Planning your wedding day is filled with anticipation, excitement, and so many decisions! What venue will you choose? How many guests will you have? What wedding traditions will you be including? Many old traditions are falling out of favor, such as the bride wearing white and only men making speeches. Hitched has a rundown of 23 wedding traditions you can skip!
For those who are set on a destination wedding – specifically a beach wedding – there’s one place that immediately springs to mind: Hawaii. The islands’ natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere make for a stunning setting to say ‘I do’.
Here are a few key things to consider when planning a beach wedding in Hawaii.
Location, Location, Location
Hawaii is an archipelago (group of islands), so you need to drill down your perfect wedding location even further to which island and what beach. Each island has its unique characteristics and offerings for an unforgettable beach wedding. A few options include:
Big Island: If you’re looking for a moodier vibe for your nuptials, Big Island is home to black-sand beaches and more remote, secluded spots – very romantic.
Maui: Famous for its stunning beaches, Maui has Wailea Beach (a crescent-shaped beauty) and Makena Beach, also known as Big Beach.
Kauai: This area offers a more laid-back atmosphere with spectacular coastal views. Hanalei Bay should be in your top location options for the big day.
Oahu: Home to Honolulu, Oahu offers bustling city life and iconic locations such as Waikiki Beach and the quieter Lanikai Beach. Duke Kahanamoku, known as the father of modern surfing, learned how to surf (and taught others) on Waikiki Beach. If you and your fiance are surfing enthusiasts, this could be the perfect spot to exchange vows!
There are so many options in Hawaii for the perfect beach wedding; it all depends on your preferences and needs. Do you want a lively, public setting? Or a secluded ceremony with just your nearest and dearest? Check out the scenery at each beach location to make sure it fits your vision for your wedding day.
You might also be considering other beach wedding destinations. Check out our blog on the 10 best beach wedding destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.
Beach Wedding Package or DIY?
Are you a devil for the details? Or would you rather let someone else handle all the particulars? These are the questions you need to ask yourself when planning a wedding — especially a destination wedding.
Doing it all yourself will save a lot of money and it guarantees that every last detail of the ceremony and reception is just as you want it. However, that is a lot to take on, especially if you have a large number of guests coming to see you get married.
Many resorts and wedding companies in Hawaii offer full-service packages that take care of important things like permits (for getting married on the beach), decor, the officiant, photography, flowers, sound systems, and many other items on the checklist. If you have a budget that can accommodate these expenses, it will dramatically reduce planning time and lessen the stress of planning your big day.
Picking the Wedding Date in Hawaii
While Hawaii enjoys warm weather year-round, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing your wedding date.
The peak wedding season in Hawaii is typically from April to October, with a higher concentration of celebrations in the summer months. During this period, prices may be higher, and venues might get booked up way in advance. Off-season (November to March) offers lower rates and fewer crowds, but the weather can be more unpredictable — especially over winter.
Imagine having your wedding ceremony at sunset in Hawaii. Unsurprisingly, most couples opt for a sunset wedding because of the beautiful colors, the cooler temperatures, and the convenience of heading straight into the reception as night falls. Depending on the time of year, sunset in Hawaii usually happens between 5:30 and 7:00pm.
Hawaiian Beach Wedding Attire
A beach wedding in Hawaii has a very specific aesthetic, steering clear of overly formal attire in favor of light, flowy dresses and linen suits. For brides, it is best to avoid heavy fabrics and stick to breathable materials that are easy to move in. When looking online, most wedding dress suppliers will have a beach wedding option, so you can see what styles suit this type of celebration.
Keep in mind Hawaii’s weather as well as the sandy location. Brides has put together a selection of great tips on beach wedding attire for the happy couple and their guests. There’s a sliding scale according to formality.
For footwear, whether you opt for sandals, flip-flops, or barefoot (feeling the sand between your toes), the key is to be cool and comfortable. No one wants a hot and sweaty bride and groom!
Special Touches at a Hawaiian Wedding
It wouldn’t be a destination wedding if you didn’t include some special and memorable Hawaiian touches.
As well as the usual wedding decor of flowy materials, beautiful flowers, and candles, the beach theme opens this up to elements like driftwood, seashells, and even tiki torches. A beach wedding is normally pretty minimal in terms of decorations as the natural backdrop does a lot of the work for you!
However, adding in some cultural details from this beautiful place will only enhance your wedding. A traditional Hawaiian lei exchange is really special, symbolizing love and respect, as well as giving your guests a great wedding keepsake. Another Hawaiian custom is the use of Hawaiian conch shell blowing to signal the start of your ceremony.
Using flowers native to the islands in your wedding decor and bouquet is also a beautiful touch. Popular wedding flowers include:
- Plumeria: known for its amazing fragrance
- Hawaiian Hibiscus: this beautiful yellow hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii
- Orchids: there are three native species of orchid found in Hawaii and they grow abundantly here
- Bird of Paradise: it looks very tropical and is such a statement flower
Taking Care of the Wedding Party
When you have friends and family traveling a long way to be part of your wedding, it is essential to make sure the process is seamless. Your wedding will be the main event (of course) but this will also be a vacation for you and your guests alike.
At Wanderlust Jetsetter, we shine when it comes to wedding travel planning. As experts in finding the perfect resort or accommodation for your whole wedding party, our aim is to keep you and your favorite people together and having fun throughout your trip. All you need to do is tell us where you’re getting married, how many guests are attending, and where your venue is… We can take care of the rest.
Let us organize the wedding group accommodation, airport transfers, and fun-filled days out. We can even help with your honeymoon. Your destination wedding planning starts here! Get in touch to get started on your big day!
