chamlo

I voted for the $300-600 range. My dress was $399 but it was a sample that I got on sale. The original price was in the +$1,000 range. If you shop in the winter you may be able to get a really good deal on a dress.

Your budget isn't unreasonable; however, you may want to prioritize your list between musts (plane tickets for you, your fiance and your parents) and like to have (lots of flowers). For instance, if you choose the right location you may not need so many flowers. Also be ready to DIY for many things (DIY invitations saves hundreds of dollars). Also WHERE you get married in Kauai may be a huge savings factor. We are planning our wedding/reception in Princeville which makes it very difficult for us to keep to budget; but if you have your wedding/reception in Kapa'a, you have so many choices of wedding locales/reception venues that could save you tons of money. Also your wedding party is small enough that you can order a la carte from a restaurant rather than being forced to do a price fixe menu. Also you may want to look at hotel/flight packages to reduce costs (I don't know about the States, but in Canada, packaged travel saves hundreds of dollars.) You may want to try a travel agent that specializes in Hawaii travel (e.g., Pleasant Holidays) then do your own research on travel sites to see if they do get you the lowest price. One thing you shouldn't skimp on is photography. We were depending on having a family member do the photography for us to save money, but a friend suggested having a local photographer who knows the good picture locations, environmental lighting etc. It is an extra $1,500 but for us but it is worth it. Good luck and keep me posted.

I am getting married in Kauai (Princeville). Do you know of any gift suppliers there?

Have you added golf balls to the list? My in-laws are golf addicts so that is a must for us.

Thanks for the link. That is a good deal! How is the quality?

Hello, I am also planning my wedding in Kauai. I am still considering St. Regis, but have also considered the Coconut Coast. Depending on where you are based, it might not be too far from you. Some places we are considering: - Hukilau Lanai (Kapaa) - they are reasonably price and do host weddings and receptions. - Bar Acuda (Hanalei) - they are well reviewed, but depending on your numbers it could be MORE experience than St. Regis. $14,000 min for over 25 guests - Meditteranean Gourmet (Hanalei) - this is based at Hanalei Colony Resort. Good luck. I am still looking, so if I discover anything, I will let you know.

Hello people, Does anyone know where I could purchase Hawaiian wedding favours in Hawaii. I thought it would be best to order the favours in Hawaii then have them sent to my hotel so my MOH and I could assemble as we sip our Mai Tai's. Also could you Hawaiian brides recommend some ideas for your wedding favours? I was thinking about vintage postcards, a silk fan, perhaps some macademia nut or coffee type favour. Any other suggestions. Also, I saw this cool gift bag on the destination wedding website. See link below: Destination Weddings and Honeymoons: Destination Weddings, Honeymoon Vacation Packages, Honeymoon Destination Tips - Real Wedding: Jammie and Rick - Maui, Hawaii, page 7 Does anyone know where I could purchase or order bags like these in my wedding colours (salmon pink and cherry red)? Thanks Lori.

Hey future Mrs. S. I am planning a wedding in Kauai in 2011 and I was thinking of the food idea as well (chocolate covered mac nuts or coffee). A couple of other ideas, I am considering: - vintage post cards (check out Hawaiian Art | Island Art Store | Hawaiian Art Greeting Cards, Prints, Posters, Gifts & More for some samples) - silk fans. Especially if your wedding is in the summer because it can get humid. Hope that helps. Lori

Hello people, Does anyone know where I could purchase Hawaiian wedding favours in Hawaii. I thought it would be best to order the favours in Hawaii then have them sent to my hotel so my MOH and I could assemble as we sip our Mai Tai's. Also could you Hawaiian brides recommend some ideas for your wedding favours? I was thinking about vintage postcards, a silk fan, perhaps some macademia nut or coffee type favour. Any other suggestions. Also, I saw this cool gift bag on the destination wedding website. See link below: Destination Weddings and Honeymoons: Destination Weddings, Honeymoon Vacation Packages, Honeymoon Destination Tips - Real Wedding: Jammie and Rick - Maui, Hawaii, page 7 Does anyone know where I could purchase or order bags like these in my wedding colours (salmon pink and cherry red)? Thanks Lori.

Thank you Dina. That really helps. Lori

Hello people, This may be a strange request (couldn't find it in my search, so I am afraid!). Does anyone know of any bus rental companies located on Kauai. We are looking to transport our wedding guests (40-50) around for the wedding/reception and thought it would be good to put everyone on one bus that could pickup/dropoff at their lodging. My family is Jamaican so they are used to the mini-buses in Jamaica so even a school bus will do. My common-in-laws are a tad more conservative, but have a cool sense a humour. If we decorated the bus they would be all for it. And if you could suggest other alternative transportation options that do not cost a fortune, that would be great. Thanks Lori

Hello people, Can anyone recommend a good restaurant to host a reception on the North Shore? We are looking to have a party of 40-50 so a place that can handle larger groups. There have been so many changes in restaurants on the North Shore that I am unsure what is open or not. Thanks Lori

Quote: Originally Posted by juliepfeif Hi Lori! Welcome. We're very similar to you guys! Together 10 years, engaged 5, living together 4. We're doing it a month after you though ;-) Lots of great ideas to be found here. Enjoy! Hey Julie, Nice to meet another bride with a long engagement. May I ask if you have started wedding planning yet? We find that most of the vendors in Hawaii has recommended that we wait until Spring 2010 to contact them. I wondered if you had the same experience. Thanks Lori

Thank you very much. It is easy to find a regular wedding list but not destination wedding. Much appreciated. Lori

Thanks for your post. This will be very helpful for our event planning for our wedding!