Planning A Hawaii Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding in Hawaii is an exciting prospect, with the state's paradisiacal beauty offering a stunning backdrop to your big day. However, there are a few state-specific logistics to bear in mind, and it's important to find a local wedding planner who can help you navigate these and determine your wedding style. With so many different locations to choose from, from luxury hotels to beaches and mountains, you'll want to consider price, scenery and transportation options for your guests.

Choosing a wedding planner

When choosing a wedding planner, it is also important to consider their experience and expertise. Ask for references and read online reviews to get a sense of their work. It is also a good idea to meet with the planner in person to discuss your vision and expectations.

In addition to their experience and expertise, you should also consider the wedding planner's fees and services included. Be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of their fees and what is included in their package. This will help you compare different planners and make an informed decision.

Finally, don't forget to consider the wedding planner's personality and communication style. You will be working closely with them for several months, so it is important that you feel comfortable and respected. Choose someone who is responsive, organized, and easy to communicate with.

Selecting a venue

When selecting a venue for your wedding in Hawaii, it's important to consider the price, scenery and transportation options for out-of-town guests. There are a wide range of venue options, from luxury hotels to beach, country and mountain weddings. Many venues offer vendors in their packages, so take a look at what's included in yours and determine what remaining holes you'll need to fill. Transportation should be at the top of your list as many Hawaii wedding venues can be in more remote locations.

It's also a good idea to find a local wedding planner to help you select a venue. A good planner can help you find the right balance of dressy while still incorporating the relaxed island vibe Hawaii is known for.

Incorporating Hawaiian traditions

Planning a wedding in Hawaii is an exciting prospect, given the state's paradisiacal beauty. There are many ways to incorporate Hawaiian traditions into your wedding, from the hula dance to exchanging leis.

The hula dance dates back to ancient times and is an elegant, hypnotic dance that depicts various emotions and elements of nature. The bride can perform the hula for the groom, or the couple can hire a troupe of dancers to perform during the ceremony. Music is a big part of Hawaiian life, so consider including the popular wedding song "Ke Kali Nei Au", played on ukuleles and slack-key guitars.

Exchanging leis is another common tradition in Hawaiian weddings. The lei represents a gesture of Aloha (love), and the couple exchange leis after the ring ceremony. The bride is often presented with a pikake lei (fragrant jasmine lei), while the groom is given a Ti leaf lei. Leis are open-ended in shape to symbolise the couple's endless love and are decorated with different flowers and colours depending on the ceremony's location.

Another tradition is Pili ā Nai Kealoha, or "the love that binds". In this ritual, the officiant ties the hands of the couple with a maile lei (traditional Hawaiian wedding lei) while chanting an oli (Hawaiian chant). This is considered the Hawaiian equivalent to a sand or candle ceremony.

When planning a wedding in Hawaii, it's important to find a local wedding planner who can help you incorporate the relaxed island vibe into your wedding style. They can also advise on transportation, as some venues can be in remote locations.

Finding vendors

When it comes to finding vendors for your wedding in Hawaii, it's important to find people who are familiar with the area and experienced in local weddings. A good place to start is by finding a local wedding planner, who can help you determine your wedding style and find the right balance of dressy and relaxed. They can also help you find other vendors, as many venues offer vendor packages.

Transportation should be at the top of your list, as many guests will be travelling from out of state and some venues can be in remote locations. It's also worth considering the price, scenery and transportation options for out-of-town guests when choosing a location.

There are many online directories and platforms that can help you find vendors in Hawaii, such as Hawaii Vendors, which has over 50 local wedding vendors. You can browse categories such as luxurious accommodations, beachfront villas, expert mixologists, bakers, dessert artisans and top Hawaiian catering companies.

Another option is to use The Knot Marketplace, where you can find an experienced photographer and other local vendors. You can also use a Hawaii vendor listing like HNL Photobooth Co., which has worked with hundreds of vendors and can help you find everything from cinematographers to floral and event design stylists.

Remember, a carefully chosen vendor can be the highlight of your day, while a poorly chosen one can be a disappointment and a waste of money. Trust is important, so be sure to find vendors you're comfortable with and who have a proven track record.

Transportation

When choosing a locale, it is important to consider the transportation options for out-of-town guests. Some venues may be more accessible than others, so it is worth researching the different regions and islands to find the best option for your guests.

It is also important to consider how guests will get to and from the wedding venue on the day. If the venue is remote, you may need to organise transport for your guests, such as a shuttle service or private cars.

In addition, you may want to consider providing transportation for your wedding party and any other guests who will be attending events leading up to the wedding, such as a rehearsal dinner. This could include organising a car or bus rental, or even a boat ride if you're feeling adventurous!

Finally, don't forget to think about your own transportation on the day. As the bride or groom, you'll want to arrive in style, so consider booking a classic car or even a helicopter ride to make a grand entrance!

Frequently asked questions