Tips on Preparing to Attend a Wedding Expo

With the Hawaii World Class Wedding Expo coming up this Friday and Saturday at the Hawaii Convention Center, I thought it only apropos to share these great tips on preparing to attend a wedding expo from Pamela Ann Noxon, Producer of The Wedding Party Bridal Show (in San Diego).

• Plan to spend a few hours at the show. Collecting literature is great but the real benefit of the show is talking with wedding professionals about their ideas and capabilities for your wedding.

• Open a temporary P.O. Box and/or email address to provide to vendors. If you really don't want offers and information coming to your home and email addresses, provide these when filling out contest entry forms and inquiry sheets. When the wedding is over you can simply cancel the accounts and avoid any further wedding related information. Reserve your "real" e-mail address for vendors you actually contract for your wedding to be sure you stay connected.
  

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. The odds are you'll be on your feet for several hours, and uncomfortable shoes are not the best option.
  

• Slow down! The entire point of [attending an expo] is to give you and the wedding professionals eager to help you the time and respectful environment you need to get to know what you want, who you want and to ask questions, and get a lot of research done in one place. Don't just blow through and grab paperwork as you will never remember what card went with whom.

• We love kids but you might consider leaving small children at home as they can tire quickly and derail you from your mission of finding vendors and ideas for your wedding.

• Don't come alone. Bringing your fiancé, mom and friends to the bridal show will help them feel involved and also will give you a chance to bounce ideas back and forth. And there really is something for everyone...!

• Prepare some contact labels. Vendors will often have awesome drawings for prizes at their booths. Instead of having to fill out multiple forms with your contact info, prepare some electronic labels before the bridal show. Information to include: your name, address, phone number, email address, and wedding date. Avery 5160 (30 per page) are easy to complete labels on any word processor.

• When filling out forms make sure to print VERY clearly. You'd hate to miss out on a spectacular prize because they couldn't read your handwriting!

• Bring your date book so you can schedule appointments for follow up and a notebook and pen so you can take notes. Prepare for information overload. When you find a vendor you would like to follow up with, take a pen and write what struck you as appealing about them in your notebook or on their card or literature. When you get home and are faced with brochures from 14 different photographers, your note may be the only thing you have to remember which ones you liked and why. Also, write down any good tips they may have given you on their literature to help you remember who was knowledgeable and helpful.

• Visit every vendor regardless of whether you need their services or not. Many vendors can tell you other people they work with and who they recommend. Take the literature or brochure they are handing out. Even if you think you have no use for their services, it's better to have it in hand in the event you change your mind.

• Ask lots of questions. The show is filled with the finest wedding professionals and experts, so take advantage of the opportunity to learn as much as you can.

• Sign up for all the giveaways. Some vendors give discounts for their services, but more have been giving prizes... And yes, you'll get stuff in the mail, but it'll be worth it. Many vendors will send you coupons, offers, discounts and just great information that you can use to plan your wedding.

Mahalo, Pamela, for sharing these wonderful tips, perfect for anyone attending a wedding expo. For those interested in this weekend's Hawaii World Class Wedding Expo, tickets are $8.00 and may be purchased at the expo.

Hawaii Convention Center
1801 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, O'ahu

Friday, October 7, 2011
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fashion Show: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 8, 2011
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fashion Show: 2:30 p.m.

Enjoy the show!

Featured Wedding #17: Rachel and Darren

Photos by Kris Labang Photography

Rachel and Darren have known each other since second grade and even shared the same circle of friends throughout high school. But it wasn’t until they put their hearts on the line and took a leap of faith that they became a couple. And on August 8, 2011, they pledged themselves to each other as husband and wife.

A Hawaii destination wedding, which would give many of their guests the chance to experience the beautiful islands for the first time, was an obvious pick. They chose Lanikuhonua, an intimate oceanfront estate that was a favorite of ancient Hawaiian royalty, as the setting for their day.

The ladies prepared in the luxurious Ihilani Resort, just a short walk from Lanikuhonua. The bridesmaids donned short satin dresses and wore their hair in stylish updos to show off the sophisticated criss-crossed straps of their dresses.

Rachel’s gown was the perfect fit for her wonderful personality. The sweetheart neckline was classic romance, while tiered ruffles added a free-spirited dose of whimsy. The white blooms in her dark hair provided exotic drama.

