8 Factors to Consider When Selecting a Hawaii Wedding Venue

Venue: Hawaii Vista Weddings | Photography: Michele C Photo

With so many beautiful wedding venue options in Hawaii, it can be really difficult to choose which venue (or venues) is the perfect one for your wedding! From gorgeous gardens by the beach to beautiful ballrooms in luxury resorts we know that the choices can sometimes be very overwhelming for couples. Especially as every venue is unique and provides different items, amenities, and fees they can’t exactly just be compared side by side.

Due to that, we recommend that you and your other half determine what factor or factors are most important to the two of you, and only compare those areas when looking at multiple venues. With that in mind we created the following list of factors that you may want to consider when selecting a hawaii wedding venue! We hope that this list will help you find the wedding venue that will capture your personality, priorities, style, and of course budget!

  1. Site Fee & Minimum Guarantee

    A site fee is the amount that it will cost to book the venue space. Whereas the minimum guarantee is the amount that you are required to spend on food and/or drinks. Some venues may have higher site fees but lower minimum guarantees and vice versa. Note that as a minimum guarantee will require you to spend a certain amount, this factor may also affect your guest size. 

  2. Parking Fees 

    Though many local guests anticipate having to pay for parking, if taking care of this cost completely for your guests is something that is a priority to you, this is a cost to consider as some venues have free parking while others will have parking fees. 

  3. Bar Fees 

    Similar to parking fees, though guests are typically prepared to pay for their drinks, if taking care of this cost completely is something that is important to you, the cost and bar options is something to consider. Though most venues offer options of fully hosted bars, drink tickets, a time limit, or dollar limit it’s crucial to determine which option matters to you so that your venue aligns with this priority! .

Venue: Kahala Resort | Photography: Derek Wong Photography

4. Amenities

Some venues offer free or discounted items that would come with booking their venue such as a spa treatment, wedding cake, hotel rooms, ceremony/reception decor, and champagne glasses. Though it’s always nice to get items for free or at a discount, really consider if the amenities that are offered are things that you would actually use!

5. Service Fees

Used for a venue to cover their incidentals as well as for tipping their banquet staff this fee typically comes with every venue. However, the exact amount tends to differ from venue to venue so this fee is something to consider if you’re sticking to a tight budget. The service fee  percentages typically range from 21% to 30% of the venue cost. 

6. Provided Items

If having a venue that has the “standard” items such as chairs, linens, and an arbor are something that’s important to you as you won’t have to hire another vendor to provide these items, then you may want to consider venues that provide these standard items and possibly more. Some venues can even provide candles, cocktail tables, and easels upon request. 

7. Food

If you and your other half are “foodies”, this area may be especially important to you! You may want to consider venues that not only serve the food that you desire, but may also allow for a taste testing before the wedding. And if you’re planning on a budget does this venue provide a taste tasting at no extra charge? If the taste of the food served at your wedding is especially important to you, this may be high on your priority list! 

8. Atmosphere

What kind of atmosphere do you want for your wedding? A completely outdoor wedding by the beach? Or an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception in a ballroom? If there’s a certain type of atmosphere you want to create at your wedding see what venues are able to help you create that ambiance. If you’re still unsure whether you want an indoor or outdoor wedding, please check out our video below covering the topic as well as the five blogs that go into more depth of the pros & cons for both indoor and outdoor weddings! 

Know that if there’s a venue that you really want but it’s slightly above your budget there’s no harm in inquiring with the venue to see if any of the factors such as site fee, minimum guarantee, and the fees mentioned above can be negotiated!

Additionally, if you just want to see pictures and videos of the various properties, click here for a gallery of images and videos of weddings at the various wedding venues on the island of Oahu.

We hope this list of 8 factors to consider when selecting a Hawaii wedding venue will help you choose the perfect location for you and your best friend to say “I Do!”.

XOXOXO

Happy Planning!

(A Perfect Day)

Private Indoor Hawaii Wedding or Fresh Outdoor Hawaii Wedding? (Part 5 of 5)

We’ve saved one of the most important factors in this decision for last. Your budget is always important because it can determine how enjoyable and stress free the planning experience AND your wedding day will be!

COST: TO SPEND OR NOT TO SPEND…

According many of the couples we come into contact with, many of the brides originally think they will save money with an outdoor wedding.  As planning continues, most couples realize that an outdoor wedding usually costs more than an indoor one.  The reason it usually costs more is because the flexibility in cost is dependent on the couple’s preference. If you select an indoor venue that is top notch, it could be very pricey. If you decide to have an outdoor wedding with all the bells and whistles, that could also add up very quickly. Please keep in mind that if your venue does not provide the necessary items like: tents, chairs, linen, dance floor, sound equipment, generators, lighting, food, etc., it would be an additional cost.  NOTE:  If you are not okay with plastic utensils, that could be a cue that outdoors may cost you more than indoors.

PC: Visionari | Venue: The Kahala Hotel & Resort

PC: Visionari | Venue: The Kahala Hotel & Resort

Indoor (PRO):

  • Fully staffed and No additional costs (liability insurance, catering, renting each fork, cup, napkin, disposing of trash, etc.)

Indoor (CON):

  • Minimum requirements (depending on the venue, their min. may be very high)

TIP: Consider all of your venue options before making your final decision. Ask questions and ALWAYS read the fine print.  No vendor we have worked with has ever tried to have any “hidden fees”.  If you tell your vendor what you have in mind and would like to have happen for your wedding, they can then tell you potential costs that might be involved (ie: microphone rental, video screen rental, staffing an extra bar, etc.)

Screenshot.jpg

Outdoor (PRO):

  • Flexibility (can be as inexpensive as the couple are comfortable with) and controllable bar costs (by providing your own beverages from Costco/Sam’s Club and returning what isn’t consumed).

Outdoor (CON):

  • More work (tents are a lot of work) and coordination means more vendors and details required. 

TIP: Try to find vendors that are able to provide more than one service. That way, you might be able to get a package deal instead of outsourcing to each individual vendor and paying each one a separate check.

Venue: Lanikuhonua

Venue: Lanikuhonua

It IS possible to have it all!

Our suggestion to “having it all” is to have your ceremony (and maybe cocktails) outdoors so you and your guests get to enjoy the outdoors when it matters most (when you can see everything and take pictures with a beautiful backdrop) with your reception indoors.  This option will save you on cost, stress, no worries about the weather, you will be in A/C, and you will very likely also be able to have your event last longer (as most outdoor events must end by 9-10pm).

Regardless of which setting you choose, either one can be turned into your dream wedding atmosphere with proper preparation. This is your special day and everything should be the way you’ve dreamed it would be! Hopefully this will help guide you in the appropriate direction that is right for you. Be sure to follow us for more blogs and tips! Happy Planning!

Happy Planning!

XOXO A Perfect Day

CONGRATULATIONS SARAH & SHANE <3

This lovely couple remained resilient through the ever changing COVID protocols and after 5 postponements, in early December of 2021 they were finally able to get married at the beautiful Halekulani hotel! 

Sarah and her bridesmaids got ready for the big day and then helped one of Shane’s groomsmen get dressed for the fake first look! 

A fake first look is a popular wedding trend where a friend, typically a groomsman, dresses up as a bride so when it’s time to do the first look, the groom who’s expecting to see the love of his life instead gets a big surprise! A fake first look is a great way to get any nerves out and it definitely makes anyone who witnesses it, have a big laugh! 

