Hawaiian Wedding Checklist • Book a venue. With a destination as romantic as Hawaii, you’ll want to reserve your spot early on – even a year before your wedding day is not too soon. • Keep a wedding organizer. This will help you to stay organized and helps to log all communication with vendors and services. It also helps you to keep track of your outgoing expenses, so you can stick to your budget! • Choose your wedding invitations. Since you are having a wedding in Paradise, you may want to create an island theme that can be incorporated into your invitations. • Add a personal message from the bride and groom. You may want to also include a list of hotels in the area or provide a list of some of the activities your guests can enjoy while in Hawaii. • Decide on your wedding attire. Will it be matching aloha wear or something more formal? One thing to keep in mind is Hawaii’s warm climate, especially during summer months. • Select a minister or licensed Master of Ceremonies. This is truly a personal decision that stems from like-minded philosophies and beliefs. Hawaii has many options. • Hire a caterer. Hawaii offers some of the tastiest catered menus, featuring everything from authentic Hawaiian food (luau-style) to sophisticated Hawaii regional cuisine. With so much culinary talent in the islands, you’ll have many catering styles to choose from. • Order a wedding cake. You’ll be surprised at how creative these sweet confections can be! From delicate velvety cakes draped in marzipan to classic tiered cakes decorated with edible tropical flowers, you’ll want to take more than one “cutting the cake” photo. • Book your musicians. Hawaiian music is definitely enchanting, though it doesn’t have to be your only choice. You’ll find a wide array of music styles and bands throughout the islands. • Find a wedding photographer/videographer. Since you’ll be getting married in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, you’ll want it well documented so you can look back and remember your special day together. • Make your travel arrangements. On most of the larger airlines, you can fly directly to Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. You’ll also want to plan for transportation once you arrive in Hawaii. (And don’t forget to pack your bathing suits!) • Get your wedding rings. Some people opt for the traditional Hawaiian wedding bands, which are ornately decorated and very sentimental. They can also be personalized with your names written in the Hawaiian translation. • Obtain a Hawaii Marriage License. • Make a welcome kit for out-of-town guests. Many people will travel thousands of miles to join your wedding in Hawaii. A care basket with a few tropical treats can make them appreciate the “aloha spirit”. Maps can be quite helpful as well. • Arrange for lei pick-up. Although it’s true that some flowers are hardier than others, it’s best to pick them up right before the wedding. Try to keep them out of direct sunlight until the ceremony begins. • Say mahalo (thank you) to your wedding party. There are tons of uniquely Hawaiian gifts that you can bestow on your attendants. Be creative and give them something they’ll always cherish. • Take a deep breath and say, “I do!” Sure, you may be a bit nervous, but don’t forget to relax and enjoy the view. After all, you’re in Hawaii…