Destination Weddings in Waikiki - A Look at Pros and Cons

Gorgeous view of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach from the Sheraton Waikiki.  Photo by Eclat Photography.

As a wedding planner, part of my job is to help couples weigh pros and cons regarding the numerous decisions they need to make regarding their wedding.  I recently had a bride ask for my thoughts about holding a wedding in Waikiki.  Here are some things I shared with her...

While Waikiki can feel a bit hurried at times, with traffic being a bit of a bear, it offers so many advantages.

Proximity to the beach.  If at an ocean-front property, the views of the water and of the iconic Diamond Head are spectacular, but anyplace in Waikiki is no more than a block or two from the beach, so photographers can easily take couples out for photos with their toes in the sand.

Nearby accommodations.  Waikiki boasts a slew of options for accommodations, ranging from budget to luxury, and includes resorts, hotels, boutique hotels, condo-tels, and rental units.  Guests can choose a place to stay in walking distance, at a price point comfortable for them.

This means that the wedding can probably be planned without regard for providing transportation to and from the wedding site for guests, since the assumption is that most guests will stay nearby.

Moments before the wedding in one of the beautiful guest rooms of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

Mild(er) weather.  Believe it or not, it can rain in one part of the island, and yet be perfectly dry in another.  Seldom do we find ourselves making a "rain call" to move a wedding ceremony indoors.

Overall, if looking for a wide, expansive space of country-side, Waikiki is not for you.  Overall, however, the benefits far outweigh the small disadvantages to holding a wedding in Waikiki.  That said, a wedding is one of those lifetime events where the decision on where to celebrate that special occasion is a very personal one.  Fortunately, we have numerous venues here in Hawai 'i, and there is sure to be someplace to please just about any couple.  Hiring a wedding planner can help a couple to seek out the best, and sometimes, little known venues.  I encourage couples to enjoy the venue search and to remember, it should not feel like work, but rather, part of the exciting time in life of being engaged, and a part of the journey in preparing for a wedding.

Happy Planning!

Mona

neu events

(formerly known as "Weddings by Grace and Mona")

Shave Ice for Weddings

Pretty assortment of shave ice flavors, courtesy of Ginniberries, at our outdoor wedding at Oceanfront Oasis.  Photo by L'amour Photography.

Shave ice, a well-known and much loved local treat here in Hawaii, has become a recent hit at weddings in our island state, both for local and destination weddings alike.

A young guest enjoys a fruity shave ice concoction from Ginniberries.  Photo by L'amour Photography.

Cool and refreshing, it's great for a warm wedding day and allows guests, particularly those from out of town, to experience a bit of Hawaii.

Cool and frosty shave ice from Ginniberries in an elegant, stemless, martini glass.  Photo by L'amour Photography.

What's even better, is that they can be made into shave ice "cocktails" when adding a bit of alcohol for some adult fun.

A drizzle of "adult beverage" atop this shave ice at the renowned Waialae Country Club makes this shave ice that much more fun!  Photo by HelmutWalker Photography.

For some of our recent weddings, we've had a shave ice truck parked outside of a church for post-ceremony refreshment, served during cocktail hour at outdoor weddings, and on one extra special occasion, the couple was even honored by Kelvin Shimazu himself, the owner of Shimazu Store, serving up his famous gourmet-flavored shave ice to the guests.

A highlight of this wedding reception was having Calvin Shimazu himself (owner of Shimazu Store), serving his famous shave ice to wedding guests at this Royal Hawaiian Hotel wedding we coordinated in April.  Photo by L'amour Photography.

Kyle and Sheryl, our super sweet couple who tied the knot in April, enjoy their favorite treat, Shimazu's shave ice, at their wedding reception at the Royal Hawaiian hotel.  Photo by L'amour Photography.

Sheryl and Kyle shared such a love for Shimazu's shave ice, that they wanted to share it with their guests.  We arranged with Calvin Shimazu to accept custom printed gift cards presented by Sheryl and Kyle's guests for shave ice at his shop, compliments of the bride and groom.  Photo by L'amour Photography.  Gift cards designed and created by Something Blue.

Sheryl and Kyle's all-time favorite Shimazu's shave ice flavors:  orange cream and strawberry cream!  Photo by L'amour Photography.

Consider this island treat for your wedding or special event!

The ever-so-popular, rainbow shave ice!  Featured is Shimazu's version, served at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel for Sheryl and Kyle's wedding.  Photo by L'amour Photography.

Happy Planning!
Mona
Weddings by Grace and Mona

Featured Wedding #12: Lynn and Damien

Photos by Frank Amodo

Lynn and Damien's over-the-top, glamorous wedding struck a beautiful balance of elegance and style, which naturally blended with their own down-to-earth modesty, lovely to encounter at such a luxurious wedding. Guests were showered with lavish treats, starting with a fun-filled and relaxed rehearsal dinner at the Halekulani's Hau Terrace, and two days later at the wedding reception held in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel's Monarch Ballroom, they enjoyed a spectacular four-course dinner with a candy buffet that included delicate French macaroons in colors to match the wedding. Throughout dinner, wine flowed freely and dishes of delicacies kept appearing, leaving guests fully satiated and ready to enjoy the dance floor.

I especially loved Lynn and Damien's color palette, which included soft, muted tones of pale blush pink, champagne, and ivory: very understated, and oh-so-chic! The colors were reflected in everything from the stationery items, Lynn's pretty sandals, the bridesmaids' dresses, the linen, flowers, and even the lighting. (Decor, flowers, and lighting were designed by Yvonne of Yvonne Design and Mood Event.)

I have to admit that I am especially fond of choreographed first dances, and Lynn and Damien executed theirs with pizzazz! Photographer Frank Amodo, and the videography team of Kai Media, caught glimpses of the two of them spending a quiet moment before the reception to practice, and when it came time for the real thing, it couldn't have been any more beautiful!

Much of the planning took place against the backdrop of Damien's parents facing some health issues, and the celebration of Lynn and Damien's marriage was made complete by the presence of their families. Damien's parents who are both doing well, celebrated in style, as did Lynn's parents! Not only did I get to enjoy planning with Lynn and Damien, but over the course of preparing for their wedding, I had the pleasure of meeting their families. It is thanks to Damien's mother, who found us, that we were able to take part in such a memorable wedding. Here is to Damien's mom, Christy, without whom, none of us would have been there, and thanks to whom, the result was the marriage of a wonderful couple and the unfolding of a beautiful wedding.

Congratulations, Lynn and Damien! We're so thrilled to have seen you tie the knot!!!