After the fake first look it was time for the REAL first look! You could see in Sarah & Shane’s faces how truly happy they were to finally be able to celebrate their love! 

Brandon of Brandon Smith Photography and Alex of Yee Films captured the wonderful moment and continued to take photos and videos of the couple and their wedding party as the guests were arriving for the ceremony. 

Once all the guests were checked in and found their seats the ceremony began! The talented musicians from Oahu Strings began playing the processional music as Shane, his groomsmen, and Sarah’s bridesmaids walked down the aisle.  Then all the guests were asked to rise for the arrival of the bride! The string trip began to play Tale as Old as Time from Disney’s Beauty & the Beast as Sarah, who looked like a true princess, walked down the aisle with her parents. 

Sarah and Shane exchanged their personal vows, and in front of their family and friends sealed their promise with a kiss! The guests tossed rose petals as the newlyweds took their first stroll down the aisle as husband and wife!  

For cocktail hour the happy couple mingled with their guests in the lanai as the ballroom was transformed from ceremony to reception! The beautiful florals provided by Creative Concepts by Jeff were relocated from the altar to the sweethearts table which were both beautifully decorated with linens from The Wedding Linen Company! The Hau Terrace looked pretty in pink and at 6pm the doors opened! 

We were so honored to be able to assist Sarah & Shane with finally being able to celebrate their wedding day and we wish them a very long and happy marriage!

5 Reasons to Have an Outdoor Wedding in Hawaii

Guest Blog by Hawaii Vista Weddings

Having an outdoor wedding in Hawaii is one of the most romantic events there are. The stunning natural landscapes make the setting a perfect backdrop for a beautiful ceremony and a reception with a view. Whether the couple wants to exchange vows in a tropical garden, or celebrate their union in a mountain setting, Hawaii has something for everyone.

5 reasons to have an outdoor wedding in Hawaii:

  1. Nature’s Backdrop

  2. Lighting

  3. All year round weather

  4. Social Distancing

  5. Reason to take a vacation

1.Nature’s Backdrop

You can enjoy sweeping views of the Mountains or capture a rainbow with a kiss. Having an outdoor wedding in Hawaii will give you a spectacular backdrop for photos. There are so many beautiful places in Hawaii with amazing panoramic scenery. 100’s of pictures are taken at your wedding by the photographer. Many of them are candid shots of the couple getting married, the guests watching the ceremony, eating at the reception, etc. When you are outdoors, almost every angle can have a beautiful backdrop. So no matter what the photographer is capturing, the photos will have a stunning background. There are a lot of rules for different locations. Such as hours of operations for parks or permits to get married at a beach or park. So be sure to look into them before you plan your wedding.

2.Lighting

Light is the most important element of photography. It is one of the main characteristics in changing the style of a photo.Nothing beats natural outdoor lighting for photos. Artificial lighting just can’t bring out the vigor that natural lighting does. No matter how much editing a photographer does, they just can’t replicate natures’ beauty. Outdoor weddings will have no shortage of great photo spots. The light peaking through the leaves of the trees or the romantic haze during the Golden hour makes breathtaking photos.

3.All year long

Pictures of Hawaii weddings are hard to tell if it is in the winter or summer! It could be December, and everyone is wearing warm weather clothing and the sun is shining outside. The climate of Hawaii’s tropical island is remarkably consistent throughout the year. It’s usually around 80 degrees during the day and around 75 at a night for any month. The temperatures are generally steady and sunny, which makes it ideal for a destination wedding. Because of the island's proximity to the Equator and it’s steady climate, you can plan your Hawaiian wedding any time of the year. True, there are rainier seasons and the weather can be unpredictable so you may need to make arrangements to ensure your event remains enjoyable. Be sure to ask your outdoor venue what their rain options are. Hurricane season generally runs June through December of every year but hurricanes are usually far and few between.You can constantly check the weather but to be honest there is a saying, “If you don’t like the weather in Hawaii, just wait 5 minutes”.

4.Social distancing

Social distancing, as most people probably know by now, is the idea that to slow the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus, you need to maintain a certain distance from people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends social distancing, staying at least 6 feet apart from others indoors and outdoors, as part of its guidance to stop community spread of COVID-19. This is much easier to do when you are outdoors with more space and where it is less transmissible. One thing we learned through the pandemic is that outdoor weddings are safer as far as spreading the virus. Less restrictions were made with an outdoor wedding and social distancing is a bit easier.

5.Reason to Vacation

Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or a lavish, elaborate reception, a Hawaiian destination wedding is a memorable experience for you and your guests. If you're planning a destination wedding, Hawaii offers the ideal blend of adventure, romance, and the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding. It will be unique and special for you and your guests .An outdoor wedding in Hawaii is a great way to incorporate native Hawaiian culture into your ceremony.
Aside from being exotic, a destination wedding in Hawaii also allows you to have a more intimate wedding with a limited guest list. Most people understand that destination weddings are usually meant for the immediate family and closest friends. Flights to Hawaii are not always cheap and can book up quickly. So be sure to plan ahead.

There are so many more reasons to have an outdoor wedding in Hawaii so get to it and plan your destination wedding now. The memories you will make will last a lifetime!

XOXOXO

Happy Planning!

(A Perfect Day)

Private Indoor Hawaii Wedding or Fresh Outdoor Hawaii Wedding? (Part 4 of 5)

We know how big of a decision this can be so we went a little deeper to explain another consideration which may help you with it!

VENDORS: SUPPLY AND DEMAND

As relaxing as an outdoor wedding seems, it may require more work than an indoor wedding. If the outdoor venue is not able to supply you with your outdoor necessities like: tents, tables, chairs, linen, food, catering equipment, dance floors, lighting, generators, setup/breakdown staff, servers, etc., you will need to look for a vendor that can supply you with all of the above, or work with multiple vendors to make sure you have everything you need. On the bright side, an outdoor wedding would allow you to customize every aspect to your liking, while indoor weddings might have restrictions and set packages that you have to oblige to.

Indoor (PRO):

Venue: The Kahala Hotel &amp; Resort

Venue: The Kahala Hotel & Resort

  • Not only do they provide you with tables and chairs, all of your vendors will have access to electricity! Not to mention, a full kitchen for all your catering needs (including space to keep your layered wedding cake).

Indoor (CON):

  • Limited food/catering options as well as limited decorating options.

TIP: Ask your vendors for their suggestions as they may have very creative ideas that work within the limitations as set forth by your venue

PC: Bianca Photography | Venue: Four Seasons Ko’Olina Resort

PC: Bianca Photography | Venue: Four Seasons Ko’Olina Resort

Outdoor (PRO):

  • You can bring your own food/choose your own caterer and your photographer can easily meander around your guests.

Outdoor (CON):

  • More supplies are needed, such as tents and covers to keep guests and food safe from rain, bugs, or even the sun. Also, lighting can be difficult due to the lack of outlets and power sources. You will have to get creative in finding ways to light up your evening.

TIP: Your vendors should have generators, but you might want to double check with them just in case their company doesn’t provide back-up generators.

Happy Planning!

XOXO A Perfect Day

Private Indoor Hawaii Wedding or Fresh Outdoor Hawaii Wedding? (Part 3 of 5)

Are you still unsure if an indoor or outdoor wedding is best for you? Here are some additional things that may help you to decide!

