Searching Websites - Which To Go With?
WEBSITES IN GENERAL
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 look good9. 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.. all incorporated into the price. Understandably, you're to either pay a higher price or get less or have to accept lesser talented lower cost vendors, usually a combinatiom of these just to support their 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: Consider the type of website you're considering.
Awards & Banners:
They look super impressive but, do they ,eam anything ? Well, we just cut & paste from another Hawaii wedding website and could easily add to ours, LOL. The truth is, these awards & banners are bought and paid for through costly advertising or membership fees. We know because, we refuse to buy them. Note: See the award when Hawaii was shutdown from the end of March to October 2020 because of COVID.... really?
TIP: Don't ascribe too much to these sorts of things.
Packages & Prices:
It's easy to get confused and frustrated trying to compare who offers what, the most, and at the best price. Unless you spread sheet it (we've clients who have) don't worry too much about it.
In today's very competitive market, starting basic package prices are very similar. Sure, you may get a little more or less from a website but, if the package and product is within a competitive range, there's more substantive factors to consider.
Some websites list every little thing to make their small packages look bigger. The truth is, much of what listed has to be done or it's a thing everyone does or do for free.
TIP: Differentiate between the "real" service and product, and what's known as "filler", listed to make the package seem to have more value. Most of the filler either has to be done or is done irrespective for every job. If you're unsure, just ask.
TIP: Professional photographers don't give away their work for nothing. If you're getting a lot more photos in a basic package from a website versus others, there's a reason.
TIP: It's not how much but, how good and performed by who.
Free Stuff and Enticements:
There's nothing wrong with "free", just make understand what you're gaining or giving up. Usually the cheapest, smallest, and least costy version of items.
One of the best is the "free wedding cake". A small cake in a box to take with you. This for getting the larger package i.e. spending more money possibly for extras you don't need. A cake to eat in your hotel room?
Another frequent one, the "Keepsake Lei" without telling you exactly what kind. Used to be a $2.00 shell lei with super small brittle shells. Note: Not sure if they're any better now.
Common also is free extra time for photos. Read about that below.
TIP: Free stuff is OK but, never select a company or package because of "free" stuff. Only the most naieve fall for this.
Ministers:
There's not a lot of turnover and many work with multiple websites. There is a standard working rate for beach wedding ministers.
If their practice is standing just behind and close to the couple, expect to haveevery photoswith the minister's face in every shot. We don't like that at all. Look at photos of their ceremony or how the website has their minister's conduct ceremonies.
The other thing is, some ministers are too wordy, pose ridiculously personal questions, and tell personal stories, turning what should be a simple ceremony into a meandering and length cringe event.
TIP: Look at photos.
Photographers:
Professional wedding photography once required thousands of dollar of exquipment, training and knowledge, and commitment. 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 shooting.
About "extra time". The reality is, if a small beach wedding with ceremony, portraits, and scenics can't be photographed within 30 minutes, something is very wrong! No, we don't rush, we move along in a sequenced and relaxed manner until, there's no more to shoot and that doesn't take an hour unless, you have more sessions scheduled. Professional wedding photographers know, time is of the essence, even for the largest traditional church and private estate weddings lasting an entire day!
TIP: Websites create specific images and videos for advertising which may not accurately represent the photo quality you'll receive from whomever shoots your event. Investigate.
TIP: "More" is usually not better. Make no sense getting "more" of all if the photos are marginal or worse!
Videographers:
Professional video cameras are expensive, add computer, editing software, and have the knowledge to use them all. Generally, a professional videographer will be just that. Recently, with the advent of social media, people have become accustomed to seeing less production and are just as satisfied with a simple shoot from a mobile device.
TIP: Select a videographer if you really want a edited two-camera video or are having a larger traditional type set-up which may require two videographers.
TIP: For a simple production without having to rely on guests, we suggest our simple video which included remote mics for the same sound as a videographer produced product.
Musicians:
Good voice, musicianship, and a presentable appearance is all that's required. There's quite a few good musicians. We do prefer the Hawaiian musician.
Hair & Make-Up:
TIP: There's no doubt, have the artist come to your hotel room is the best. Our artists also works from a salon minutes from Waikiki.
TIP: See if your hotel or one nearby offers the service though, expect it to be costly.
Transportation:
Nowadays with the advent of ride-share companies, our clients find it more economical to drive a car rental or use Uber, Lyft, or a simple taxi service from their hotel. Especially if staying in Waikiki and using one of our Honolulu locations.
Lei, Bouquet:
The prices of these items vary but, usually within a few dollars and whether or not the website considers it a income generator. Note: Since COVID, flower supplies have lessened and prices have increased,
TIP: You can purchase this on you own but, the effort may not be worth it while you're trying to relax in Hawaii. Bouquet is the same except, you can expect premium prices for custom bouquet.
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.
TIP: See our FAQ about set-ups, chairs, and arches.
