Two worlds that are very different and yet similar when it comes to getting married. But what is the difference between getting married in Hawaii and getting married in Switzerland? I would like to share with you my experiences with Hawaiian weddings and take you a bit into my daily work.
After my approximately 6-month internship at Liebesding, I am now on the other side of the world, on Maui, Hawaii, completing a 6-month internship here as well.
I am doing my internship as a wedding planner with the company “Happily Maui’d“, which is owned and operated by Diana Brown. Diana was born and raised in Frankfurt, Germany and has been living on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui with her husband for about 5 years now.
The vision of Happily Maui’d and of Liebesding is very much the same, although geographically the agencies could not be further apart: Both want their brides and grooms to experience a very special and individual wedding. They want to make the couples happy and plan together with them probably the most beautiful day of their lives.
The biggest difference between my internship at Liebesding and the internship here in Maui is that getting married in Hawaii is much more focused only on the ceremonies, which are usually performed on the beach. Only rarely we organize the whole day with the following celebration. In addition, there are usually almost no guests at the wedding and often only the bride and groom alone.
Every marriage that takes place in Hawaii is officially recognized as in Switzerland and is therefore legally valid. For this, the bride and groom only need a license that they may marry in Hawaii. Most bridal couples travel to Maui especially for the wedding and then spend their honeymoon on the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Most of our bridal couples come from the mainland USA.
Getting married in Hawaii involves romantic and memorable Hawaiian traditions in the ceremony, giving an unforgettable experience.
The ceremony is performed by a so-called “Officiant/Minister” and the following elements are part of the Hawaiian wedding:
- The Lei exchange
Everyone knows them, the beautiful flower lei that reminds everyone directly of Hawaii. The lei exchange is one of the most important elements in a Hawaiian ceremony. But why are lei exchanged?
In the culture and tradition of Hawaii, the exchange of a flower lei is a deep symbol of love, respect, and affection. To place a lei on a loved one is to bestow upon them the highest esteem. The beautifully craftet lei with its colorful hand picked flowers and sweet fragrance represents a Polynesian tradition of two lives that have intertwined and bonded together and is the most profound meaning of Aloha.
2. Conch Shell Blow
The start of a Hawaiian wedding always begins with the Officiant blowing the conch and is usually the sign that the bride may now walk towards her future husband. Blowing the conch shell is an ancient tradition in the culture of Hawaii. The long, deep call of the conch is believed to summon all elements – air, fire, water, and earth – as witnesses to the sacred ceremony.
3. Ring exchange
A circle has no end and no beginning and is therefore a symbol of infinity. It is endless, eternal, just the way love should be. In addition to the Hawaiian lei exchange, the traditional ring exchange, just like in Switzerland, is also a beautiful and timeless element for all wedding ceremonies here.
4. Flower Petal Toss
The Flower Petal Toss is a fun and unique Add-On which Happily Maui’d offers. The Flower Petal Toss often makes for some of our most unique and visually stunning photos. According to Hawaiian culture, each petal is a wish that the wind god “Lono” will hear when you throw the petals in the air.
These are the main elements that are integrated in a Hawaiian wedding. Of course, Happily Maui’d offers many other additional services that can be easily booked.
For example, after the ceremony you can cut the wedding cake right on the beach and taste a piece.
Or so that the Hawaii Feeling comes out even more, musicians are also booked for the bride and groom. At this wedding, a ukulele player was present, which made this moment perfect with his ukulele and his beautiful voice.
Since I am now here on Maui, I was allowed to accompany more than 15 weddings. One wedding is more beautiful than the other and there are many more to come on this beautiful island.
It is an incredible feeling to now pursue the job as a wedding planner on the other side of this world, in Hawaii, and thus also gain many new experiences. I am infinitely grateful for this opportunity, and I am also very happy to be able to organize weddings in beautiful Switzerland again.
However, if you are also dreaming of a wedding on Maui, want to renew your vows or propose to your sweetheart, feel free to contact Diana Brown and I can promise you that you will have your dream wedding on Maui.