Not to be outdone, Darren and his groomsmen donned island-appropriate attire of khaki slacks and white linen shirts, accented by fresh maile and orchid leis.

When guests arrived at Lanikuhonua, they knew it was paradise. Tall palm trees stretched into the sky, while the turquoise Pacific gently scented the air. An understated bamboo archway, bedecked with a cascading arrangement of oriental lilies, hydrangeas, and classic roses, added to the appeal.

Despite the stunning scenery, all eyes were on Rachel as both her parents escorted her down the aisle.

After cocktails beneath the tropical sky, guests took their seats under the cozy and luxurious tent a few feet away. The centerpieces, which incorporated artful branches and pale lilac roses set in river rocks, had a feel that was both natural and sophisticated. The head table arrangement tied the look together.

Indigo Restaurant presented a dinner comprised of island favorites, including kalua pork steamed buns, and classic dishes, such as peppercorn crusted beef.

As the sun went down behind the ocean, the couple snuck away to steal some kisses during a romantic photo shoot.

In lieu of a cake cutting, the newlyweds laughingly fed each other bites of a beloved Hawaii treat - green tea mochi ice cream from Bubbies, a famous local shop.

The best man then presented his wedding gift to the couple: An elaborate video slideshow, complete with narration and music, that had all attendees in tears with laughter.

As the sky darkened, shoji lanterns illuminated the tent, giving the signal that it was time to boogie down on the dance floor.

The guests departed with treats from the Honolulu Cookie Company, which were presented in traditionally woven buri boxes and adorned with ribbon (hand tied by Rachel) and a festive bloom. Maybe it was these goodies that supplied the energy needed for the next day’s agenda – group surfing lessons at Waikiki beach!

Congratulations, Rachel and Darren!

For more of this spunky and loving couple, check out:

http://wgmfortheknot.blogspot.com/2011/08/vegetable-bouquet.html

and

http://wgmfortheknot.blogspot.com/2011/08/thumb-print-guest-book.html

Featured Wedding #16: Tiare and Gary

Photos by Kai-Photo

They say love conquers all… but was it strong enough to bridge the differences between Gary, a die-hard Verizon Android fan, and Tiare, who can’t live without her Apple iPhone? Judging by their fun-filled wedding day at the Halekulani on July 10, 2011, our answer is a resounding yes!

This tech-savvy couple built the entire theme around their informal “rivalry.” First up were humorous shots of the ladies devouring fuzzy Droid dolls, and the groomsmen vigorously biting into green apples!

All was forgiven, however, during their romantic wedding day photo shoot on the Halekulani grounds…

or maybe not...

No matter their tech preference, no one could deny how lovely Tiare was in her form-fitting strapless gown. Crystal detailing on her neckline added subtle sparkle, while her cathedral-length veil was pure glamour. On her father's arm, she smiled all the way down the grassy aisle.

When it came time to exchange vows, the junior bridesmaid presented the couple with their phones on a silver platter so they could read the heartfelt sentiments they had stored.

Every detail of the décor was perfectly planned. Passion Roots created a lush bridal bouquet which included orchids and calla lilies in gorgeous shades of violet, while the bridesmaids’ cool green arrangements kept the look fresh.

Delicate mokara and dendrobrium orchids in impressive white box frames flanked the sand ceremony table and provided a backdrop for the vows.

The guests showed their approval as they entered the reception at the Halekulani Ballroom.

An artfully draped backdrop from REA Events, accented by delicate crystals and plum-colored mood lighting, set a stunning stage for the couple's first dance.

Dramatic, tall white trees placed on the center of the tables added dimension to the space. Strands of crystals adorned the outstretched branches and caught the candlelight. Purple satin linen made a regal statement, while the kiwi green napkins added a playful splash of color.

Extra touches enhanced the technology theme. The table numbers were displayed on Apples and Droids, and the seating assignments were printed to resemble an iPod screen. Copper wire, fashioned to look like a computer USB cord, wound through the centerpieces.

A violet-hued mokara orchid was placed at each setting, a thoughtful gesture that added a fresh spirit to the room and also welcomed guests to their seats.

After an acrobatic lion dance that got everyone’s heart pounding, guests dined on the delicious dinner buffet. For dessert, a custom-designed vegan cake appealed to the health-conscious bride.

The couple filled their program with entertainment. Trivia games kept the competitive spirit alive, Gary hammed it up as he wrapped Tiare’s garter around a Nerf football for the toss, and the hilarious Shoelywed Game had everyone laughing.

