Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Karma Hill
Saying “I do” in a Maui wedding dress under the Hawaiian sun is all the magic a girl could wish for! But pinch yourself … because this is your reality!
The big question has been popped. The location has been set…
And now you’re left wondering… what’s a girl to wear? Will a sweetheart neckline look okay on a rustic locale? Can the dress be short? Will a streamer or a train work on a sandy shore?
Yes to all of that!
Simple Maui Wedding has coordinated thousands of real Hawaiʻi ceremonies, and with help from our Maui wedding photographers, we’ve hand-selected our favorite cuts and drapes that are sure to complement any bride and any Maui venue. From jewel-encrusted gowns to silken simplicity, we’ve got your inspiration covered!
So grab a coconut water and scroll along with us as we detail our top 5 Maui wedding dress styles:
1. Consider the Location
Are you planning a beach or venue wedding?
While the same dress can look gorgeous at both locations, understanding the “feeling” of your selected locale is a great place to start when drawing inspiration.
Is it a historic Maui wedding venue like the Olowalu Plantation House? Then perhaps a dramatic bustle or layers of elegant draping will make it feel as if you’ve transcended through time. Or maybe you’ve decided to say “I do” on the world-famous shores of Wailea? If so, then a tiered or fishtail dress that ripples like the rolling sea might be the perfect fit.
Taking the location into consideration is a sure-fire way to help you select the best gown possible for your special day.
2. Think about the Time
The Season
While even the best meteorologists and weather apps can’t predict what Mother Nature will bring to your Special Day, knowing the wind and rain patterns of the season can help you get a vision of what to expect. Are sleeves a safe bet for that time of year? Or will strapless be more comfortable?
Although Hawaii isn’t nearly as susceptible to seasonal change as other locations, the time of year can bring subtle shifts in the weather and temperature as well as sunset and sunrise times.
But even if these differences are subtle, you can still indulge in a Hawaiian wedding that’s season-inspired! Who doesn’t love the dusky tones of a Fall wedding or the fresh blooms of a springtime affair? Just like the decor, your gown can evolve with the season. Try delicate pleats in Spring and a statement flounce for the Fall. Slip into an empire waist for the Summer or a chapel-length veil for the Winter.
Don’t hold back when it comes to making a dramatic statement with your gown!
The Time of Day
Solidifying the hour of the day will also help you prepare. Are you planning a morning or evening wedding? Both options are stunning times for saying “I do” in Hawaii, but each can give you drastically different backdrops. Do you need a dress that will embody the light and airy feel of the glittering morning ocean? Or do you need a gown that will pop against a firey Hawaiian sunset? Having a sense of time and temperature will help you narrow down your search.
3. Don’t Underestimate the Fabric
Not taking the flow of the fabric into consideration can result in missed opportunities during the photoshoot.
A long, airy gown will almost become one with the breeze and cast a jaw-dropping silhouette against the tropical horizon. But while the weightlessness of this style allows it to flutter like angel wings, it might also make it hard to manage in the Hawaiian wind.
There are pros and cons to every fabric choice. So carefully consider the drape and weight of your material in order to select a gown that not only looks and feels great but also performs well at your selected locale.
4. Incorporate Your Personality
While this may seem obvious, it’s endlessly important to take your own personality into account instead of rushing into the next bridal gown craze. What works for others might not work for you.
You are a radiant person, and you bring your own sense of style and charm to the occasion. That beauty within you has already captivated your partner, so let it captivate your guests!
Are you playful and outgoing? Then maybe some ruffles and bold colors will let your spunky self shine! Or maybe you’re more of a bookworm who loves fantasy? Then maybe it’s full lace sleeves that set your spirit aglow.
Your wedding photos will be treasured for a lifetime. Take this opportunity to capture your unique sense of style!
Maui Beach Wedding Dress Style #1: Boho-Magic
The truth is, it doesn’t really matter what you wear on your special day as long as you and your partner rejoice in your union. It’s your relationship that comes first, and your wedding dress is truly just another outfit.
But that said, what bride doesn’t want to feel gorgeous in an enchanting gown?!