AMBIANCE AND DECOR: SETTING THE MOOD

Are you looking to be surrounded by the tranquility and natural beauty of our island (outdoors) or are you seeking something more private and extravagant (indoors)? With an outdoor wedding, this could mean less decorating since nature becomes your natural backdrop. Indoor weddings are enclosed so you won’t have to scream your vows (unless you want to) to overpower the noise of cars, planes, or construction work. Many venues have rules and regulations you may have to follow. Be sure to get all of your décor ideas “Okayed” by the establishment. If the venue doesn’t allow something, keep looking for the perfect venue!

PC: Keoni Michael | Venue: Hyatt Regency Waikiki

PC: Keoni Michael | Venue: Hyatt Regency Waikiki

Indoor (PRO):

  • Noise control and exclusiveness. You won’t have nosy strangers watch you exchange your “I Dos”. Candles work well, and you get to enjoy AIR CONDITIONING!

Indoor (CON):

  • No complimentary stars to look up and enjoy.

TIP: This could be a good thing. You might save a lot of money from less decorating. 

Venue: Hawaii Vista Weddings

Venue: Hawaii Vista Weddings

Outdoor (PRO):

  • Gorgeous “Hawaii” scenery. Lantern lights and a fantastic sunset can create a really magical end to your big day.

Outdoor (CON):

  • Your photographer will have to race the clock so that he doesn’t lose precious sunlight for those sunset photos.

TIP: Have a list of all the poses and photos you want to take and allocate enough time before the sunset for the photographer to work their magic.

Happy Planning!

XOXO A Perfect Day

Outdoor (PRO):

  • Gorgeous “Hawaii” scenery. Lantern lights and a fantastic sunset can create a really magical end to your big day.

Outdoor (CON):

  • Your photographer will have to race the clock so that he doesn’t lose precious sunlight for those sunset photos.

TIP: Have a list of all the poses and photos you want to take and allocate enough time before the sunset for the photographer to work their magic.

Happy Planning!

XOXO A Perfect Day

Private Indoor Hawaii Wedding or Fresh Outdoor Hawaii Wedding? (Part 2 of 5)

As promised, here is our next blog post about indoor versus outdoor weddings! As there are many other things to consider, feel free to follow us on Instagram or just follow our hashtag #APDblog to be notified of future posts as we discuss this topic. Bonus tip: There IS a way to have BOTH, ask us how!

WEATHER: THE BEAUTY OF MOTHER NATURE, OR NOT….

One of the things that Hawaii is known for is our beautiful weather and scenic views (especially during the summer). For those that are familiar with our weather will know that there are many possibilities. Some days, you might find yourself searching for a spot on the beach to soak up the sun, some days you might find yourself hiding from the sun. Some days the island breeze can give your hair that Picture Perfect wind effect, some days it can create a mini tornado with your hair! From sprinkles of rain, to thunderstorms, to hail, Mother Nature has never failed to keep us on our toes. But everyone knows that weather can be unpredictable. As you plan for one of the biggest days of your life, you still want to be considerate of the comfort of your guests. The key is to be prepared for any possible scenario. These days, there are really fancy tents you can rent to give your outdoor wedding an extravagant appeal as well as shelter for you and your guests.

Indoor (PRO):

  • Comfortably air conditioned, hair intact, dry clothes, clean shoes, and you won’t have to swat flies and mosquitoes all night.

Indoor (CON):

  • If it’s a beautiful day outside, you could miss out on enjoying the warmth of the sun and even the moonlight reflecting in the ocean (unless of course, you have a view from the indoors).

TIP: For picture purposes, you can consult with your photographer to see if they’d be open to capturing a few photos outside (ie: taking you outdoors for “sunset pictures” when dinner begins)...or have your ceremony and/or cocktails outdoors.

PC: Jon Mozo Photography

PC: Jon Mozo Photography

PC: Keoni Michael

PC: Keoni Michael

Outdoor (PRO):

  • From bright sunshine and blue skies to priceless sunsets and nice island breezes, being outdoors is very refreshing for those who enjoy.

Outdoor (CON):

  • Besides the chance of rain (that can come in horizontally), bugs, gusts of wind (which could affect your decor), and the blazing sun, Mother Nature might also trigger allergies if you or your guests have any. Unlike food allergies, where you can just avoid consuming the items you’re allergic to, you can’t remove the allergens and pollens from the air.  

TIP: Taking Benadryl and consuming alcohol may not be the best idea. We recommend lots of tissues and staying hydrated if you choose to host your wedding outdoors.

NOTE: Although many hotels DO have outdoor reception options, we’d like to let you know that A Perfect Day currently only plans and coordinates weddings at hotels, resorts, and country clubs so if you would like a recommendation for a planner who specializes in an estate, or ranch wedding, please ask us for a free recommendation!

Happy Planning!

XOXO A Perfect Day

5 Reasons to have an Intimate Vow Renewal In Hawaii

GUEST BLOG BY DIANA MOORE OF HAWAII VISTA WEDDINGS

Why have a vow renewal in Hawaii?  You did the big wedding with 500 of your closest friends and family. Probably at a location that was easy for everyone to get to. Your kids are asking you who the people in the pictures are and you have no idea. Years later,  it’s a great time to celebrate with the ones that really mean the most to you at a location that is made for weddings….Hawaii. Didn’t have much money when you first got married? Now you can  have your dream wedding that you always wanted or recreate the one that you loved  the first time. There are many reasons to have a vow renewal. Here are 5 of them .

Romantic Gesture

After so many years of marriage, why not let the one you love feel the way he or she did when you first were married.  Years have passed, and children come into the picture. The romance fades or is gone completely. You have both worked so hard to provide a home for yourselves, cleaned and cooked, picked up the kids from school everyday. The list goes on and life becomes one long day of mundane tasks. When you first were married, you could only imagine what life would be like raising a family together. It’s not always how you imagined.  So you deserve to treat each other right. There was a reason that you first wanted to get married so find that spark again. Watching your beautiful partner walk down the aisle to you again, can be a powerful reminder of why you got married in the first place. Nothing is more romantic than a vacation to Hawaii and saying “I do” again.

Milestone Wedding Date

A Milestone wedding  is a significant and important year in one's marriage that's bigger, or more noteworthy than other years.   10 years, 25 years, 50 years. You made it to that big date so why not celebrate?  We need to congratulate ourselves sometimes for making it to a milestone date. No one said marriage is easy, so feel free to give yourselves a “reward”. You can even have one every ten years. Knowing that you will have one every ten years can help you look forward to growing older with your spouse and have things to look forward to at any stage in your life.

Have the wedding of your dreams

Years ago, you may not have had a lot of money or there was a big storm on your wedding so you couldn’t get the pictures that you wanted. Maybe you were so young and just wanted to make everyone else happy by having THEIR dream wedding. Now that you are older and may have more money, have the wedding that you actually wanted. There’s no pressure from family and friends anymore about what you should or shouldn’t do so do it your way! Did you have your wedding at a church but now you love the mountains or the beach? When you have your wedding in Hawaii, it doubles as a second honeymoon as well. If you had kids after you were married, they can now be a part of your wedding so make it the family vacation of a lifetime. Hire a photographer or Videographer to recreate pictures from your first wedding. How wonderful to have pictures of the two of you before and after.

Back together after tough times

There may be some signs that your marriage could use a vow renewal. Everyone knows that these past couple of years have been tough for everyone. So we are all sympathetic about going through tough times.  Whether  it’s the passing of a loved one, having to  relocate to a new job, or now the kids are off to college,  this is a good opportunity to do something positive and start over with a new outlook on life. Now you know that you can make it through tough times, so come together again and remember the  good times.You may realize that time can heal and life can get better when you remember what you once had.

