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Hawaii might seem like the perfect wedding venue, but there are definitely some things to consider before you say "Aloha." Check out 10 important wedding planning decisions you need to think about before you book any flights and pull out your beachwear.
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The cost. First and foremost, hammer out all the costs for a Hawaiian wedding. Since it's such a romantic and scenic destination, Hawaii sees its fair share of weddings every year–and at a pretty penny. According to The Knot, couples in 2016 spent an average of $27,730 on their Hawaiian weddings. It's also one of the highest cost-per-guest rate wedding destinations, so a large wedding might not be in the cards.
Your honeymoon destination. Once you have a wedding in Hawaii, you can't really go up from there in terms of honeymoon locations. Unless you plan to stay on the picturesque island for your romantic getaway, you need to brainstrom honeymoon destinations that can top Hawaii. IF they even exist.
The guest dress code. If you want a more formal wedding, Hawaii might not be your go-to spot. Some of your guests might think it's ok to show up in Hawaiian shirts (because when in Hawaii), so either make the dress code very clear on the invitation, or settle for a more casual affair. Either way, you'll probably have at least one kooky uncle proudly donning one anyway, so brace yourself.
The flowers. Hawaii has a wide range of beautiful tropical flowers, so keep this in mind for floral arrangement plans. If you have your heart set on a more traditional bouquet and floral decorations, your desired flower might be few and far between in this island paradise.
The food. Again, you're agreeing to partake in Hawaiin culture when you decide to have your wedding there, so the menu items that potential venues present might not be what you had in mind. You can't go wrong with traditional Hawaiian or Polynesian food, but The Knot reports that these dishes might be too casual for a traditional wedding reception. If you choose local food for your Hawaiian wedding, a lua-style reception is much more fitting.
The venue. With that being said, keep an open mind when it comes to picking a Hawaiian venue. There are plenty of luxurious and spacious locations for your ceremony and/or reception, but be wary of high costs. In terms of price and style, a casual venue is your best bet for a Hawaiian wedding. If you want to get married on the beach, also know that you need to obtain a permit beforehand.
The weather. If you have a beach wedding, the wind will blow, your hair will probably get messed up, and you just have to suck it up. If you're a Type-A person, Hawaii probably isn't for you.
The date. Consider your potential wedding date options and keep the seasons in mind. While Hawaii has beautiful weather year-round, tourist season and higher prices start to kick in once cold weather hits the rest of the U.S. Try to steer clear of setting a wedding date during December through April.
Travel expenses. You and your hubby might be able to swing flights and hotels to Hawaii, but that doesn't mean that all your friends and family will be able to do the same financially. Don't make your wedding destination a burden to your guests, especially if you have older relatives who can't travel very easily.
Sunburn. A trip to Hawaii naturally calls for soaking up some sun during any free time before the wedding ceremony. But, one too many hours by the pool can lead to you or your bridesmaids getting a nasty sunburn and looking redder than a tomato in the wedding photos. If you choose a Hawaiian wedding, it's acceptable to go into Bridezilla mode and monitor everyone's sunscreen use the day before the wedding.
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