12 Months Before:
1.) Set the date. Remember you may not be able to get the location that you want, if it is already booked, so flexibility here is really essential.
2.) Choose the beach. One thing to keep in mind - all beaches in Hawaii are open to the public. Many Hawaii wedding companies advertize "private beaches" but beware ... they really don't exist. Your "private" ceremony may not be as private as you'd like. However, that doesn't mean you can't find a secluded location. It just means you'll have to look harder. Here's where a savvy wedding coordinator can help, or extensive online research. Be sure to check with the Parks and Recreation Department for any regulations or prohibitions relating to your chosen beach location. Some things to ask might be: Are you permitted to section off an area? How late can you stay? Can you set up a tent and rentals (tables, chairs, etc.)? Can you have candles or torches on the beach? Can you play music into the night? Is there an area nearby for open fires should you choose to barbeque? What type of beverages can be served? Is glass permitted, or is plastic required? What facilities are nearby to use as Plan B should Hawaii's tropical rains dampen the day?
3.) Decide on a budget.
4.) Determine your wedding party. Selecting the members of the wedding party now will allow everyone enough time to plan travel, time off from work or studies, and any other arrangements necessary for them to accompany you to Hawaii. Witnesses are NOT required by law in Hawaii, so if you can't afford or can't arrange for anyone to join you, don't worry. They are not necessary.
5.) Begin to shop for a dress. Beach weddings in Hawaii can be as formal or as informal as you'd like. Remember that most days are very warm, so a sun dress or lightweight gown will be quite appropriate. Traditional wedding attire in Hawaii is white, off-white or pastel for the bride and ladies of the party. White shirts, slacks or shorts and colored sashes are worn by the groom and his gentlemen. You may wish to shop online from Hawaiian retailers for more authentic apparel. If you are not a "traditional" type person, consider wearing color. Colors always add snap to photographs - and your photographer will love you. Keep in mind that high heels are downright dangerous in the sand, so choose flats or even bare feet for your beach wedding.
6.) Choose and purchase invitations and other stationery.
6 -10 Months Before
1.) Send invitations to all those traveling to Hawaii with you.
2.) Make your reception plans. Here again, a local wedding coordinator may be necessary. You can opt for a simple barbecue on the sand, or something more formal at your hotel or a banquet facility, or anything in between. All the restaurants in Hawaii are accustom to accommodating wedding parties.
3.) Purchase wedding attire.
4.) Make your honeymoon plans and arrangements.
4 to 6 Months Before
1.) Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests. A good tip is to arrive two or three days prior to the ceremony, to allow time to adjust, recover from jetlag, and scope out the wedding site. It also gives you plenty of time to deal with any last minute complications or unexpected problems.
2.) Order the wedding cake.
3.) Hire your limousines, cars or other transportation to take you to and from the wedding site and reception. Again, your wedding provider can probably help.
4.) Make all the necessary arrangements for a rehearsal dinner, if having one. This is traditionally the responsibility of the groom and his family.
3 Months Before
1.) Arrange for ceremony and reception musicians. For a truly traditional island wedding, go for a hula dancer or even a full Hawaiian ensemble of dancers and drummers.
2.) Purchase gifts for attendants.
3.) Schedule your appointment with a stylist for hair and make-up. Remember that Hawaii's beaches are breezy, due to the trade winds. Hair, veils, ribbons and other "loose" items can and will get buffeted about by the breeze. Keep this in mind when choosing hair styles and accessories. Also, be aware there are makeup artists specializing in preparing you for photography. This is a very different art form.
4.) Plan and make arrangements for a bridal luncheon, breakfast or "hen night."
5.) Order flowers. Traditionally, brides wear a haku lei - a circle of flowers in their hair - a lei of blossoms around their necks, and may carry a bouquet. An ankle lei may be appropriate if wearing a shorter gown and going barefoot. For the groom, a maile lei of leaves intertwined with blossoms. It is also traditional for the bride and groom to present their parents and other important members of the wedding party with leis.
6.) Finalize all travel plans.
2 Months Before
1.) Have your final gown fitting.
2.) Call or email with your vendors and officiate to finalize all plans and arrangements.
3.) Take care of all necessary business and legal arrangements. Open a joint checking account, make changes to insurance policies, wills, etc.
4.) Arrange for transport to the airport before your wedding and for the day you return home.
5.) Purchase wedding rings to allow time for re-sizing or engraving.
3 to 4 Weeks Before
1.) Contact any guests who have not responded. Once this has been done, call, email or meet with caterer to finalize reception, rehearsal dinner, bridal luncheon or breakfast and any other catered affairs.
2.) Finalize seating arrangement for reception.
2 Weeks Before
1.) Gather all necessary documentation for travel. In addition to your tickets and passport, don't forget vouchers for wedding services, car rental, and hotel reservations. Pack these in your carry on, just in case your luggage is lost or delayed by the airline.
2.) Make sure that everyone has their wedding attire, has had their final fittings and are ready to go with any readings, special tasks, etc. that you'd like them to do as part of your ceremony.
7 Days Before
1.) Make final check on everything - vendors, reservations, officiate, honeymoon, caterer, florist, everyone involved.
2.) Pack for your trip. It may be a good idea to pack your wedding attire and wedding rings in your carry on, to avoid the possibility of lost or re-routed luggage.
3 Days Before
1.) Arrive at your hotel.
2.) Obtain your marriage certificate.
3.) Let your officiate and coordinator know you have arrived.
1 Day Before
1.) Greet all your out-of-town guests.
2.) Get your nails done.
3.) Attend rehearsal.
4.) Attend rehearsal dinner and "hen night" if having one.
5.) Make sure Plan B is in place should weather threaten to dampen the day.
Day of Wedding
1.) Have your hair and make-up done.
2.) Allow 3 hours for dressing and relaxing before ceremony.
3.) Enjoy your special day!
About the Author
Plan your hawaii wedding package on the white sand beach across from Pukalani Falls. Visit Rev./Capt. Howie Welfeld online at http://www.hawaiiweddings.com/ for all the details to planning a spiritual and unique wedding.
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