I recently got engaged on August 14th!! So excited!! Anyways, we have decided to get married in June 2011 in Hawaii. His family and my family don't live close to us so we thought it would be nice to go off and get married and have our honeymoon at the same time. We would have a reception with both sides of our families when we get back. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to plan an all inclusive wedding package in Hawaii. Wasn't sure if I should talk to a travel agent or try and do it all on my own. We live in Birmingham, AL. Thank you ladies for any advice.
Just go online and start looking...I am sure you will find enough to get you started and keep you busy for awhile...I would just Google "wedding packages in Hawaii"...
Congrats on the engagement woman!
Congratulations and Good luck!
I remember being surprised by how much our wedding meant to our parents, especially mine. They were such a part of every other important moment in my life that planning the wedding was a family event.
Just make sure you run this by your immediate family as soon as you know the arrangements. Your parents and siblings may want to be there to see you exchange vows. If you are not planning on having them there, make that clear at the outset to avoid hurt feelings.
One of my best friends got married in Jamaica without telling anyone and both sets of parents were hurt. The original plan was to have a traditional wedding and both of them got completely overwhelmed by the whole process and basically eloped. The families got over it within a month or so and threw a big party with family and friends, but the initial sting wasn't pleasant.
I would suggest deciding on what island you want to do the wedding, and then figure out the hotel you want to stay at. Call the hotel and they can help you from there. I have been to hawaii, and hotels have an activity desk, that helps with all those things. They are SUPER helpful, and can help you plan things. It sounds like you won't need very much if the family won't be there. If you are doing it in a church down there, they can point you to some churches close by, and if you want it on the beach they can get you in contact with someone who will do the wedding on the beach for you.
I would say if you are doing it on the beach, i would plan it for around 5.30 at night, and you will have GORGEOUS pictures of the sunset. The sun sets down there between 6 and 6.30 every night.
I am from Hawaii.
The posters below give you spot on advice.
I would, go through a hotel... and see what they have.... versus finding a private wedding company... because you would not know their business history... nor are you local.
If going through a hotel... this would probably offer you the best packages and more reliable wedding companies. MANY wedding businesses, operate through a hotel... as well. Most hotels, having a contract with a certain vendor etc.
Many hotels, also have an on-site wedding 'chapel' as well.
Decide which Island... you want to get married in.... then plan from there.
Each Island, also has a "tourism" website.
Research all you can.
Oh and getting a marriage license etc.?
all the best,
Susan