Why not?

Do you really need a reason to celebrate your marriage? Maybe you just want a party and have an excuse to do so. Why not? You don’t need a special reason to have a vow renewal. If you were planning a trip to Hawaii anyway, it could be a nice surprise for your spouse. If you hire a wedding planner, they can help  coordinate things for you and make it a surprise. Get a new ring and have an officiant to make it feel extra special. If you are having a party and may already be spending a lot of money on a venue, food, hair and makeup flowers etc., make it extra special and renew your vows too. Life is too short to not celebrate life and love.

https://youtu.be/ZH7TVo-kzwY


XOXOXO

Happy Planning!

(A Perfect Day)

Private Indoor Hawaii Wedding or Fresh Outdoor Hawaii Wedding? (Part 1 of 5)

Weddings are one of the most special moments in the lives of a couple. In Hawaii, an outdoor wedding may have fresh air and breathtaking views, but an indoor wedding will have air conditioning and allow your event to continue later in the evening. There are both advantages and disadvantages to choosing an indoor or outdoor wedding. The tug of war between indoor events and outdoor events in Hawaii might be a bit tough because there are so many options so we created this blog post to get you started. As there are many other things to consider, feel free to follow us on Instagram or just follow our hashtag #APDblog to be notified of future posts as we discuss this topic.

Indoor (PRO):

  • Convenient access to restrooms, you can control your guest count (not having to worry about the cost of having to invite “everyone”), less coordination/planning is usually required as fewer vendors are needed. 

Indoor (CON):

  • Depending on which venue you choose, their maximum capacity might hinder you from inviting everyone on your guest list. 

TIP: If you already know that your final guest count would exceed every venue’s max cap., you may want to consider an outdoor wedding or reducing your guest count.

 
PC: Derek Wong Photography

PC: Derek Wong Photography

Happy Planning!

 

PC: Keoni Michael

 

Outdoor (PRO):

  • Lots and lots of SPACE! Kids can run around freely, you can space out your tables and chairs so your guests can mingle, and you can invite as many guests as your heart’s desire.

Outdoor (CON):

  • Some outdoor venues might have limited parking spaces (especially if you have a really large guest list).  It can also be harder to control/limit your guest list as there is enough space to fit everyone.

TIP: Check with the venue to see if they offer an alternative parking solution or maybe hire a valet.

NOTE: Although many hotels DO have outdoor reception options, we’d like to let you know that A Perfect Day currently only plans and coordinates weddings at hotels, resorts, and country clubs so if you would like a recommendation for a planner who specializes in an estate, or ranch wedding, please ask us for a free recommendation!

Happy Planning!

XOXO A Perfect Day

CONGRATULATIONS KIMBERLY & JOE <3

In early November of 2021 Kimberly & Joe tied the knot at the gorgeous Kahala Hotel & Resort on the east side of the island of O’ahu. The day was filled with stunning florals, and beautiful smiles, as the lovely couple vowed to spend the rest of their lives together!

Their wedding day began with the bride and groom getting ready in their seprate hotel rooms, as the couple chose not to see each other prior to the ceremony. It was a busy morning as Heather and her team from Delish Makeup got Kimberly and her bridesmaids all dolled up for the big day while Christie of Christie Pham Photography and the married duo Amber & Mike of Agalia Films captured all of the sweet getting ready moments!

Now that both Kimberly, Joe, and their wedding party were all dressed and ready, it was time to start the ceremony! The wonderful musicians from Kika, Inc. began playing Hawaiian contemporary songs as the guests found their seats, Joe and his groosmen walked up to the alter, and the bridesmaids began leading the way for Kimberly to make her grand entrance. The bride was truly a vision in white as she made her way down the aisle, her royal veil adorned beautifully over her face and floating in the light tradewinds. It really was a beautiful day in Hawai’i nei as Kimberly and Joe exchanged their vows in front of their families and friends.

While the new Mr. & Mrs. took photos around the Kahala property, their guests enjoyed cocktail hour, and the reception area was getting it’s final touches! The florals created by Florist Grand were breathtaking in both the ceremony and reception space, as well as in Kimberly’s hair and bouquet! The combination of the florals and beauitful linens provided by the Wedding Linen Company perfectly decorated the Kahala O Ke Kai room.

At 6:00pm the reception doors opened and the newlyweds celebrated the happy occasion with their family and friends for the rest of the night! We are soooo honored to have been able to help Kimberly and Joe have the wedding day of their dreams, and wish them a long and happy marriage! <3

Wedding Video Highlight by Agalia Films

Creating Your Wedding Planning Timeline

The BIG question has been answered, a beautiful ring is on display, and now you can call your best friend your fiance. CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement!! 

Though we hope all of our newly engaged couples can celebrate this wonderful moment in their lives, we also know that stress can quickly start overwhelming the soon-to-be newlyweds as questions of the big day arise and the planning begins. 

Photography: Kai Photo

A Perfect Day LLC, was created with the goal of helping every couple achieve peace of mind through planning and organization. That is why we have created numerous resources to assist couples with planning their dream wedding! 

Today’s blog will focus on helping couples to create their wedding planning timeline. Not to be confused with the wedding DAY timeline, the wedding planning timeline does not focus on the day of the wedding but instead on all of the things that have to be done in the time leading up to the big day! This timeline is extremely important as it will ensure that everything is organized and thought out so for the days before, and especially on your wedding you will be able to relax and truly enjoy the occasion!

Venue: Hawaii Vista Weddings | Photography: Michele C Photo

Things to Consider When Creating Your Wedding Planning Timeline

The Length of Your Engagement

Having an idea of how long your engagement will be prior to your wedding will allow you to estimate how much time you will have to plan your wedding! As the average engagement is between 12-18 months, couples who are engaged longer than this period may be able to take their time when selecting vendors and making decisions, while couples who are engaged for less than this period may have to have a planning timeline that’s a bit more jam packed. 

We recommend that couples should secure all of their vendors by at least 4 months prior to their wedding as this will allow them to focus on finalizing details, create their wedding day timeline, and purchase supplies for their big day between 1-4 months prior to the wedding. Depending on the length of your engagement and the number of vendors you choose to have at your wedding will determine the planning timeline. 

  • For example if you are planning your wedding 12 months out, and want to hire 16 vendors by 4 months out, you’ll have 8 months to secure your desired vendors. With this in mind we recommend setting a goal of hiring 2 vendors a month or 1 vendor every two weeks. 

Setting goals will greatly help you with the organization of your wedding planning timeline as it will create achievable milestones along the journey. With the goals in place you’ll be able to clearly see the exact task that will be taken care of and when it will need to be completed by. 


Wedding Budget

It may surprise you but the budget of your wedding will actually play a role in affecting your wedding planning timeline. This is because the timing of which vendors to book will be determined by their priority in your budget. As typically the higher priority the vendor is the greater amount of money is allocated to it in your budget, you’ll want to book your vendor in the order of highest priority to lowest priority. Due to that, we highly recommend that you establish your budget prior to creating this timeline. If you haven’t made your budget yet, not to worry! We have created a series of blogs & videos focused on wedding budgeting! 

  1. Top 5 Decisions That Will Affect Your Budget

  2. How to Create Your Ideal Wedding Budget in 3 Steps

  3. 3 Ways to Stay in Control of Your Wedding Budget

With your wedding budget established you are ready to move on to creating your wedding planning timeline! 

