| There's much to do when you're planning a | | | | other services involved in your wedding. For very |
| wedding in Hawaii. But as with any destination | | | | constrained budgets, a small resort package might |
| wedding, a special wrinkle is that you'll need to | | | | be both cheapest and most stress-free choice. If |
| take care of many details from far away. And | | | | you have more wiggle room, a good wedding |
| perhaps you've never been to Hawaii before. All | | | | planner will help you make the most of your |
| this can pile some frustration onto your planning, | | | | money. |
| but in the end, there are few places in the world | | | | 4) Another important item on your checklist is the |
| that can compare to the Garden Isle of Kauai, | | | | marriage license. Fortunately, Hawaii makes this |
| Magic Island off Waikiki, or Oahu's Paradise Cove, | | | | easy. You'll only need to arrive a few days in |
| just to name a few of Hawaii's many jewels. | | | | advance, and the only major requirement is that |
| Here's a quick checklist of things to do and | | | | both the bride and groom appear in person. Hawaii |
| remember when planning a wedding in Hawaii: | | | | doesn't have a waiting period or require a blood |
| 1) First, find a location. This is the fun part. Pour | | | | test, but you'll need enough time to apply in |
| over coffee table travel books at the bookstore | | | | person on a weekday before the wedding. |
| -- try the "From the Skies of Paradise" series, for | | | | 5) You'll also need to research lodging and airfare |
| example. Eventually you'll settle on an island. | | | | for your entire party. That means you'll need to |
| 2) Next, you have a second decision to make: | | | | manage a pleasant location that offers a fair price |
| should you go with a resort, a wedding planner, or | | | | for not only for the bridal couple, but for guests |
| do it all yourself? For most brides, the best bet is | | | | as well. Be sure that your planner or other former |
| to choose a resort package, or book a local | | | | brides give the thumbs-up to your lodging before |
| wedding planner that specializes in destination | | | | you book it. |
| weddings. | | | | Airline tickets are another major cost, especially if |
| An on-site planner should help you pull together | | | | you're footing the bill for friends and family. You |
| every aspect of your wedding. They'll recommend | | | | can buy tickets up to 11 months in advance, and |
| vendors, let you know whether that hotel really | | | | the sooner you buy them, the cheaper they are. |
| looks as beautiful as it does in the brochure, and | | | | With airfare on this scale, try to take advantage |
| help you work out murky but important details, | | | | of other money-saving tactics such as flying in on |
| such as how to seat your guests at the beach, or | | | | a weekday and staying over on a Saturday night. |
| how transport your guests from the hotel to the | | | | 6) Finally, don't forget that the whole charm of a |
| ceremony site. An experienced local planner can | | | | destination wedding lies in not having to obsess |
| make a huge difference, but you'll want to | | | | over details. Be sure to research a great wedding |
| research her carefully before choosing one. The | | | | planner, but after that, be willing to roll with the |
| last thing you want is to hire someone who "goes | | | | punches and take what comes. With a destination |
| dark" on you. | | | | wedding, you can often actually relax enough to |
| It's impossible to tell from a web site or a photo | | | | enjoy and remember your day, which isn't always |
| whether a planner is responsive and professional. | | | | true with more elaborate productions. |
| The best way to find a great one is to visit | | | | From choosing your favorite Hawaiian island to |
| destination wedding boards and ask newlyweds | | | | picking out foot jewelry or beach-style invitations, |
| for their recommendations. | | | | there's plenty to do when it comes to planning a |
| 3) Next, you'll want to consider your budget. Can | | | | wedding in Hawaii. While a destination wedding is |
| you pay for close family and friends to attend | | | | much like any other, they tend to feel more |
| your destination wedding, or will they need to pay | | | | complex simply because of the huge distance |
| their own way? If the budget's tight, one option is | | | | involved. The good news is that you can easily |
| to have a very small wedding on the island and | | | | get it all done, especially when you choose a |
| throw a larger reception later, at home. | | | | resort package, or hire an experienced local |
| You'll also need to look at the other aspects of | | | | wedding planner who can be your eyes and ears |
| the budget, and consider the fundamental costs | | | | and guide you through the requirements and |
| of things like ceremony locale, reception locale, | | | | on-site issues. |
| lodging, catering, your cake and flowers, and any | | | | |