My recent engagement has got me completely excited, if not immersed, in wedding planning. I’ve realized that one of the most important details for a bride-to-be is that iconic white gown that transitions the intended, into the wedded. If you’re planning a destination wedding on Oahu, looking for a Hawaiian-themed dress, or simply hoping to do some wedding shopping while on island, read on for some wedding dress insight!
Could this be “the one?” A beautiful ruffled dress from Hawaii Princess Brides, which also rents out dresses.
Oahu offers streamlined department stores such as David’s Bridal, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus but also has an abundance of small, locally-owned shops with their own unique tropical flare. If you’re concerned about traveling with your dress, then you might want to consider renting. A couple shops offer varied rental options on gowns, including Hawaii Princess Brides in Honolulu and B’Ellagance Bridal and Gowns in Aiea. Most wedding dress stores tend to run within a similar price range; however, I found two shops that are actually cheaper than your average wedding shop. They are The Bridal Boutique and Vows Bridal & Formals, both in Honolulu.
OK, so you’re having your wedding in Hawaii and want to find the perfect dress to represent this theme. My first recommendation is Princess Kaiulani Fashions in Honolulu. They have incredibly beautiful gowns, from whimsical beach dresses to more traditional Hawaiian-styled elegance. One of my personal favorites is the Kalei (#3521) dress with its ruffled off-the-shoulder neckline and beachy look.
(Left) Hawaiian-style wedding dress from Princess Kaiulani Fashions. (Right) Find more elegant Hawaiian dresses in the store’s bridal suite.
Another recommendation I’d like to highlight is Hawaii’s own, Anne Namba. A local designer who got her start in fashion from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, Anne creates one-of-a-kind garments from vintage Japanese kimonos and obis. These gowns are colorful, unique,and most importantly, Hawaiian style.
Because I am a sucker for the whole wedding dress shop experience, my next reference is Casablanca Bridal & Formals in Honolulu. This is where you’ll find that picturesque shop, with a grand front entrance and top-notch services. The women here are helpful and friendly, and the shop offers an array of dresses at the top of wedding fashion.
Hawaii Princess Brides doesn’t have the fancy thrills and frills that its name might imply, but it does have knowledgeable staff and reasonably priced dresses. Honest opinions are necessary when trying on wedding gowns, and sometimes your flock of female friends are just too sweet to give you any bad news. Thankfully, the owner and workers of this shop have your best interest in mind, working to find you the perfect fit.
I hope this insight guides you to the right shop for the right dress. Although I have yet to find “the one,” I’m still searching and happy to be shopping on Oahu!
Hawaii Princess Brides
1221 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 102
Downtown, Honolulu 96814
808-592-8888
B’Ellagance Bridal and Gowns
98 Hekaha St.
Aiea, HI 96701
808-484-9333
The Bridal Boutique
627 South St., Suite 101
Downtown, Honolulu 96813
808-597-8893
Vows Bridal & Formals
1249 S. Beretania St., Suite A
Moiliili, Honolulu 96814
808-591-6612
Princess Kaiulani Fashions
1222 Kaumualii St.
Kalihi, HI 96817
808-847-4806
Anne Namba
324 Kamani St.
Kaka’ako, Honolulu 96813
808-589-1135
Casablance Bridal & Formals
2058 S. Beretania St.
Moilili, Honolulu 96826
808-941-4696
We welcome Lauren to the Hawaii Vacation Blog with her first post! Best of luck finding the perfect dress for your special day!
