If you've read a lot of our blog posts, you've probably come across something like this on a few occasions: One of the best things about a destination wedding is that it's non-traditional by nature, so it's up to you what you decide to incorporate into your special day.

Don’t let your big day become a big stress! We have put together some quick tips from our previous couples and coordinators to help make sure you are able to enjoy every part of your wedding.

Be Okay Asking for Help

Is it your first time to Hawaii and not sure which locations to choose? Which hotel to book? Where to have a dinner reception? Not sure if you should book a rental car? Let us know!

Although your wedding coordinators are not travel agents, they know their island home very well. We'd be happy to share some insight or offer our opinion. Even if you have never been to Hawaii before, you already have ohana (family) here to help. You can call or schedule a time for us to call you if you'd like to chat. Sometimes just getting in touch is enough to calm those nerves, and we always like talking to our couples :)

Having a wedding or vow renewal is not something done often, so one of the questions that often comes up is, "Is tipping common? If so, how much?" 

The short answer: Yes, tipping is common in the wedding industry. As we like to say, "tipping isn't expected, but it's always appreciated."

If you Google this question, there are many articles about tipping vendors. Just remember that many of those are for large, traditional weddings. We're trying to make it easy with this article by letting you know what's common here in Hawaii.

Who to Tip

It's common to consider tipping anyone who performs a service on your special day. 

• Officiant
• Photographer/Videographer
• Musician/Dancer
• Limo Driver
• Hair and Makeup Artist

When we use the word “Hawaiian” to talk about a Hawaii wedding, we’re referring to the Hawaiian elements that make a wedding in paradise so special. While your ceremony will have traditional elements, there are unique moments that are rooted in this wonderful culture.

If you’ve checked out our Hawaii wedding or vow renewal packages, you’ll see they all have the following:

Officiant & Romantic Marriage Ceremony Including:

• Enchanting Unity Sand Ceremony
• Vows - Traditional (repeated) or Customized (written)
• Children’s Ceremony (For Blended Families)
• Blessing Of The Wedding Rings
• Traditional Hawaiian Lei Exchange With Two Keepsake Shell Leis

Many of our couples want to know more about what these items are and how the ceremony “works.” If we haven’t yet had the pleasure of chatting or emailing with you, here’s the inside scoop.

7 Tips to Plan an Affordable Destination Wedding

When we researched about How Much a Hawaii Destination Wedding Costs, we were surprised at how affordable it could be compared to a traditional wedding.

Is a destination wedding really cheaper than a traditional wedding? Yes, in most cases it's cheaper.

It was surprising that a traditional wedding averages over $25,000, yet many of our couples spend less than $7000 to fly to Hawaii, spend seven nights in a hotel, and have a beautiful Hawaiian wedding ceremony.

Every couple is different, of course, and there are many options when planning either a destination or a traditional wedding.

A destination wedding is cheaper on average, and we thought of some ideas to help you plan the most affordable dream wedding possible.

(Updated)

While we do have couples who are last-minute elopements or vow renewals, many of our couples spend months or more planning their Hawaii destination wedding. As the departure date gets closer, you can take comfort in knowing we’ve taken care of your ceremony details, but there are some things you need to do to make sure it all goes as smoothly as possible.