How to Get a Custom Wedding Planning Timeline

Many couples initially reach out to us not knowing what to do first, what order to do things in, or even how much help they need. We have created a new service to create a custom and personalized planning timeline just for you along with helpful tips and guidance from almost 20 years of planing weddings! We will discuss what your actual needs and wants are, what type of vendors, services, and products you are looking for, and at the end, we will be provide you with a digital solid plan that is easy to follow so you can check it off every step of the way. We will take into account your priorities and concerns the entire time. While everyone is busy these days, we feel that our custom personalized plan can get you off on the right foot to planning your wedding successfully and having fun doing it! To find out more, contact Kelly at Kelly@APerfectDayHawaii.com.

As it’s our mission to help you have a wedding planning process that’s as stress-free as possible, we hope you will allow us to help you enjoy the planning process from the very beginning!

XOXOXO

Happy Planning!

(A Perfect Day)

The Banzai Toast. What is it and how is it done.

The Banzai toast is very common in local Japanese weddings. Before we go into depth how it happens during a wedding, we feel a responsibility to also explain that there are multiple translations and it is important to understand all of them to help determine if this is something you really want to do. Here are some translations:

  • The word Banzai has been and can be used as a sort of “battle cry”. An example for this is the belief that Japanese military who bombed Pear Harbor yelled Banzai as they bombed Hawaii. For this reason, some Japanese to this day feel it is in poor taste to participate in a Banzai toast. As a backup option, the word Banzai has recently been changed to use Kampai instead. Kampai means “Empty the cup/glass” so it may not hold the same meaning as Banzai but can help to avoid unintentionally disrespecting anyone.

  • The word Banzai has been used as a way to greet the Japanese Emperor. For this reason, some may feel that it is disrespectful to use it when not addressing the Emperor.

  • The word Banzai is also believed to mean 10,000 years of life. This is the reason why it has become so popular during Japanese local weddings. When doing the Banzai toast, it is done, it is most commonly done twice as the guests first wish the Bride & Groom 10,000 years of life and the second is from the family to all of the guests wishing them 10,000 years of life. Here is how it works: Each person who leads a toast will request all guests to stand (if able) and each will first chant a few words ending with “Banzai” repeated 3 times (each louder than the last). Guests should always be instructed and encouraged to follow and chant “Banzai” (in unison) after each time the speech giver does. After everyone has chanted “Banzai” 3 times, everyone should take a sip of a beverage (traditionally sake). As guests should copy & take a sip at the end, instructions should be given in advanced to the toast starting.

  • The verbiage used is:

    • 1st Toast (to the Bride & Groom): "Shinro shimpu, banzai! (pause for guests to chant “banzai!”), Banzai!! (pause for guests to chant “Banza!!”), BANZAI!!! (pause for guests to chant “BANZAI!!!”)

    • 2nd Toast (to the guests): “Raihin shokun, banzai!" (pause for guests to chant “banzai!”), Banzai!! (pause for guests to chant “Banza!!”), BANZAI!!! (pause for guests to chant “BANZAI!!!”)

      • A more polite version of the 2nd Toast is to say: “Raihin no minasama, banzai!" (pause for guests to chant “banzai!”), Banzai!! (pause for guests to chant “Banza!!”), BANZAI!!! (pause for guests to chant “BANZAI!!!”)

  • One last thing to keep in mind is that the “Banzai toast” is really only something “local” Japanese weddings tend to incorporate. If you were in Japan, they would not be familiar with this activity so like with all traditions and customs, it is important to determine if this is something that makes sense for you to do.

    Here is a video that will give you a glimpse of how a Banzai toast is executed.

Happy Planning!

4 Ways to Design Your Wedding Save the Dates & Invitations

Wedding stationery is a wonderful way for you to share important information with your guests, that is also thoughtfully designed to reflect the theme of your big day! As there are many different options to create your wedding stationary we wanted to highlight four of these choices to help you decide which way works best for you! Though there are many items in wedding stationery (menus, programs, name cards, etc.) for this post we are specifically going to focus on creating Save the Dates & Invitations. However, you may be able to use some of these options for the other areas of your wedding that will require stationery! Before we get into the different options of designing your Save the Dates & Invitations let’s go through the purpose of each one and what makes them different!

Save the Dates 

When are they sent?

  • Ideally, the sooner the better to give guests time to plan travel arrangements

What information do they share?  

  • Names of the people tying the knot (you & your other half!)

  • The date of the big day

  • The location of the wedding (if you’re not sure of the venue yet, include at least the name of the city)

  • Wedding registry or website

What’s their purpose?

  • To notify their guests asap that there will be a wedding! These notices are especially helpful for couples who are having destination weddings, as this may require their guests to take time off, and to plan flight and accommodations for their big day. 

Invitations

When are they sent?

  • Ideally, we recommend invitations to be sent out 3-4 months before the date of the wedding.

What information do they share?

  • All of the information mentioned previously on the save the date

  • The time of the wedding 

  • The address of the venue

  • They can be sent with an RSVP card, however many couples are opting to have guests RSVP by their website or phone

What’s their purpose?

  • To formally invite guests to the wedding and provide them with all of the information needed to attend. Most importantly for the couple is to have their guests RSVP so they can confirm what their actual guest count will be. 


Though they are different, these two stationary items have one important thing in common and that is that they’re generally both sent to the same people! This means that prior to sending out your save the dates you want to have determined all of the names on your guest list. With your guest list set, now it’s time to create your wedding stationery!

Below are just four ways that you can design your save the dates & invitations! 

One: DIY Digitally!

Creating your own digital save the dates and invitations are great for couples who have a specific vision of what they want on their wedding stationery. This option allows you to have creative freedom and would make it very convenient to share your save the dates & invitations digitally through text, email, facebook, instagram, whatsapp, and etc.! For creating digital save the dates & invitations couples can use applications such as Canva and even Microsoft Powerpoint. 

Two: Get Crafty!

For a bride & groom who want to create their own wedding stationery by hand, DIY save the dates & invitations add a special personal touch! Creating the stationary together can be a fun way to bond as fiances’ but as they can take a lot of time and effort we recommend this option for couples who have the flexibility to add 1-2 months to completing this task and have less than 100 guests. You can find the items and tools to create your own wedding stationery from places such as Ben Franklin Crafts, Amazon, and many local craft stores!

Three: Select a Template!

With so many websites to choose from, you can select a template that perfectly represents you and your other half! These save the date and invitation templates can be slightly customized by changing all of the information and sometimes the color of the theme. Selecting a template as well as placing an order for their stationery is something that couples could most likely do in a day, making this an excellent option for couples who need their stationery done quickly. A few websites that you can use to order your own wedding stationery are Shutterfly, Minted, Costco Photo Center, and Zazzle! 

Four: Purchase!

For the couple that wants to have the DIY feel to their wedding stationery without doing the Y part of DIY, purchasing save the dates & invitations that are handcrafted by others is an option that would achieve the best of both worlds! Finding a local calligraphy artist or ordering through Etsy are fantastic options to get the handmade feel without spending too much of your time or efforts creating it, and also supports small businesses! 

These are just 4 ways to design your save the dates & invitations to fit the theme of your wedding and to be completed in your ideal timeframe. We hope these options help you in creating your ideal wedding stationery!

XOXOXO

Happy Planning!