We’ve titled this style “Boho-Magic” but it’s often referred to as Boho-Chic. Perfect for the artistic bride with a carefree spirit, this style blends in seamlessly with the tropical locales of Maui beaches. Boho-Chic showcases its gypsy origins with Indian-inspired floaty skirts, embroidery work, delicate beading, geometric lace patterns, and Roman-style drapery.
This versatile style is perfect for brides with a whimsical and spontaneous side but who still long for the historical beauty of a classic.
While you’re dreaming about your own Maui wedding dress, be sure to read these four tips:
Maui Beach Wedding Dress Style #2: Clean & Classic
With timeless grace and an elegant silhouette, this Maui wedding dress never goes out of style.
V-neck or sweetheart, princess seam or mermaid cut, it’s the simplicity of these gowns that make them stunning. Nothing fussy or overly complicated, just smooth lines and casual draping. The “Clean & Classic” style highlights the bride’s natural beauty and stands out against the rustic oceanfront.
This style is perfectly suited for the regal bride who balances princess candor with modern simplicity. Need proof? Keep scrolling!
Come see all the Maui wedding packages we have to offer!
Maui Beach Wedding Dress Style #3: Lace Princess
Perhaps the most popular dress style for a Maui wedding, lace gowns perfectly marry the magic of childhood with luxurious high-end designs. The intricate weavings call back to the “original” white wedding dress of Queen Victoria in the mid-17th century.
That’s why we’ve dubbed this third style “Lace Princess.” While it may resemble “Boho-Magic” at first glance, these designs draw inspiration from European lacework with a focus on finely thatched florals and elegant patterns instead of the bold geometrics associated with Bohemian styles.
This bridal dress style is perfect for fairytale weddings with traditional details.
Keep scrolling to indulge in all the royal luxury!
Maui Beach Wedding Dress Style #4: Tidal Angel
We’ve named this style “Tidal Angel” because it’s all about the way a gown shimmers and moves.
From dense ruffles to weightless chiffon, a Maui bridal dress that ripples like the tide is a sight to behold! And with accents of intricate lace or droplets of gemstones, these gowns not only reflect the beauty of the bride but the spirit of the sea.
Just add the tropical breeze and brilliant Hawaiian sun, and this style practically comes alive! This dress trend is best suited for the playful and spirited bride who loves a drop (or tidal wave) of extravagance.
Planning your own Hawaii wedding? Our Maui wedding coordinators and wedding planners on Oahu are here to help!
Maui Beach Wedding Dress Style #5: The Rule-Bender
Who says a wedding dress has to be white? Or long? Or a dress, for that matter? Even though we’ve titled this style “The Rule-Bender” there really are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to wedding dress varieties. If your gown fills you with joy, your radiance will outshine even the most shimmery of conventional fabrics!
So throw caution to the tropical breeze and be bold, be playful, and most importantly, be yourself. You’re in Hawaii… you’re getting married to the person of your dreams… what better time to make a statement and have fun!
We’ve sorted this style into 3 “Rule-Bending” cornerstones: Patters, Hems, and Hues. Tryout patterns that show off your charm, shorten those hems so you can kick up the sand, or dip yourself in hues that will make the traditional white dress blush.
Patterns
We’re obsessed with the delicate and girlish charm of these printed and embroidered patterns. What a way to embody your whimsical side!
Hems
You’ll be kicking up sand on your Special Day, so don’t be afraid to raise that hem and go barefoot to show off your spunk! Check out these adorable rule-benders!
Hues
If you love the rule-bender style as much as we do, then you’re sure to fall in love with these colorful brides! A surprising hue makes an impression while showcasing your unique personality!
Whether you decide to have your gown custom-designed or choose to alter a family heirloom, as long as you love your wedding dress, it’s sure to make a splash on every Maui beach wedding location!
The hardest search is over… you’ve already found “The One”! And your dream gown is sure to be next… Happy dress hunting!
Got an idea for your gown but need something for your partner to wear? Check out our tips for grooms’ attire.
Karma Hill is the owner of Karma Hill Photography, Simple Maui Wedding, Simple Oahu Wedding, and Simple Hawaii Wedding, marking a significant presence in the Hawaii wedding community since 2007. With a wealth of experience and a vast collection of informative posts on weddings and photography in Hawaii, Karma Hill offers unparalleled expertise. Explore the world of photography and wedding planning across Hawaii by visiting Karma's websites.
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