More than 22,200 couples said “I do” in Hawaii last year, according to state Department of Health statistics. The Star-Advertiser checked in with local wedding-service providers to see what’s new.

PUPU FOR A CROWD

Instead of choosing a traditional sit-down dinner, more couples are choosing food options that express their personality, said Lauren Williams, co-owner of The Wedding Cafe, a wedding resource center at Ward Warehouse. These include “action stations” where a chef prepares food while guests get a chance to interact.

“The action stations now are sometimes highlighting the personality of the couples,” Williams said. “So, it might be a crepes station because they traveled to Paris together or it might be a kebob station because the groom hails from Bangladesh.”

Serving heavy pupu instead of a multicourse meal is also popular. While couples may not see much savings, since local menus often feature ahi and other fresh seafood, Williams said couples may be able to get away with serving less food than for a formal meal.

PIECE OF CAKE

All eyes are usually on the bride but wedding cakes are making a statement. “Drip cakes” with metallic and rose-gold glazes spilling over the top layer are big this year, said Abigail Langlas of Cake Works Bakery.

“Some of them can be elegant, too, but they are definitely not your mother’s wedding cake,” she said.

Traditional bride-and-groom toppers are being replaced with signs that say “Mr. and Mrs.” or “Happily Ever After” to add a contemporary look.

Langlas also said she is getting more requests for wedding cakes with different flavors for each layer. Pistachio is a popular choice.

SAY CHEESE

Photo booths have become a wedding staple, but to cut costs, many couples are setting up their own instead of hiring professionals. Wedding planner Lauren Michaels of Aloha Bridal Connections attributes this to the DIY trend.

”It’s a little bit easier to set it up and have a good time and they don’t care quite as much about the quality,” she said.

DIY photo booths are easy to set up with props, a backdrop and a camera with a self-timer. Connecting the camera to a printer means guests can receive their photos almost immediately.

Issuing a hashtag for the wedding makes it easy for guests to share photos on social media.

YOU’RE INVITED

Traditional paper invitations can reflect a couple’s style and provide guests an idea of what they can expect at the big event, according to Stacey Shiroma, owner and principal designer of Emi Ink.

“Weddings are still regarded as special occasions that call for formal invitations, and there’s something so charming about following that tradition, especially in this digital world,” she said.

Watercolor-inspired designs, botanicals and calligraphy are among the favored designs, Shiroma said.

She encourages couples to think beyond their wedding invitations and consider other printed pieces for the ceremony or reception that can help create a cohesive and seamless theme throughout the wedding events.