Websites, Packages, & Prices Tips
Unlike the early days of the Internet in the 90's and 2000's when you had to write your own code, nowadays most websites use the same software consequently, they can look similar and they all look good. Note: We no longer write our own code too. LOL.
Hawaii destination weddings have evolved from small, primary-vendor driven websites by ministers and photographers working from home to big business websites acting merely as centralized venues to book services from a stable of faceless and often changing vendors with the added expenses of office rent, webmasters, office staff, etc. incorporated into the price. Normally, if this is the case, expect a higher price or lower cost vendors to support the additional overhead.
Each has it's place in the market and it depends which you're most comfortable and confident with i.e. actually knowing the work and reputation of your vendors versus accepting whomever is sent to do your event. We are primary-vendor operated.
TIP: Determine the type of website you're considering.
Awards & Banners:
They look impressive but, do they meam anything? We just cut & paste from another Hawaii wedding website and could easily add to ours, LOL. The truth is, pay membership/listing fee, get an "award". Note: In 2020 Hawaii was shutdown from the end of March to October 2020 because of COVID.
TIP: Don't place too much to these sorts of things.
Packages & Prices:
It's easy to get confused and frustrated. In today's very competitive market, starting basic package prices are all similar. If the package is within a competitive range, there's more substantive factors to consider. Note: Some websites list every little thing to make their small packages look bigger. Much of it has to be done for all weddings irrespective.
TIP: Differentiate between the "real" service and product versus "filler". If you're unsure if a website includes the same, just ask. You may be surprised.
Free Stuff:
There's nothing wrong with "free", just understand why it's free. Is it free as a booking enticement (this is good) or to get you to spend more money? The "free"mini wedding cake" in a box to take with you; the $2.00 keepsake shell lei; extra photography time; etc.. Note: Generally, "free" is the cheapest, smallest, and least costly version of that item or includes no actual service.
TIP: Free stuff is great. Just make sure what you're getting and for what cost and never book a package because of "free" stuff.
Ministers:
There's not a lot of turnover and many work with multiple websites.
This what's most important and it may or may not bother you. A practice of standing just behind and close to the couple, expect to have every photos with the minister's face right there. We hate that and don't use them. Additionally, some are wordy, pose personal questions, and tell their personal stories. Keep it clean please.
TIP: Look at photos.
Photographers:
Nowadays, buy a digital camera and be a wedding photographer and even easier a "tourist wedding" photographer.
Some websites have multiple photographers. Nothing wrong with that, it's just that you'll never know who's gonna shoot your event or if what you see on the website is what they are capable of creating. Additionally, many websites create specific images and videos for advertising which may not accurately represent what you'll actually receive. Try to see samples.
Finally, a small beach wedding of ceremony, portraits, and scenics without a bridesmaids, groomsmen, large families, etc. creating a variety of up to 100+ shots should be photographed within 30 minutes. There should be no need for 1 hour of extra photography unless, you're going to another location for photos.
Videographers:
Professional video cameras , computer, editing software, etc. are costly and complicated so, it's going to cost for a true professional.
Mobile devices have advanced to where they've been used to shoot movies and commercials so, this is a good and less costly option. See a sample if possible.
TIP: Select a videographer if you want an edited two-camera video or are having a larger traditional set-up which may require two videographers.
TIP: For a simple single camera production, consider a simple mobile phone video but, it must use remote mics or the sound will suck.
Musicians:
Good voice, musicianship, and a presentable appearance is all that's required. There's quite a few good musicians.
TIP: You want a musician who understands how beach weddings work and knows what songs are appropriate.
Hair & Make-Up:
TIP: There's no doubt, have the artist come to your hotel room is the best. See if they have an option to visit the salon if close to Waikiki.
TIP: See if your hotel or a hotel nearby offers this service though, they can be more costly.
TIP: If not using a stylist who regulary does beach weddings, make sure they know the styles that work in open air conditions and that they understand that they have to be in time i.e. not make you late.
Transportation:
Limousine service usually requires a 2 hour minimum. Nowadays, our clients find it more economical to drive a car rental or use Uber, Lyft, or a taxi service especially, if staying in Waikiki and using a Honolulu location. A 2 hr limo service may make sense if your ceremony is on the Windward side. 3-5 hrs from Waikiki to Ko Olina of North Shore locations.
Lei, Bouquet, Hair Flowers:
Prices vary but, it's usually within a few dollars and dictated whether the website considers it an income generator. Simple bouquet is the same except, you can expect premium prices for custom bouquet. Note: Since COVID, flower supplies have lessened and prices have increased.
TIP: You can purchase basic lei yourself (Walmart, Costco, etc.) but, believe us, the effort may not be worth it. Note: It's more of a service to offer lei for us.
TIP: Nothing beats the color, vibrancy, and sometimes fragrant smell of fresh flower lei but, Kukui Nut lei works really well and can be found in most Waikiki shops in a variety of designs at a lesser cost.
TIP: For hair flowers, we suggest considering artificial flowers. You'll find a pretty good selection in Waikiki shops.
Site Set-Ups:
Site set-ups create a "sense of place" out in the open and it adds a little more visual to your ceremony.
