How to Plan a Backyard Luau Wedding

A backyard luau wedding is a fun and inexpensive way to throw a great wedding party. No one will know how little money you actually spent, yet your wedding will be talked about and remembered for years to come.

Step 1: Pick a date. Luaus are typically held in tropical locations so plan your back yard luau wedding during the summer. Work around any holidays, such as Independence day, so that all your invited guests will be able to join the celebration.

Step 2: Create the guest list. Considering the size of your back yard, estimate how many people will comfortably fit in the space. Keep in mind that you'll want tables, chairs, and perhaps a tent. You'll also want to have room for children to play and run around and a dance space.

Step 3: Go shopping online for luau decorations. There are many great online stores that sell an abundance of low cost luau decorations. Get leis for all your guests. Blow up palm trees, totem poles, lighted flower garland, and hula skirt table cloths are wonderful ways to decorate. Have little games and a small pool if children will be attending. A great idea is to have dancing hula girls as table centerpieces and place some tiki torches around the perimiter of your yard. Personalized shot glasses make unique and fun favors.

Step 4: Obtain seating arrangements. If your budget calls for it order tables, chairs, and a tent. Make sure you have enough seats for each guest and your wedding party. Most companies provide package deals and some companies have coupons. If your budget can not accommodate table and chair rental, borrow patio furniture and picnic tables from friends and neighbors.

Step 5: Obtain a Justice Of The Peace, or other wedding officiator. You may want to think about having a family member or close friend marry you to make the occasion more memorable. Have them dress in tropical attire.

Step 6: Create the menu. Food will probably be the most expensive portion of your wedding budget. Cooking it yourself, with or without the help of others greatly reduces the food bill. You could ask someone to help you prepare food as their wedding gift to you. Sever the meal buffet style as this can be the cheapest, easiest, and allows guest sot pick and choose what they'd like to eat. Browse the internet for tropical recipes and traditional Hawaiian and luau food. If you prefer to have your back yard luau wedding catered, find someone that is able to provide tropical types of dishes.

Step 7: Buy your wedding outfits. The great thing about having a backyard luau wedding is that your wedding attire can be very inexpensive and you will be able to wear it again and again. There are many online stores that sell Hawaiian dresses and shirts. Pick he colors so you match your fiancé and wedding party, or have everyone go with what ever style and colors they want for a bright and festive feel. The bride and bridal party can wear nice Hawaiian sundress and pretty sandals. The groom and groomsmen can chose a handsome Hawaiian shirt, some nice kaki shorts or linen pants, and sandals.

Step 8: Pick out and mail wedding invitations. A great way to have beautiful, but inexpensive invitations is to buy paper that has a tropical theme and print your own. You can make up a rhyme or use more traditional formatting. Look online for ideas. Be sure to indicate that the dress is Hawaiian Luau themed and guests should come in shorts, Hawaiian shirts and dresses, and sandals.

Step 9: Order a cake. Instead of a traditional design, go for a tropical themed wedding cake, with bright flowers and ocean colors. Shop around for the best deal and don't forget to check out nearby cooking and baking schools and supermarkets.

Step 10: Pick a song list and download onto an iPod or other MP3 player. Mix up your favorites with Hawaiian music and include songs from every genre to satisfy all your guests.

Step 11: The day before the wedding, start setting up. Invite friends over to help and you can provide them with some food and drinks to make it more fun. Start cooking food if not having it catered. Get all your supplies ready and make sure all clothes and flowers are ready. Get as much done today so you'll have less to do on the wedding day.

Step 12: Complete the set up, get dressed, relax and enjoy your special back yard luau wedding!