As the Women’s Pastor of our church, one of the fun things I get to plan is our Annual Ladies’ Luau. A Luau is a fun and festive theme for just about any type of summer celebration or social gathering. The bold colors and upbeat ambiance of a tropical oasis are vibrant and energetic, and for the person hosting the parties, there are plenty of ways to flawlessly execute this theme, even if you are on a budget. Since ours is a ministry related event, keeping cost at a minimum is imperative. I thought I’d share my tips with you on how to plan a luau, so you can save when you throw your own!
First, it’s easy to save on décor! Planning ahead will enable to save and wait for shipping!
- Use a fun banner to draw the party goers to your location.
- Consider getting a Luau Kit from a distributor like Celebrate Express. These prefabricated boxes contain a mix of various popular luau items and they really do take a lot of the guess work out of decorating.
- Want to pull it all together on your own? Make some oversized paper flowers and decorate the focal table with natural raffia table skirt with flowers and a cheap plastic table cloth.
- Set out small white buckets with luau party mints for guests.
- Flower leis and inflatable beach ball are great for decorating, too, plus you can use them as party favors.
- Use beach ball paper weights and blank index cards to make your own display signs to identify food or provide instructions for guests.
- Pick up brightly colored paper products and plastic table cloths at your local dollar store to finish off the tables.
The food can be as simple, or as elaborate, as you want.
- Don’t want to spend time prepping? Order pizza and have soda on hand.
- Fruit is a quintessential item at a luau – don’t forget the pineapple!
- Paper umbrellas can make drinks, or cupcakes, a lot of fun.
- Put snacks in beach pails with plastic shovels for serving
- Try to stick with finger foods or items that can facilitate socializing and movement. If food is portable, your guests are more likely to mingle.
Location, location, location…
- If you have a pool in your backyard, you’re set.
- If not, consider renting the local community pool for your party.
Last, but not least. Encourage your guests to dress up for the occasion. Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts are only appropriate for certain events, so take advantage of the opportunity to let your wardrobe fit in with the party theme. In order to drum up participation, offer a prize to the person who has the most spirited attire.
I like your ideas! You make it sound so easy. The beach ball paperweight is pretty cute too. This kinda makes me want have a Luau myself!
Oh how fun!! We have had a big luau and it was so fun to do! Loved these ideas.
I threw a luau once, but I feel like it ended up being lame. Love all of your ideas.
This is awesome! I am hoping to dlva luau theme for my Birthday next summer so I need to bookmark this! I wanted to do it this summer but completely didn’t give myself any time to plan! This is fab thank you!
Aw, Luaus are so much fun!! We used to have them every once in a while but we stopped when we took our above ground pool down.
I love a Luau and have been to many as well as had a couple parties of my own. You make me wish I wouldn’t have sold all my decorations for a Luau.
I LOVE luaus! They are so much fun and a good excuse to get good friends together.
Soooo cute. I wanted to do a pool party luau with kiddo but we can’t seem to get around the rain. She spotted some stuff at the Dollar Tree and begged for us to have a pool day.
Your Luau sounds like a lot of fun. I’m always ready party, especially Hawaiian style.
I’ve never thrown a luau party, but now I think I should. It would be so much fun with all the decor!
What a super fun party! I love this idea. I bet you all have a great time.
what a fun idea. my friend’s daughter had a luau party with a hula dance instructor, so much fun
My sister has her birthday in the summertime, and one of her parties was this theme. It was SO much fun! Great ideas!
These are great tips. I love all the fun accessories you put together for Laua time. Now all you need is a pit to smoke your pig in.
What a great idea! Luaus are so much fun especially by the pool!
Luau themed parties are always so much fun! Thanks for the great tips and ideas
Love your ideas. Luaus are a lot of fun.
Great ideas! Epic islet about getting your guests to dress up. Encouraging them to dress up and get into the theme instantly will set the mood for a great party.
That is such a fun party theme. There are so many fun ways to decorate and I like pineapple anything – which goes great a luau!
This is adorable. I also appreciate that it can be great without have elaborate foods.
What a fun idea for a party! I am such a dork about themed parties- I have never thrown a Luau….
What a fun idea for a party! Love your ideas!
All of the items mentioned are affordable and easy to find too. I think a little luau party would be fun in the summer (for kids or adults)!
Can I come to yours? Seriously, I love any themed party, sounds like a great time!
So many fun supplies! I love that table skirt!
I would love to go to a Luau. They look so much fun. Thanks for sharing these great tips.
What a fun party! Thanks for sharing your tips.
Great tips! That sounds really fun.
Luaus are so much fun! Thanks for these great ideas.
A luau sounds like fun for a party. I love your ideas.
I love luaus! This is a great list when it comes to planning a luau!!
This sounds like a good time. That would have been a great theme for my daughters birthday last month!
Luaus are so fun! They are a great party theme and the bright colors make it easy to plan.
This looks like a lot of fun. I can tell how much work and effort you put into this. I love Luau’s and the decorations are just so spot on.