There’s no doubt that the major resorts have a lot of resources and experience when it comes to planning a wedding in Hawaii. However, couples looking to tie the knot on paradise shouldn’t overlook the benefits that ana independent wedding coordinator brings to the table. For one thing the independent coordinator may be able to offer more choices than a resort that is restricted to a fixed list of service or providers.

“We give them all the options,” said Jennifer Looney, wedding coordinator for Maui-based A Paradise Dream Wedding. The company conducts large- and small-scale weddings island-wide. “while resorts do offer everything, they can be limited.”

After all, most couples are inspired by the natural beauty of the islands first and foremost, and that is something that is not restricted to the big players.

“We do a lot of beaches, resorts and private estates,” said Looney. “It can get fairly elaborate.”

The company’s four wedding packages range in price from $1,495 to $2,995. A la carte enhancements run the gamut from hula dance entertainment and snorkelling outings, to white dove and butterfly releases.
“The only thing we don’t do is airfare,” Looney said but “most people come on packages.”

A Paradise Dream Wedding works on a referral basis with travel agents.

“For example, we are working with a travel agent in Texas planning a wedding a year from now,” Looney said. “We’re working on all the details, flowers, luau, wedding photography, wedding cake, videographer, and they are doing the air and accommodations and activities.”

Looney said some resorts work with independent wedding coordinators on a regular basis, while others only work with outside co-ordinators a few months in advance of the wedding date if they are not otherwise booked. Still other resorts won’t work with an independent planner at all.

Money can be an advantage in using an independent coordinator over the resorts as well, given the independents flexibility. At the same time, Looney noted, the all-inclusiveness of a resorts site can be a great advantage. The company is currently planning a wedding on a resort property at which the participants will walk from the ceremony to the restaurant for cake and an appetizer and then walk to a luau.

“Everything is right there on the resort,” Looney noted.
Most couples envision a beach setting for Hawaii destination wedding. Beach are public in Hawaii and permits are not required, and some locations are famed for their wedding appeal.

While a public beach can provide an intimate setting for a small wedding party, generally Looney would not encourage a public beach for over 20 people.

“We have to share the beaches,” Looney said. “We want to impact the environments as little as possible.”

Alternatively, private estates can be a perfect venue for a wedding, however, they can be difficult to obtain given their high demand. An estate wedding requires planning ahead, as well. Reservations need to be made at least six months in advance as places can be solidly booked. And site fees range from several hundred dollars to several thousand.

“On Maui, estate are limited,” noted Looney. “We’re always in search of sites.”

Finally, according to Looney, brides need to know what they want, but also allow for flexibility, both in the planning and on the wedding day.

It is the most lovely place to get married in but given the elements, such as rain, it is not absolutely stunning every day,” she said. “Besides, ultimately it isn’t what you have, it’s the people you're with.”