Destination Hawaii: Say "I Do" in the Aloha State

Hawaii is romance - the leis, the beaches, the soft music and warm people. With such a lovely tropical backdrop, fabulous weather, and a laid-back attitude, it's the perfect spot for a destination wedding. You won't have to worry about passports or knowing the language in this paradise. Still, you will have a few things to plan, even if you decide to go with a full-service wedding package.

DIY in Hawaii: Planning A Destination Wedding

As with many destination weddings, you have the choice to plan your Hawaii wedding all on your own or to hire a consultant to handle all the details for you. Planning your wedding yourself might seem easier on the budget to begin with, but consider the stress involved - and then double it because the wedding is happening so far away from where you are. It can be hard to juggle invitation and icing details when you're thousands of miles away.

But, if your funds are really constrained, or you just can't stand the thought of someone else picking out your flowers, it can be done. Your best bet is to start planning early and to do as much research as you can.

Read online testimonials and reviews about other weddings in order to see which resorts and vendors will work best for you. Contact your vendors early and frequently to keep your wedding fresh in their minds. Try to arrive a few days before the wedding so you can sort out last minute details. This way, you can be certain your special day is just as you hoped.

Turn It Over: Hiring a Wedding Consultant

The great thing about Hawaii is that it is a popular wedding destination. Many hotels and resorts offer wedding packages and services and some come complete with a wedding planner.

A wedding planner or consultant comes with a lot of benefits: they know the area, they know the vendors, and they have a great deal of experience. Most will be able to take care of everything for you, from the invitations to the flowers to the cake to the reception DJ. They can even sort out your travel plans, guest accommodations, and honeymoon activities.

While a consultant fee might look scary to begin with, remember the consultant will likely know how to get the best deals, which will save you money. Not to mention, hiring a consultant can save you the additional stress of planning a destination wedding on your own.

Taking Charge of Your Hawaii Wedding

No matter what course you take, whether full-service package or 100% DIY, don't be shy about asking about important details. Even if you hire a planner, be informed about everything.

Ask around about the hotel's wedding experiences and find out whether they are known for good or bad weddings. Ask the management specific questions about how they might handle problems. If you're not satisfied with their answers, there are plenty of fish in the Hawaii sea. Find people to work with you that you feel confident in.

Your wedding will be one of the most important, memorable days in your life. Approach the planning with a clear head, so that you can be free to say "I do" with an open heart under the warm Pacific sunshine.