(A Perfect Day)

3 Ways to Stay in Control of Your Wedding Budget

Photography: Shaneika Aguilar | Venue: Hawaii Vista Weddings

As wedding coordinators our goal is to be able to offer every couple a peace of mind through planning and organization! We know that for many couples to have their wedding day truly be the best day of their lives, this day needs to stay within a certain budget! So knowing how important budgeting is to our couples we’ve created a few videos dedicated to sharing advice all about wedding budgeting! This blog will cover our tips on how to stay in control of your wedding budget but as the information in this blog will build off of the advice we shared in our two previous blogs and videos, we highly recommend you check them out first! 

1. Top 5 Decisions That Will Affect Your Budget

2. How to Create Your Ideal Wedding Budget in 3 Steps

Now that you know the decisions that will affect your wedding budget as well as how to create your ideal wedding budget we can focus in on how you can stay in control of your budget!

 

One: Look at vendor pricing prior to booking the vendor

Photography: Michele C Photo | Florist: Always Flowers 808

As vendors will make up a large portion of your budget it’s important to review the prices of your desired vendors prior to signing a contract. This will ensure that your budget is not increasing based off of the prices of the vendors but that the prices of the vendors will fit into your budget. For the vendors that post their pricing on their website, you can see if their pricing will fit into the pricing that you allotted when creating your budget. However, if your desired vendor does not post their pricing we recommend that you create a list of the items/services you’re hoping to receive from the vendor and inquire with them to see if it’s possible to get a quote that works with your budget.  

For example, if you’d like to see if a florist is within your budget create a list with your desired florals (ie. Bridal bouquet, 2 bouquets, 3 boutonnieres, 5 centerpieces, 1 arch arrangement, etc.) and let them know what your budget is, then see if they can work within it. We recommend giving an amount that’s less than your maximum budget so that if you love something you’ll be able to have some wiggle room to include it rather than have it exceed your maximum budget. If they can provide it great, schedule a consultation! But if not, it's okay! Keep looking, there are a lot of really great options for vendors within the Hawaii wedding community and we’d also be happy to assist with you finding a vendor! 

Two: Secure your vendors in order of priority 

After creating your wedding budget you should now have a list of vendors in order of your highest priority to lowest. With this order begin looking for your vendors and securing them one by one down the list so that if shifts in your budget are necessary they will shift to the highest priority so that your overall budget won't increase but the allotments for the various vendors or items will change. By having your vendors prioritized you will ensure that you’re allocating the money to your next priority and not spending time and money on an area that is not high on your priority list. 

Photography: EMBR Photo | Venue: Kahala Hotel | Florist: Su-V Expressions | Officiant: James Chun

For example, if photography is your highest priority and you found a vendor that you really want to be your photographer but they are $100 over your allocated budget, you can make the decision to take the $100 out of a different category that you may not be as high of a priority and this will allow you to stay within your overall budget yet get the vendor you want! Shifting your money by vendor priority will allow you to stay within your budget yet still put attention towards the area of your wedding you are most invested in. 

Three: Establish budget and spending boundaries 

We’ve mentioned it in a few of our previous blogs but only spending gifted money when you receive it is so important to helping you stay in control of your budget! By spending money that you didn’t yet receive from a family member or friend who said that they would lend it to you, you’re risking using money that you currently don’t physically have and if that family member or friend is no longer able to pay for that cost you would have spent an additional amount of money on something you were originally not planning to have to allocate funds towards. Another way to stay in control of your budget is by setting the boundary of who will be able to dictate what will be included in your wedding. If your parents ask for additional guests to be included or for a specific vendor to be at the wedding will you adjust your budget to include it? If there’s a chance that other people will have the ability to affect your budget we highly recommend that you chat with them prior to creating your wedding planning budget but to also continue to have an open conversation with them so you’re able to stay in control of your budget!

We hope these tips will help you with staying in control of your wedding budget so that you will be able to have a wedding planning process as peaceful and stress-free as possible!

XOXOXO

Happy Planning!

(A Perfect Day)

5 Important Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner

Guest Blog by Diana Moore from Hawaii Vista Weddings

Whether you're planning a small intimate wedding or a large one, it's always good to have a wedding planner to help you enjoy your wedding and keep it as stress free as possible. Here are 5 important reasons you should hire a wedding planner.

When we first opened up, I didn’t realize the importance of having a wedding planner. Couples who were trying to stay on a budget and keep their wedding to the minimal discount by not having a wedding planner were stunned and overwhelmed on their wedding day. As a venue owner, we tried to help as much as we could but it was never enough. Flowers weren’t delivered, catering came late or sat cold, photographers showed up on the wrong date, guests stood around wondering what to do next, and the list goes on.  Couples forget that this is not like hosting a party where you will be out helping and catering to your guests. Usually, the couple is sequestered from guests and taking pictures until the start of the ceremony, leaving guests to figure things out on their own. As much as your Mom or sister say they want to help, most of the time, they really would like to  just show up and enjoy your day with you.

1. Keeping your wedding as stress free as possible

 The most important reason to hire a wedding planner is to keep your wedding as stress free as possible. Wedding planners have a lot of experience in wedding planning. They know the ins and outs of coordinating your special day and  have a vast bank of resources to call on .They'll know what to expect and what to avoid and they can give you unbiased and constructive feedback. First off, make a list of what you want before you start calling wedding planners. That way, your wedding planner will be able to help you better if you know the basics of what you need.Your wedding planner will be on top of everything  so the planning process will be less stressful and you'll have more time to celebrate your marriage. You can leave the  stressful details to your wedding planner so you can take care of the things only you can control. Like being on time, and getting yourselves ready. Or what you can’t control. Like checking on the weather  and making  final rain call decisions.You have to remember that your marriage is unique, and so are wedding planners.  So you should hire a planner who will create an individualized experience for you.

2. Hiring a wedding planner can help you keep on a budget

If you're a DIY bride, you're going to have to deal with the hassle and confusion of finding the perfect vendors for your special day. A wedding planner is in constant contact with other vendors and suppliers, which means that they are aware of special discounts and sales. These savings are passed on to their clients. Sometimes, they  have connections with vendors, so they can recommend the best options. That's invaluable information for a bride and groom. Vendors will sometimes give wedding planners a discount since they are being referred to for many weddings. This partnership is beneficial to everyone. Please watch the video below to help you with your budget.

3. Hiring a wedding planner will save you time

A wedding planner's knowledge of vendors can save you time. They already know who are “good” vendors and who are not.  For example, it can be quite overwhelming to google wedding photographers. It can take you hours and hours to research every photographer. There are so many ,and going with the cheapest  or most expensive is not always the best  decision. There may be a florist, cake, or hair and make up artist that you saw and love on instagram. However, you don’t know if they are professional and will be there for you on your wedding day. Referrals are usually great from friends or family but they may not be the right fit for you. For example, their videographer likes dark and dreamy but you want light and airy. Or their hair and make up does a dramatic look but you prefer a more natural look. A planner is a knowledgeable expert in what to expect at a wedding and can recommend a vendor with whom you'll be satisfied. She or he will talk to you about what your vision is and find the right vendor for you. A wedding planner will handle all of these things on your behalf and ensure a smooth event. 

