Help with planning a wedding in Hawaii

I'm not going to be as helpful as I'd like since I'm not getting married at a resort but from my research here’s what I’ve found!

-Resort weddings are all inclusive so basically everything in regards to your wedding will be done through the hotel so your choices are more limited. However, I think you have more negotiation power (Do NOT be afraid to negotiate, FH got our catering down over 2,000 dollars from original quote!) since you will be spending a majority of your budget with them. Example: Ask for a night free for your FH and you or ask to be upgraded. Or in general explain you really can’t afford the price they are quoted but would go with them if they go down by 15%, don’t be afraid to threaten to walk away!

-I also know that weekend weddings and especially sunset weddings at resorts (and other venues) are more expensive than weekday or non sunset times. Again, you'll just have to see what you can negotiate. I'd call a number of resorts, get multiple quotes, and then use them against each other. Sounds harsh but the prices are seriously ridiculous!

-Also, most resorts require a certain number of rooms to be booked for a certain number of nights in order to have your wedding there in the first place. I think it sucks because not all of your guests are going to want to stay at the resort (some have time shares/book through VRBO etc.) and your package price is based on how many of them stay there which is really out of your control. Again, negotiate to not have minimum room bookings!

-In regards to price to be honest, I don’t know if you will be able to get everything you want (at a resort) for $10,000. You can definitely have a GREAT wedding with 10K budget don’t get me wrong, I just don’t think it’s possible at a resort. Maui/Hawaii is seriously craaazy expensive! Maybe look up some restaurants with private lawn/rooms/balcony’s… I’ve talked to brides on another forum that have raved about Gannons, Leilani’s, Merrimans, The Plantation House etc.

I don’t know how much I helped but again, feel free to message or email me! *I’ve been on here for months and still don’t know how to send a message….just reply ?

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*Oh and a lot of the restaurants in their back rooms have dance floors for dancing

I wish I had connections with a wedding planner there

Maui Bride is right... it is going to be crazy expensive... It wont matter which island its on.

Just a gallon of milk there runs about $8... (we had to take a picture of this last time we visited because no one believed us)

My mom married my Stepdad at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens on Kauai... and had her reception at one of the local community centers (so the reception wasnt fancy at all... and the ceremony was very simple... still beautiful though)

I'm not sure if they charged her to do it there... probably helped that my grandma, grandpa, and stepdad worked there.. but they have a bunch of beautiful areas on that property where you can get married, also a secluded little beach as well... (not to mention the banyon trees where they filmed a scene from jurassic park )

We are getting married in Waikiki in November and am going through Best Bridal Hawaii. They have different options for weddings such as beach, garden, or chaple weddings. They have a beautiful Chapel at the Hilton in Waikiki http://www.bestbridalhawaii.com/weddings/occ.html

We will be getting married at the Chapel's Gazebo outside.

Here are a few links to some areas in the gardens Also a pic is attached of the area in the gardens where my mom got married... the ceremony was below the bridge, and my stepdads sister started the ceremony off by standing on the bridge and chanting in Hawaiian

I believe they have actually done weddings at this first location, with guests lined up along the sides of the pool

http://www.kauaidiscovery.com/virtual_kauai_tour/poipu koloa kalaheo/Allerton_Gardens/

Hideaway cove is the secluded beach area they have

http://www.hideawaycove.com/hawaii/kauai/local_area_guide.html

Maui Bride is right about the hotel packages being crazy expensive. We had a separate wedding planner who got us a sunset wedding, had dinner at a local restaurant and it was wonderful. That might be the way to go if you wanted to keep it on budget. I really do suggest contacting Lisa from Maui Wedding Vows. We did their deluxe Tropical elegance package, and the hair artist came right to the room and did my hair and makeup. I am sure she could find a church for you too.

*Disclaimer* I have no personal financial interest if you pick Lisa or not, she's just awesome and the only one I know on Maui ****

Thanks ladies. I appreciate all the help.

I just got back from photographing a wedding in Maui, stayed at the Kamole Sands resort as well and it was beautiful.

My bride and groom rented a house estate for their wedding so that there was an outdoor ceremony literally on the ocean, the reception was at the same place with a tent etc. beautiful spot. If you didnt want the hotel look I'd suggest it!

Here is a shot, at night but gives an idea.

Wow, that is beautiful. Phew! So many lovely options. Its going to be hard to pick THE stop to get married.

I have been to 3 islands and here is my 2 cents. My favorite for weddings would be the Big Island. The Hilton in the Wiakaloa (spelling) Village is STUNNING! (FOR FULL DETAILS FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME!) It is on the sunny side of the island and the weather is predictable. There is a chapel that overlooks the ocean and, if memory serves, the walls are mostly glass so you are surrounded by the stunning views. At sun down, there is a guy in traditional dress running the grounds (all 65 acres) lighting tiki torches and blowing a conch shell in a cool, ceremonial way. The property is unreal. You can either walk from building to building, take a boat, or the train. This island had the volcano in Hilo (rainy side) you can hike it, at night the lava glows... SPECTACULAR!! Maui is great, we stayed at the Grand Wilaya (I know I spelled that wrong). Beatuiful grounds and the rooms are up to date. The chapel is very unique, but also very popular. There were gobs of couples ...

Getting married there, at the chapel, on the beach... they were everywhere. Maui has the "Road to Hana" which is an amazing drive through the rain forest and bamboo forests with great views of waterfalls and beautiful hikes. Kauai is more "Rural". We stayed at the Marriott and I was not as impressed as with the other two islands. It was still nice, but not amazing. The cool thing about this island is that tons of movies have been filmed there (the crew of Pirates of the Caribbean 3 were staying at the Marriott while we were there. Jurassic Park was filmed there and the massive gate is still intact, on privately owned land (don't go looking for it on a Sat. or Sun. - that's hunting time and you may get shot at!) No matter which island you choose, each one has a book with info on the best (and almost secret) places to see. I think they are called, "Kauai Revealed" and "Maui Revealed" so on. Have fun, it will be amazing!!

Hilton Waikoloa is wonderful. The place is so big you can take a boat ride around it. That is where FH wanted to be married when he was much younger. The locals call it Disneyland Hawaii. It is a great choice. All of my vendors are regulars at Hilton Waikoloa, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and Fairmont Orchid Hawaii. The Caterer was the head chef at the four seasons for years before he went out on his own. His food is to die for. I know most people do not think of the Big Island first but it really should be considered. I am sooooo grateful to family that I can have my dream wedding on the Big Island.

Checkout this post for an extensive article about “How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Hawaii” http://www.bridebox.com/blog/plan-destination-wedding-hawaii/

Full of tips , images and need to know info

Check out this post: How to plan a destination wedding in Hawaii

http://www.bridebox.com/blog/plan-destination-wedding-hawaii/