A destination wedding on Maui offers unique musical entertainment opportunities. A Hawaiian wedding is less traditional, more casual and spiritual, often reflected in Hawaiian wedding music. Guests are more likely to hear the tender, lilting tune of “The Hawaiian Wedding Song” (Ke Kali Nei Au) than the somber “Wedding March”.

Also popular is the sentimental favorite “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World”, popularized by the Hawaiian ukulele player and singer Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. As the title implies, this Hawaiian classic interweaves these timeless songs to create a musical treasure. How symbolic of a wedding, where two become one. When performed live to the accompaniment of a single guitar, the song evokes images of rainbows sparkling in the Maui sky. The beauty and simplicity of the music is the perfect match for the setting at an ocean view wedding.

In addition to performing this song for the processional or recessional, Maui wedding officiates start the ceremony with a Hawaiian chant, or “oli”. An oli (oh-lee) is a chant done in a singing style with a cadence and inflection that are mesmerizing, bringing a group together as one. The oli is a customary Hawaiian way of welcoming a gathering of people, particularly if the guests have been greeted by a hula dancer and lei giver.

Another Hawaiian custom observes the blowing of the conch shell. Since the days of old, Hawaiians have blown the conch shell to signify the beginning of a ceremony. As different member of the bridal party begin to walk down the aisle, the sound of the conch is customized. For example, a flower girl enters to a different sound than a bride.

With all this aloha, it is imperative guests be able to hear the officiate clearly. This can be a challenge at a beach wedding. The crashing of the waves and the rush of the wind are lovely sounds that unfortunately make it harder to hear voices, requiring knowledgable sound system providers who can easily overcome this challenge by providing a state-of-the-art sound system. When a microphone is connected to the minister, guests can hear what they came to hear: The minister’s song and chant, the ceremony, and the couple’s vows. Comfort Zone Maui Wedding Planning supplies officiates and entertainment vendors’ who work togethor to provide you and your guests superb sound for your Maui wedding.

The reception music is the key to creating an evening everyone will talk about for years to come Maui is home to some of the world’s premier entertainers. We recommend these Maui Wedding Planning Tips to select a Maui Wedding Entertainer:

• If using a DJ, verify the DJ will have a huge library of music and can obtain virtually anything, even uncommon pieces
• If using a DJ, select a DJ who works closely with the bride and groom to customize their reception music
• Work with an entertainer who encourages the couple to select what they want – not what others think they should choose
• Select a provider who supplies online wedding tools (event planners, timelines, music database) to help plan one of the most memorable days in the newlyweds’ lives
• Use only entertainers or DJs who provide state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment
• Most important, make sure your Maui Wedding Entertainer has the personality to GET THE PARTY STARTED!

By far, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World” is likely to be the most requested song. In this land of rainbows, it works well not only as a processional or recessional at the wedding but also as a first dance for the bride and groom. Currently, contemporary Hawaiian music is very popular at Maui wedding receptions. Local groups like Ten Feet (with their island remake of Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours”) and Ekolu are heavily requested. Another crowd-pleaser is classic funk music like “Brickhouse” by the Commodores and “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry.

After becoming very popular over the years, slide shows frequently accompany Maui wedding entertainment A collage of pictures from childhood through engagement takes everyone on an emotional journey with the bride and groom! The couple emails the pictures ahead of time to the entertainer, who sets them up as a slide show and provides the projector and screen. The couple also gets to choose the music for the slide show to make it all the more meaningful!

Traditional Hawaiian Weddings:

For Complete Hawaiian Wedding experience, a luau-style rehearsal dinner is the way to go. In addition to providing ono (delicious) food, The Comfor Zone Maui Wedding Planning is able to provide a Polynesian show that can be customized to the bride and groom’s tastes and budget. A traditional Hawaiian wedding starts with the blowing of the conch and the chanting of an oli. Then guests enjoy being serenaded by the Hawaiian ukulele players and guitarists who accompany swaying hula dancers. For added thrills, a fire knife dancer performs his daring routine. To give the guests a chance to participate, there are cultural arts and crafts like lei making as well as cultural games like spear throwing. What a once-in-a-lifetime entertainment experience!

And the entertainment, particularly the music, is what many guests remember about a wedding. The music is the soundtrack for the bride and groom’s memories of their special day. Having the right musical professionals ensures a soundtrack that is unique to the newlyweds and their Maui wedding.

Contact Chef Christian at the Comfort Zone to Start Planning Your Maui Wedding.

{{cta(‘a7b64553-9414-40e5-8a72-6b9488f4baff’)}}