4. Hiring a wedding planner is like having a best friend there for you

A wedding planner is like having  your best friend on the day of your wedding. He/she has been with you from the start and probably has gotten to know you pretty well. Save the relationships with your friends and family to  just talk about the exciting parts of your wedding. Asking your friends and family to help you find venues or vendors can be overwhelming for them. It can cause a lot of stress for them which can strain a relationship. Wedding planners will help you choose the right flowers, hair and makeup, a photographer with your style of choice, an officiant that is right for you, a videographer with your vision, a cake ,and so much more. Your wedding planner is who will help you to do things like picking up your flowers and having them ready for you in the bridal suite. They will order the food and pick it up for you so it is ready and waiting for you. If you're unsure about where to buy a certain item, your planner can assist you.  They may not know everything you need, but a good one will definitely try to help. Asking your friends and family to pick everything up and set it up for you can be a nightmare. The last thing you want while you are getting your hair and make up done is a bunch of calls from friends asking you about everything and telling you what’s going wrong.Of course all wedding planners have different duties that they do or don’t do so don’t hesitate to ask.

5. Hiring a wedding planner helps you to enjoy your day

Your wedding day is an important day for you and your partner. You should be able to relax and enjoy the day. The wedding planner will handle all of the details of your wedding and will make sure everything runs smoothly. Moreover, she or he will keep you organized. You will be able to enjoy your special day to the fullest knowing that everything is taken care of. The day will be memorable, and a successful wedding will be remembered for the rest of your life.

Hiring a wedding planner can help you plan a dream wedding without stressing.  From beginning to end, you will have someone there for you to  keep costs down, find vendors that are right for you, save you a lot of stress and time and be your friend.  There will always be things that don’t work out. Even with a wedding planner. However, having one will greatly reduce them for this very important day!

Do Wedding Planners Save You Money?

You’ve asked, so we want to answer! We believe that a Wedding Planner can, BUT it will depend highly on your priorities, who you hire, and what you consider as “saving money”. Let us explain!

PC: Visionari Photography

PC: Visionari Photography

YOUR PRIORITIES

If saving money is your #1 priority, you CAN save a lot of money, but you might not get quality. Is that okay with you? If so, make sure to let your planner know! The reason you may not get quality is because discounting rates (under “normal”/non-Covid circumstances) isn’t usually something quality vendors need to do. That being said, there are a number of companies that may still be GREAT but offer discounted rates for couples who hire preferred Planners because we make their jobs easier. If your number one priority is to save money (and your Planner is aware of it), they will recommend a vendor who will give a discount over another who may cost the same (or less) just because you want to see a discount.

Screenshot_20201016-153616_Instagram.jpg

WHO YOU HIRE

Which Planner you hire can also make a difference in the amount of savings you may receive. Often Planners who have been around longer may have more “connections” or have built more relationships that would benefit their clients. This is another example of the value “experience” can offer clients in our industry!

PC: Mike Pham Photography

PC: Mike Pham Photography

CREATIVE WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

We strongly believe one the best ways to creatively save our clients money is by creating and executing an efficient and realistic wedding day timeline. Since you pay your photographer and videographer likely by the hour, by making the best use of your time on your wedding day, we save our clients hundreds if not thousands of dollars not waiting around or misusing their time. By saving money this way, you can still get the quality vendor and save money! This is not to say that the “right” vendor for you may also offer a discount, but rather than solely basing your decision on getting a “discount”, we like this option!

INSIDER TIP

WE offer discounts to our clients based on what venue you choose to have your wedding at! We do this because if you choose to get married at a venue we work at frequently, we have great relationships with all of their staff which makes our job easier! Feel free to ask us which venues this applies to!

Happy Planning!

CONGRATULATIONS CAITLIN & CHRIS <3

Photography: VIVIDfotos

In early June of 2021 Caitlin & Chris tied the knot at the gorgeous Four Seasons Resort in Ko’Olina located on the West side of the island of Oahu. As the sun set on their wedding day we couldn’t help but be reminded of the journey they took to get to this day and were so thrilled they could finally celebrate their big day! Their wedding was originally scheduled to be at the end of June 2020 but as we all know how 2020 went, after changing their wedding date to March 2021 and then May 2021 they were finally able to walk down the aisle in June 2021!

Photography: VIVIDfotos

Though their wedding was in the afternoon on that Friday morning we were with them at 9:30am to start their day! The hair & makeup artists from Faith & Beauty began working their magic on Caitlin & her bridesmaids.

During this time we like to double check that the Bride has everything that is needed for the detailed photos, such as invitations, jewelry, shoes, and especially the rings. We also check and begin to move down any items that should be at the reception area. These items are typically the welcome sign, card box, registration table items, and favors. The favors for their wedding were SO CUTE as they were cookie versions of Catlin & Chris’s corgi, Cheddar!

While the bridal party got ready, the flowers from Flower Girls and the photographers & videographers from VIVIDfotos also arrived. The bridal suite was now bustling with excitement as the wedding was now just hours away! At 12:30pm Caitlin was all dressed and looked stunning in her beautiful gown holding her cascading bouquet of stunning large white orchids. And now it was time for the first look! 

There’s just something magical about the first time a bride & groom see each other! Caitlin & Chris also took this time to read personal letters to each other and took a few photos on the stunning staircase in the lobby of the resort. 

More photos were captured at the lawn area with the bridal party and with Chedder of course! Then it was the moment they’ve been waiting for, time to get married!

Photography: VIVIDfotos

Caitlin & Chris had a lovely ceremony full of laughs, tears, and smiles and then finally AFTER A YEAR LATER from what they originally planned, they were pronounced husband and wife!




Following the ceremony the couple had their grand entrance, first dance, father daughter dance, cut their wedding cake (announced and entertained by Bliss DJ’s) and they thanked all of their guests for being there. All of this while their guests were treated to a beautifully designed and executed reception by the top notch team of The Wedding Linen Company & Flowergirls.

As dinner began for their guests, Caitlin & Chris were able to slip away to take stunning sunset photos! Designed with Aloha provided the sign that said LOVE and wow we just LOVE how those photos of the newlyweds came out! 

The rest of the night was filled with heartfelt speeches by members of their bridal party, a few games, and a mighty banzai toast wishing the couple a thousand years of good health & happiness.

We are so happy that Caitlin & Chris were finally able to get the beautiful wedding day they deserve! We wish them a long and happy marriage! BANZAI! 

Videography: VIVIDfotos

How to Create Your Ideal Wedding Budget in 3 Steps

Venue: Kahala Resort | Photography: Bianca Photography

Since we were young, many of us have dreamed of what our ideal wedding will look like and feel like! We think about the attire we are going to wear, the food we are going to eat, and of course picture our perfect person dancing the night away with us! One thing we don’t typically dream about is how much everything is going to cost! Though it may not be the most glamorous thing to think about, if you are having a wedding that is on a budget it is very important to create that budget before you begin booking vendors and buying items for your big day. Before creating your budget you’ll want to check out our video and blog post covering the top 5 decisions that will affect your wedding budget! 

Now that you know what decisions will affect your total wedding costs you are ready to create your custom budget! As we want every couple to have their dream wedding without having to live in debt during their marriage, we are sharing how you can create your ideal wedding budget in three steps!

 

Some things to consider before creating your budget

  • If you start hiring vendors or buying items before you determine your budget, you will be allowing the vendors and your purchases to dictate the amount of money you will be spending on your wedding. By creating your budget prior to booking vendors and making purchases you will remain as the one in control of your wedding costs.

  • Always communicate with each other! As monetary issues are known to be a major stressor in many marriages, ensuring that you’re both transparent about the wedding expenses and communicate openly about the costs will hopefully decrease the chance of an argument pertaining to your wedding budget.

  • Select a dollar amount that’s comfortable to you so that you won’t have to spend the days leading up to your wedding eating only instant ramen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No one attending your wedding would want you to struggle in order for you to get them a fancy favor, so make sure you decide on a budget amount that is for you and not what you think it should be for others.

  • Gratuities for your vendors can add up so we highly recommend including this amount in your overall budget so that you don’t get stuck in a position where tipping a vendor affects another area of your budget OR you’re not able to provide the gratuity that you want to give.

Venue: Hawaii Vista Weddings | Photography: Michele C Photo | Florals: Always Flowers 808

  • Having a section that’s 10% of your budget dedicated to “incidentals” will allow you with a cushion to take care of costs that arise or ones that you may not think of. An example of this type of expense is postage for your Save the Dates, Invitations, and RSVP cards. Having an area dedicated to these often overlooked costs will add some much needed wiggle room to your budget.

  • Your headcount will play one of the biggest factors in your wedding as typically when the number of your guests increase so does the number on your budget! Prior to creating your budget it’ll be very helpful to know the maximum size of your guest count.

  • Only plan off of funds that you actually have. We’ve seen many instances where family/friends will tell the bride & groom that they’ll pay for something but later no longer be able to pay for it. As these couples now need to decide if the vendor/item is something that they have to remove from their wedding or if they’ll have to expand their budget to cover the cost, ensuring that you’re only allocating the money that you have will help you to avoid this stressful situation. One way to organize these funds is by creating an account that holds the money strictly dedicated for your wedding so you can clearly see the dollar amount that you shouldn’t exceed. 

Photography: Kai Photo

Alright, now with all of the above in mind it’s time to create your ideal wedding budget! So grab that paper and pencil OR your laptop and open that excel sheet, as we get into creating this budget!

 

Step One: List all of the various vendors and items you will need to hire or purchase for your wedding

For now, don’t focus on putting this list in a specific order yet, the current focus is to just list everything that you will need to allocate money towards.

If you’re not sure where to start, below is a list of the most commonly hired vendors, but of course don’t feel limited to just these vendors!


List of Commonly Hired Vendors 

 

Step Two: Prioritize your list so the vendors and items are listed in order of most important to least important

Now that you’ve got your list it’s time to organize it! If you need tips on prioritizing these items check out our blog post on creating your wedding priorities list. If you and your other half are not able to agree on the vendor or item that should be the number one priority on your list, determine which one is the highest priority for each of you and keep in mind that a good portion of the budget will go to these two areas.

 

Step Three: Break apart your budget to assign a dollar amount to each vendor or item

Regardless of what type of vendor or item is at the top of your list, it’s important to make sure that the preceding vendor or item must have more money allocated than the next. The dollar amount that you choose to assign should be the maximum amount that you feel comfortable spending on that specific vendor or item.

With each vendor or item now having an amount attached to it, you should be able to see an estimated total of what your wedding may cost!

 We hope that these three steps helped you create your ideal wedding budget! But we’re not done talking about budgets yet! Stay tuned for a future blog post that will show you how to use this information to stay in control of your budget at all times!


XOXOXO

Happy Planning!

(A Perfect Day)

3 Reasons Why Hiring a Wedding Videographer Should Be a Top Priority

Guest blog by Agalia Films

Hiring a wedding videographer is an essential part of your big day, so it's important to make sure you find the right one. The wedding day is an emotional time, so it's important to make sure that you capture it on film. It's impossible to capture every moment, including the tears of your mother-in-law as she says "I do" - but a wedding videographer will have them all. You'll have the entire day captured, and it will give you a more complete picture than you would otherwise have.

Regardless of your budget, a video will provide the best possible documentation of your special day. Wedding videographers have different styles, so you'll want to select one that suits your taste and budget. Most wedding videographers will offer both types of films, but you should make sure that the one you hire offers a mix of both. For example, if you'd prefer your video to feature only the most memorable moments, you can choose a package that includes a teaser film. You can even ask the videographer to add it on to your package.

If you're unsure of how much budget you're comfortable spending, you can always hire someone who works with your budget. While it's true that the longer a wedding video is, the more money you'll have to spend, the more quality you'll get in return. You should be able to tell which videographer's work you like from their portfolio before making a final decision.

You'll never regret your decision. Whether you're looking for a trailer-length film or an extended wedding film, there's no better time to select your ideal video. After all, a beautiful photograph will last a lifetime and a great video will forever be a treasured keepsake. But what about the audio? Do you want your wedding video to be an ode to your special day? A video is a timeless piece of art and should be as special as the photos.

Haiku Gardens Wedding

Another reason to hire a wedding videographer is because they will be able to record your wedding. They'll be able to capture every moment of your day, including the vows and the speeches. In this way, they'll preserve your memories and give you a better chance to look back on your memories in the years to come. If you're planning an elopement, you'll want to choose a wedding videographer who has a license to legally fly drones.

While you should always do your homework before hiring a wedding videographer, you should also be prepared for any eventualities that may arise. You should look at their online portfolio to get an idea of their style and artistic vision. It's also important to know the features and inclusions you'd like to have in the film. If you're looking for a highlight reel, it's worth hiring a cinematographer who offers this option.

Besides the quality of the footage, hiring a wedding videographer can help you capture the emotions of your big day. A wedding video can capture moments you'd miss if you're not paying close attention. This is especially important for couples who plan to have a ceremony without any technology, so they'll want to avoid having their guests take their smartphones out of the room during the ceremony.

While hiring a wedding photographer is important, a wedding videographer will capture the day's emotions with added depth. You may have your vows written out and preserved on paper, but what about the toasts and speeches from your best man or maid of honor? What about that impromptu speech your father-in-law decided to give about how blessed he felt that his son chose you as his bride? Wedding videographers capture those memories and can preserve not only the emotions but every single word.

Recommendations

Defining and Comparing Place Cards and Escort Cards. Which is best for you?

Let’s define place cards first. Place cards are wonderful for small weddings because it is a simple way to let guests know exactly which seat/chair you want them to sit at. A place card literally shows your guests which chair you want them to sit on. By placing their name onto some sort of material (ie: card stock, plastic, acrylic, agate, etc.) and then set up at their place setting, your guest will find their name and sit at that seat.

The most common material for a place card is card stock.

Escort cards can be just as creative as place cards, but since it’s intention is to guide guests to their correct table, they should be arranged at a convenient place for guests to pick up as they enter your reception area. Most commonly, you will find these set up at the welcome/registration table.

The only time that either place cards or escort cards are required are if you are serving a plated menu where guests were given a choice of entree. The cards will need to end up on the table and visible to servers to see and determine each guest’s selection. If you opted for escort cards, your MC can easily request all guests to place their card onto their table in front of them.

If you are planning to print a menu for each of your guests, you can even combine both the menu and place card to be efficient :-).

While both place cards and escort cards have guests names on them, the escort card literally helps to escort your guests to the table you have a seat reserved for them at. In order for this to serve it’s purpose the guest’s name AND table number must be listed on each escort card.

To help guests find their escort card as quickly as possible, we recommend that cards are set up in alphabetical order (by last name). If you opt to group the cards by tables, your guests will need to look through all cards with the hopes of coming across their name as soon as possible.

As part of your planning responsibilities, you will need to create a key/code so servers can easily know what to serve each guest. Common keys/codes are colors, stickers, and icons. NOTE: place cards can also be useful at weddings with sensitive family dynamics where careful consideration of placement and seating can help everyone to feel comfortable.

We hope you have found this helpful. If you would like us to discuss a specific topic, please reach out to us and let us know!

XOXOXO

Happy Planning!

(A Perfect Day)

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