We’ve put together this in-depth guide on how you can plan your dream wedding in this beautiful paradise where you and your loved one will be taking the big leap into a life of unity and love. We hope to enlighten and inspire you right from finding a perfect venue with greenery and beautiful white-sand beaches to the incorporation of local traditions or customs in your important ceremony. Remember, this is going to be a reflection of your really awesome love story, so almost everything will now be up to you and what does justice to your vision!
Some key steps for you to keep in consideration:
1. Set the Legal Ball Rolling
Before you get on with your very own wedding plans, you would need to take care of the legal formalities. That having said, for a legally recognized wedding in Hawaii, you will need a license from the State of Hawaii. The State of Hawaii’s official website contains detailed information on marriage license requirements, including specific instructions for each step and forms that need to be completed. It is highly recommended to initiate this process well in advance, as it may take some time to complete. You will be required to put forth personal documents such as a birth certificate and government-issued picture ID, all for a very minimal fee. After obtaining the license, you will have 30 days within which to conduct your wedding ceremony. This is the most crucial step as it forms the legal basis for your union, making your marriage valid.
2. Hiring a Wedding Planner
Sometimes, going through a complex planning process when you are new to the place, leave alone managing wedding arrangements, seems very cumbersome. Now, you don’t have to worry about it! By hiring a professional wedding planner, you’re able to leave the nuts-and-bolts details in their capable hands as your main focus is on the exchanging of your vows. In this way, you will hire a local wedding planner who knows the finest places to be, top caterers, great photographers, and important vendors in the region. Moreover, they are able to inform you about local customs and traditions so you can make your celebration of marriage really an ‘aloha’ to Hawaii. This strategic move not only relieves you from a considerable amount of stress but also gives you the license to indulge in pure hedonism for the moment.
3. Prepare for the Weather
When you are planning an outdoor wedding, it becomes essential to remember that Hawaii offers a year-round temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit on average. Although rain showers are generally light and of short duration, it is not uncommon for December to February to bring all-day drenching; an indoor alternative should be available. Finally, Hawaii’s hard blowing tradewinds, especially seaside, should be a consideration. It’s a good idea to take precautions with your veil, dress, hair, or anything else that could be affected by wind if it picks up during the ceremony. And don’t forget to think about the comfort of your guests during the ceremony by providing them with parasols or fans in case it gets hot. These little considerations will have you very well-prepared for anything unexpected with the weather on your big day.
4. Be Familiar with the Location
Also, note that all Hawaii beaches are open to the public. Changes in outdoor wedding legislation necessitate permits in certain locations. Just remember that you won’t have any of the more popular spots all to yourself. Nearly all beaches and parks get particularly crowded during spring and summer months in Hawaii. And also in planning your beach wedding, take note that witnesses are not legally required for your ceremony, although many wedding consultants and officiants are available to provide this service for an extra fee. Also, for a more peaceful wedding ceremony, consider having the beach wedding early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the beaches are generally less crowded. This can help to establish a far more intimate and peaceful atmosphere for your special day. It is very crucial that you are familiar with local laws and traditions to appropriately plan your beach wedding in Hawaii, and to make any necessary changes in your plans accordingly.
5. Allow Some Downtime
Always plan to arrive in Hawaii at least two days before your travel or wedding to have some relaxation time and a minimum time to acclimate to the local time. Having a buffer will, in turn, address whatever last-minute concerns and be fully prepared for that big day. Use this free time to soak up local culture by attending one of the local festivals, sampling traditional Hawaiian cuisine, or simply enjoying the beautiful beaches. These extras will ensure that you are cool, refreshed, and ready to truly enjoy the wedding day.
Embrace the Aloha Spirit
Bring in some of the beautiful Hawaiian culture into the ceremony with their customary uses of flowers. The bride and groom can adorn themself with Lei which they wear draped at their necks. In addition, there is the haku lei, also worn on the head of the bride for that extra touch of something Hawaiian. A maile lei, consisting of a very handsome green leafy garland with flowers woven throughout it, is mostly chosen by grooms, while brides may opt for a ginger or pikake lei with rosebuds, which are more dainty. Tradition has it that the officiating pastor or Hawaiian kahuna should be given a maile lei and lei given to special participants. This rite itself of exchanging lei is a wonderful custom to show their mutual love and respect, an endless circle between the two. This really does add something special to a wedding ceremony to have that special nod to Hawaii and their rich heritage.
Dress the Part
But for a beach or outdoor wedding, the bride must quite simply make sure that she is comfortable. Many brides wear elegant, long, flowing summer dresses in pure whites or creams, or very soft-pastel floral patterns with a haku lei and comfortable shoes like flats or even bare feet for beach or lawn locations. For the groom, stylish aloha shirts are commonly worn in solid whites or with a pattern, matched with solid-colored trousers or knee-length shorts, and even maile lei for some grooms. Add some color and vibrancy by having each groom wear a colorful sash around his waist.
Ready to bring your dream into reality? Book your Hawaii wedding, today!
Remember, your wedding is the view in the mirror reflecting back at your unique journey of love, so make the wedding yours in this Hawaiian paradise. Happy planning!