Hot and Sunny Tropical Wedding Decorations

Use these tropical wedding decorations to infuse your reception with the romance and warmth of an exotic island celebration.

Most people think "luau" and plan their decorations around a Polynesian or Hawaiian wedding luau. But you don't need to focus on just this type of celebration.

Here are several great ideas that take the icons of the tropics and use them to create a charming tropical experience for your guests.

Decorating For The Tropics

Turn your wedding reception into a tropical setting using palm trees and other island decor.

• If you're not actually using a beach or are having your wedding in a tropical location, you can purchase (or rent) fake palm trees and place them around the room to create a tropical atmosphere.
• Welcome your guests as they come in by using tiki torches or tropical luminaries at the entrance to your ceremony and reception venues.
• Use tropical silk flowers to decorate doorways, the front of the head table and other places where you want to add a bit of ambience. Don't forget to include a few parrots too!
• Add some pink flamingos outside a doorway leading out to a patio or garden.
• Use grass skirting to decorate your serving tables, as well as the head table. Alternatively, line the front of your tables with a dark green skirting.
• Most luaus serve their food as a buffet. Use bamboo baskets to vary the heights of serving platters on the table.
• Place bamboo screens behind the head table for a more tropical flair. Include some palm trees or attach palm fronds in front of the screen.

Polyester Tropical Leaves (1 dz)

Set of 6 Carved Wooden Palm Trees 5" High

Beach Wedding Aisle Runner

Tropical Wedding Centerpieces and Table Decor

• A lovely, yet very simple centerpiece can be made with a pillar candle. Set large pillar candles on a flat base and wrap a small flowered or shell lei around the base. (Note: be sure there is plenty of space between the leis and the candle - you don't want anything to catch fire.)
• Decorate using orchids or other tropical flowers with a few ferns or fronds in a simple tall vase. Surround the vase with 4 or 5 tea lights or votive candles in glass holders for enchanting table centerpieces.
• On your serving tables, use coconut shells cut in half (and scooped out) or pre-made coconut bowls to hold condiments, rolls, etc.
• Float hibiscus and seashell candles in a clear glass bowl. Tint the water blue if you wish. Scatter some sand and shells on the table around the bowl.
• Sprinkle tropical style confetti on tables.
• Scoop out pineapples and use the fruit for cooking and desserts. Use the hollowed-out shell as a centerpiece to hold tropical flowers on your reception tables.
• Use bamboo placemats at each table setting.

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Once the tables are decorated, be sure to place a lovely Tropical Theme Wedding Favor at each place setting.