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")

Wedding planning tip: cake timing

Towering square tiered cake featuring black and white checks for a racing themed wedding, designed by Rick of cakelava.  Rick was truly ahead of his time, as he was designing ombre hued cakes before ombre even became a wedding trend!  Photo by Chrissy Lambert Photography.

Here's a simple piece of advice related to your wedding cake, particularly if planning your wedding on your own.

Chocolate ribbons stream down the sides of this four-tiered wedding cake designed by the Halekulani.  Photo by Visionari.

Ask your cake baker or designer about the number of hours that the cake can be left out of refrigeration.

Yet another stunning creation by Rick Reichart of cakelava.  This towering cake combines a modern and whimsical look, with varying shapes and heights.  Photo by Sieber Studio.

Make sure then that the time between having your cake delivered and the time of your cake cutting and serving is less than the maximum number of hours that the cake can be unrefrigerated.

Another fabulous cake!  This show-stopping cake was created by Cake Works for a wedding we planned at the Sheraton Waikiki.  Photo by Eclat Photography.

Note that in Hawaii, particularly with outdoor weddings, we have some particularly warm and sunny days, and the length of time for a cake to be left outdoors thus shortens.

Pretty in Pink - cascading fresh flowers in shades of pink adorn this simply elegant cake.  Photo by Dave Miyamoto and Company.

The last thing anyone wants to see is a beautiful wedding cake that starts to slide, collapse, or melt so again, be sure to consult your cake provider to ensure that your cake looks its best throughout its time on display.

cakelava designed this one of a kind cake for our couple, Deb and Keola, who chose shades of purple and yellow for their wedding.  Photo by AmodoPhoto.

Happy Planning!
Mona
neu events
(formerly Weddings by Grace and Mona)

Featured Wedding #9: Nancy and Lance

Nancy and Lance tied the knot on August 7, 2010, in the Sanctuary of Central Union Church, followed by a stunning reception in two ballrooms of the Sheraton Waikiki. After months of planning, Nancy and Lance had every detail thought of, and their personal touches marked on just about everything possible, making it truly, their once-in-a-lifetime event to remember.

The adorable ring bearer pillow, featured a mocha sash and tie in the same, luxurious shade as the bridesmaids' dresses.

Nancy, Lance, and their bridal party traveled in style, with not one, but two limousines: a Hummer and a Lincoln Navigator.

For their wedding cake, Nancy and Lance chose six-tiers of culinary artistry by Cake Works, and for their cake topper, Nancy chose a crystal-encrusted, monogrammed "O" for their last name.

Silver charger plates and full bloomed roses adorned each place setting, and guests received a four-piece box of delightful Godiva chocolates.

A hedge of flowers lined the edge of the head table, while the rest of the tables were topped with alternating floral arrangements of tall and low designs.

Orange up-lighting strategically placed set the two ballrooms aglow in a pretty shade of tangerine orange, and chocolate brown chiavari chairs to match the autumn colors of the wedding were brought in, replacing the hotel's existing chairs.

One of the most unique elements of Nancy and Lance's wedding was their live entertainment: traditional Okinawan dance performances, a nod to their shared cultures. The dancers' beautiful kimono even matched the color palette of the wedding!

Glass cylinders filled with floating candles in varying heights lined the dance floor, and the flickering light during the dancing portion of the reception made for a romantic evening.

Instead of tossing her bouquet of delicate gardenia blossoms, Nancy had floral designer, My Florist, design a bouquet of money, sure to get any single lady interested in catching these flowers!

The Sheraton even went so far as to display Nancy and Lance's engagement photo on the multi-screen reader board, positioned prominently at the top of the escalators.

Nancy and Lance "had it all" when it came to their wedding, with no expense spared from making it the gala affair Nancy had dreamed of, but what made the wedding a show-stopper is Nancy herself.

The statuesque bride radiated beauty in her stunning dress, and while she would have loved to walk down the aisle with her beloved father, who had passed away, she chose to process in solo, holding her head high with each step she took down the aisle. The serenity and beauty of the moment was enough to take anyone's breath away.

Following the ceremony, Nancy posed with her mother and sister, who had flown in from Okinawa to celebrate the occasion with her.

Congratulations, Nancy and Lance! It was my honor to have had been a part of your wedding. Thank you so much for your kindness and friendship.

photos by Eclat Photo