.

• Ask lots of questions. The show is filled with the finest wedding professionals and experts, so take advantage of the opportunity to learn as much as you can.

• Sign up for all the giveaways. Some vendors give discounts for their services, but more have been giving prizes... And yes, you'll get stuff in the mail, but it'll be worth it. Many vendors will send you coupons, offers, discounts and just great information that you can use to plan your wedding.

Mahalo, Pamela, for sharing these wonderful tips, perfect for anyone attending a wedding expo. For those interested in this weekend's Hawaii World Class Wedding Expo, tickets are $8.00 and may be purchased at the expo.

Hawaii Convention Center
1801 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, O'ahu

Friday, October 7, 2011
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fashion Show: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 8, 2011
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fashion Show: 2:30 p.m.

Enjoy the show!