Getting married on Kauai is a dream come true for many couples. There is no better location for a destination wedding than Kauai. If you want to plan a wedding on Kauai, here are a few tips to help relieve your stress, save you money, and have the best wedding ever. These tips are meant to help you make more informed decisions so that all you have to worry about is showing up.
The most important part of planning a Kauai wedding is to hire a wedding coordinator. There is nothing more stressful than trying to plan a wedding in an unfamiliar place without one. If you cannot afford to hire a coordinator from start to finish, make sure you hire one for the day of your event, and have a family member on-hand to help with all the other details.
There are many reasons to hire a coordinator. Here are a few.
Wedding coordinators are experts at wedding planning. You cannot rely on your food and beverage staff, your resort, your DJ, or your Kauai photographer to help you with coordinator tasks on your wedding day. Any coordinating duties that are assigned to these folks, will take them away from what they do best. Let your wedding coordinator take care of all your needs on your wedding day.
Wedding coordinators know the local vendors. They know who works well together. They know who lives closest to your wedding destination. Kauai wedding planners know Kauai. They know the culture. They know how to get things done right. They know the weather. They can help you with decorations, suggestions, and working with all the people who make up your wedding team.
Because of their knowledge, it is important to listen to your wedding coordinators suggestions and be open. They may be able to make suggestions that will save you time, money, or even save your marriage. Don’t forget to check out our Kauai Wedding Guide for more information on wedding coordinators.
Choosing a venue for your wedding:
The most popular place for weddings on Kauai is the beach. If you are thinking about walking down the aisle barefoot in the sand, here is an important tip. The Department of Land and Nature Resources requires a permit for all wedding ceremonies held on public beaches. Work with your coordinator to choose a beach near your reception location and to help you with obtaining your permit.
Many other popular wedding locations include waterfalls, gardens, and resorts. A reservations and/or a site fee may be required to hold your ceremony in one of these locations. Our Kauai Wedding Guide can help you find the perfect venue for your wedding.
Planning for Weather:
Kauai has mild weather year round, so it is the perfect place for a June wedding anytime of year. That being said, there are still some things to plan for. First, it rains somewhere on Kauai everyday. Without the rain, Kauai couldn’t be called the Garden Island. To prepare for the weather, avoid the rainiest months (March and April), bring umbrellas, and most important have a Plan B (something your coordinator can help you with).
Secondly, Kauai’s sun is intense from 9am-5pm. If you are getting married on the beach during this time, consider bringing or finding some shade and keep your ceremony short. Grooms will sweat through their suits and blushing brides can melt their makeup. You and your guests can get sunburned, or even heat exhaustion. Make sure to bring plenty of cold water to avoid getting dehydrated.
Photographs:
Photographs are a must have memento of you special day. Choosing a photographer on Kauai is easy due to the large pool of local talent. Photography is an art and getting perfect wedding day photos take time. Tip: If you plan to have a beach wedding, you may be sweaty and wind-blown by the end of the ceremony. Consider having your photos done before your wedding when you are freshly dressed and looking your best. Some couples even opt to have photographs taken the day before the event. Taking your photos before the wedding will also allow you to spend more time with your guests and on the dance floor, since many hotels and dining establishments have strict policies about noise curfews.
Cutting costs on the Toast:
The toast is a time when groomsmen roast the groom, and bridesmaids tell sweet stories about the bride. It may be elegant to toast with champagne but did you know that only about one half of the champagne poured will be consumed? Many couples are now opting to toast with “drink in hand” and avoid this extra expense.
Choosing Flowers and Décor:
Extravagant floral arrangements, colorful linen, and other fanciful wedding décor help create the mood for an event so stunning that it will never be forgotten. For couples that desire exotic flower arrangements, there are numerous local florists on Kauai that can provide you with your dream centerpieces and table decor.
Tip: Did you know that flowers are one of the most expensive components of your wedding décor? For couples on a budget, remember that having your wedding at one of Kauai’s spectacular venues will awe your guests with natural beauty by itself. Adding just a few simple decorations can complement the overall experience and cut costs at the same time. Simple, affordable decor like Monstera leaves and pineapples make memorable Hawaiian place settings, and can be taken home by your guests and consumed.
Choosing the perfect favors:
Favors are a nice way to thank your guests for coming all the way to Kauai to share your special day with you. Purchasing favors from local crafters and businesses is a nice way to ensure that your guests take a little Kauai home with them. Popular choices for Kauai-made favors include locally made soaps and candles, coffees and chocolate, and locally grown specialty teas. These gifts are functional and affordable and your guests will love them.
Your Kauai wedding will be one of the most memorable days of your life. Check out our wedding guide pages for more ideas to help celebrate your perfect day.
