THERE’S PROBABLY NOTHING NEW FOR YOU HERE, BUT FOLLOWING THEM IN ORDER WILL HELP YOU REDUCE some BACK-AND-FORTHS OF WEDDING PLANNING.

There might be a few extra tips in here. Especially for Maui or destination weddings!

#1 PICK A DATE

It’s the first thing you should be thinking about!

Sometimes, you’ll have to adjust the date based on availability of a venue if it’s a place you REALLY want. But still is a good idea trying to set the date in stone so you can start planning a booking everything ahead.

Have at least a few dates in mind, and even more if it’s going to be a destination wedding. Most of your guests (and yourself) will be probably spending the whole week so you can really enjoy it. Therefore, it’s really important you talk the date with your MOST important guests to see if they’ll be available to join you.

*Extra tip: If you’ll be spending the whole week here, you should consider having a WEEKDAY wedding to reduce your costs.

#2 TALK BUDGET

Grab dinner and sit together to talk about your budget.
*Make sure to invite everyone that'll have an important part of any payment.

You want to have an idea of what your limit is so you make sure not to exceed it. At least not for much!!
It will be super helpful when you have to start booking/buying things for your big day!

*Extra tip: Make a priority list of things to buy/hire. So if you have to make cutbacks you don’t doubt what to reduce first. (That includes from vendors services all the way to guest gifts)

#3 WEDDING STYLE

Search for inspiration.

Every place will be different, and also is every couple. You want to know what kind of wedding you want to have by the time you start booking; So you can find a venue accordingly, same with a photographer, videographer, or even the florist. You’ll want the to match your style and expectations!

If it’s a destination wedding, probably it’s a good idea to look at local photographers/videographers to see what’s possible in their area.

Here in Maui, Hawaii, we have a bunch of venues and each has its own style. Yes, you can decor them, but as the proverb says; “A monkey dressed in silk it’s still a monkey”.

#4 GUEST LIST

And Bridal Party selection.

This is one of the most important factors to consider on every wedding, but even more for destination weddings.
It will be the main factor of your final price, but will also limit your choices as for what venue you’ll be able to pick or some services/activities.

Since you’ll be doing the whole list, you might as well select your bridal party since they’ll require some extra prep.

*Don’t invite people while drunk. You don’t want to regret it later.

#5 FIND A PLANNER

Yes, this will add up to your expenses, but it will ease up a lot of the work and stress planning a wedding can mean. Besides, if it’s a destination wedding, they’ll have connections with the local market to find great deals and those special items you really want but don’t know where to find!

Also, during the wedding they’ll be there making sure everything is ready and on time so you don’t have to worry about anything. It’s your most important day, you should be able to enjoy it!

*Tip: If you want something simple, reach out to www.letsgetyoumauid.com

*Extra tip: Let her know about any special activities you want to have, and together you’ll plan the day’s flow.

#6 CHOOSE A VENUE

Now that you have a set date (or a few dates in mind), the guest list and a planner to help you out, it’s time for you to find that perfect venue.
It should match the wedding style you’d defined and accommodate your whole wedding party, but most importantly, that fits your budget!

#7 SEND INVITES

Once you have the venue, date and time locked, it’s time for you to send your invitations so you can ask for an RSVP, and have a final guest list number.

*You should know that AT LEAST 10% of your invitees will not be able to attend.

#8 DRESS TIME!!

I know, this is probably the first thing you did!

But now it’s official, you know what the venue looks like (if you’ll need heels or other kind of shoes), if will be summer or winter (not that it matters much here on Hawaii), if you’ll have some beach photos or not (where it can get a bit sandy). So go ahead and pay the deposit for that beautiful dress, everything is set and ready!

#9 VENDORS

The only thing missing is all the vendors you’ll need to make your biggest day even better!
This will really depend on the kind of wedding or elopement you are planning.

Here’s a list of vendors you might want to hire:

- Planner/Coordinator
- Hair & Makeup
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Florist
- Catering + Bar
- DJ
- Decoration / Furniture (Your planner will help you find whatever you want)

Some Hawaiian classics:

- Hawaiian Ceremony Officiant (optional depending the kind of wedding you want to have)
- Hawaiian Live Musician
- Coconut Station Bar
- Luau
- Fire Dance
- Hula Dance “Classes”

#10 WEEK ACTIVITIES

The most valuable part of having a destination wedding in Maui, is the time you’ll be able to spend with your family and closest friends that will join you, not just during the wedding, but also a few extra days with you here on island.

Knowing that, it’s probably a good idea thinking ahead and planning different activities you can all do together to explore and relax at the same time.

Some ideas to do on Maui:

- Whale watching (between December and April)
- Sunset sail boat
- Road to Hana (for the explorers > Most recommended spots; Seven Pools, Black Sand beach, Red Sand beach)
- Molokini snorkel trip (or scuba diving)
- Enjoy a Luau dinner (if not at the wedding)
- Watch the sunrise from the top of the Haleakala

I hope you’VE found this helpful

Let me know if there’s anything I can help you with

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#10 STEPS TO PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING