Insider’s Guide to Planning the Hawaii Wedding of Your Dreams
Here’s a guest post from Leilani of Reyn Spooner. If you don’t know about Reyn Spooner, let me tell you that they are a fabulous men’s clothing line that specializes is modern Aloha wear. My husband has a wardrobe of Reyn Spooner Aloha shirts and he is so handsome in them. Next time you are vacationing on the islands, make sure to seek these handsome shirts out. Anyhow, thank you to Leilani for putting together this Insider’s Guide to Planning the Hawaii Wedding of Your Dreams…. and of course, check out my website for your preferred professional photography for your wedding and beach elopement needs.
As one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Hawaii has long been a popular destination wedding site. With an ideal warm climate and gorgeous scenery you won’t find anywhere else, what better setting could you have for your special day?
When
Hawaii essentially has two seasons: dry summer and wet summer. This works out well for you since there’s really no bad time to come to Hawaii. Even when it rains, it’s usually just a passing shower that may precede a rainbow. That said, Hawaii is a very popular tourist destination, so you may want to consider going during the off-peak months: April, May, September, and October.
Be sure to send out your invitations months in advance to allow your guests plenty of time to prepare as well. Visit the State of Hawaii website for more details on how to acquire your marriage license.
Where
If you’re planning your wedding remotely, you’ll want to either choose a wedding package or hire a wedding planner in the area you’ve selected. Hotels usually have a wedding coordinator who can help you out. The first question you have to answer is: which island? No matter which you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable ceremony.
Oahu
Oahu, known as “The Gathering Place,” is a good choice for logistical reasons—Honolulu being the state capital, the Honolulu International Airport welcomes the most flights. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort has a good balance of price and grandeur with a view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.
The Kahala Resort & Hotel can do both intimate gatherings and large parties in the hundreds, and it has the most charming oceanfront gazebo where you can say your vows. Kualoa Ranch is a great option if you’re looking to get out of the city and into the island’s natural beauty, plus it offers fresh-farmed foods.
Big Island
The Big Island is known for its volcanoes, for its diverse climate zones, and for being the only island that has snow—at the peak of Mauna Kea. You’ll remember it as the place your dream wedding came true. The Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa has the only wedding chapel on the coast and a number of reception areas overlooking the Keauhou Bay. The Falls at Reed’s Island is a vacation rental retreat set atop a slope beside a private waterfall—an intimate setting for a wedding.
Maui
Maui, “The Valley Isle,” has a relatively small population and a rolling landscape that will fill you with wonder. The Haiku Mill was formerly a sugar mill that fell into ruin until it was restored to lend its old world European charm to today’s garden events. The White Orchid Beach House has its own private beach cove in Makena, with one of the only white sand beaches in Hawaii. The Olowalu Plantation House was built on what was once a sugar plantation; now the plantation house—furnished with a large kitchen and a lanai—hosts parties on the oceanfront lawn.
Kauai
Chances are you’ve seen Kauai before on screen—it’s a background darling for filmmakers, featured in Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean, to name a few. The Sheraton Kauai Resort on the south shore boasts beachfront, garden, and luau areas, as well as ballrooms for indoor options.
The Hanalei Bay Resort shares a private beach with the much pricier St. Regis Princeville, and beach or garden ceremonies will enjoy the same spectacular view. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, also on the south shore, has one of the best luaus and can provide Hawaiian traditions like hula dancers to make your ceremony extra festive.
Ways to Embrace Hawaii’s Culture in Your Ceremony
You’re having this once in a lifetime event in beautiful Hawaii nei, so why not make the day even more memorable by incorporating Hawaii’s traditions? The easiest way is with your wedding attire. The groom can lose his tie; even his jacket if he likes. An aloha shirt and slacks can definitely work for the groomsmen. Make sure you choose an authentic Hawaiian shirt like the “Lau Pareau” from Reyn Spooner.
Most couples like to wear lei for their wedding, usually a flower lei for the bride and a maile lei (open-ended vine lei) for the groom. Brides usually forgo veils for haku lei (flower crowns). Exchanging lei at the beginning of the ceremony is a common practice. The groomsmen, bridesmaids, and parents often wear lei, too.
You might like to hear some Hawaiian music at your wedding. The “Hawaiian Wedding Song,” popularized by Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii, is a favorite. You can hire ukulele and slack key guitar players for that distinctive Hawaiian sound. Include local dishes in your wedding banquet, like ahi poke (seasoned raw tuna), or add a Hawaiian twist to your wedding cake with haupia (coconut milk pudding) or guava flavor. As for gifts for your groomsmen and bridesmaids, consider getting something unique and locally made, like these sarong scarves.
With all the stress of planning, just remember to keep your eye on the prize. Once you’re here in Hawaii, you won’t be able to resist the aloha spirit, especially when you’re celebrating your love with your life partner. Make the first day of your life together the happiest, to set a precedent for the days to come.
Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii based photographer, Jennifer Brotchie Photography, specializing in family vacation beach portraits for fun families. Jennifer’s morning photo shoots at the beach are fun, laid back sessions. Portraits and candid shots of your family will sure to be a highlight of your vacation. Morning family sessions are just as beautiful with vivid blue skies, cool waters and lush green vegetation on bright sunny days. Interested in a sunset session instead? Check THIS out. Whatever you call them, pictures, photos, photographs, shots… Jennifer will be sure to deliver wonderful quality memories for you to enjoy. Visiting Oahu and lodging in Waikiki, KoOlina, Disney Aulani Resort, Four Seasons Resort or Turtle Bay Resort North Shore and all points in between? Contact Jennifer to schedule your beach photo session. Morning and sunset sessions available. Sure to be a highlight of your vacation! Forget about those resort PhotoPass people and hire a professional! Contact Jennifer today to schedule your photo shoot! Email: jenniferbrotchie@gmail.com