Throughout the evening, guests snapped away with their cell phone cameras and instantaneously uploaded their photos to the couple’s Facebook page, which was displayed on a large screen at the end of the Ballroom.

Not wishing to send their guests home empty-handed, Tiare and Gary provided each attendee with a vegan strawberry guava cupcake, topped with the rival OS logos.

After an evening of dancing and mingling, the bride happily embraced her new husband, sharing a sweet kiss during the last song. And most importantly, members of both the Android and Apple teams had agreed to a truce… or at least temporarily.

Congratulations, Tiare and Gary!

Waialua Soda Works: island-made sodas perfect for destination weddings

Photos by Chrissy Lambert Photography

I don't quite remember when I first came across a bottle of Waialua Soda, but I do remember the cute label with the retro hula dancer, and the fun tropical flavors. In recent years, they've become mainstays at local eateries and supermarkets, and now, even at weddings!

I love the idea of providing guests who travel to Hawaii with welcome gifts delivered to their hotel rooms, particularly when those gifts contain delightful island-made products. In the welcome basket shown below, guests received bags of Hawaiian Isle coffee, a tropical scented loofah-soap, and of course, bottles of Waialua Soda, perfect for enjoying in their rooms. The colorful labels add a cheerful touch to the gift.


Waialua Sodas also make great beverages at off-premise events where providing your own drinks is encouraged. Pop off the cap, stick a bright colored straw in it, and you've got a fun drink which also looks fantastic in photos. Some couples will even choose the flavors that tie in with their wedding colors: Root Beer (ivory and brown), Pineapple (sky blue and yellow), Mango (chartreuse green and orange), Vanilla Cream (wheat and ivory), Lilikoi (bubblegum pink and pastel pink), and Kona Red (ivory and red). My personal favorite: pineapple! Best yet, if your wedding is taking place on the island of O'ahu, the folks at Waialua Soda Works deliver free of charge with a two-case minimum purchase. Can't beat that!

Featured Wedding #15: Della and Kevin

Photos by Christie Pham Photography

Through my work, I am very fortunate to meet some fantastic couples, many of whom have become friends and who I have the pleasure of seeing even after their wedding. Della and Kevin are one such couple. In fact, I will be visiting their home later today for a Labor Day barbecue, and I thought I would dedicate today's blog entry to them.

Della and Kevin tied the knot on March 6, 2011, at the picturesque JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko'Olina. It was a sunny afternoon, and to further brighten the day, their "son," Koko (a fluffy white Cavichon), shared the spotlight for the ceremony. Who could resist his little round eyes, imploring you to pick him up and hug him?

At weddings, I seldom find time to enjoy the ceremony as a guest would, especially since coordination duties call me to oversee many things at once, but I happened to catch part of Della's personal vows to Kevin which gave me pause and literally brought tears to my eyes. She referenced traditional wedding vows which state "in sickness and in health," and her response - "been there. Done that."

During the planning stages of their wedding, Della shared with me that in spite of being a young couple, she and Kevin had already experienced their share of trials and tribulations, with Kevin having been struck with serious illness and Della undergoing a major hip surgery. After enduring this together, they emerged a stronger couple with both fortunately in good health now. Listening to Della's vows, I imagined what hardship they must have encountered together, and the formalization of their union seemed to underscore their already evident commitment to one another.

As for the wedding details, Della jokingly admitted that were it not for us on the planning end, she may have very well ended up with beer and nachos for her wedding. We fondly refer to Della as an "anti-bride," where instead of being the type of bride who carefully considered each and every detail of her special day, Della's laid back and don't-sweat-the-small-stuff take on things meant she would hand over the reins to us in terms of many things design related.

Della started with a palette of chocolate brown and pink, dressing her bridesmaids in pretty eyelet dresses with delicate pink ribbon at their waists. To complement the color scheme, we selected a gorgeous table overlays custom made by REA Events for their wedding, featuring swirls in shades of brown, cream, and blush pink, with a subtle underlay of soft champagne and chocolate napkins to emphasize the browns. A fresh pink cymbidium orchid was tucked into each napkin, adding a pop of color along with modern centerpieces of clustered vases filled with hydrangea, cymbidium orchids, and fiddlehead ferns by My Florist.

The result was a tasteful and fun wedding and I am so grateful to now call them my friends. Congratulations, Della and Kevin!