Getting started with...everything!

[lolabear1]

Aloha! I'm newly engaged and am trying to plan a Maui destination wedding from Michigan. My fiance and I are very excited to get married in Hawaii, however, we've never been and are planning everything from home. Right now my I am trying to get everything started by narrowing down a ceremony and venue location. We are looking for something budget friendly but that also really celebrates all of the nature and beauty that Maui has to offer. Does anyone have any advice about a hotel wedding (I've looked at the Marriot Wailea and Grand Wailea) or a venue on its own (I've looked at the Olowalu Plantation House). Any suggestions for nice hotels that might have great group rates? Do you suggest a wedding coordinator if I'm already feeling very overwhelmed, and if so, any suggestions? Any and all advice would be SO appreciated!

 

Thanks!!!

[Tulumbride2013]

Hi! I would start with your travel agent, that has possibly planned for groups in the past. She or he can recommend some places with group deals. This site is also a great resource, as well as reviews from trip advisor. Once you have it narrowed down to a few beautiful resorts, check their website for wedding ackages, and of course more reviews. I would def recommend somewhere all inclusive, takes a lot of budgeting out of your guests hands because everything is included. Happy planning!

[Shanbwh21]

Hi!!! I soo Relieved!! Someone out there understands my pain!!!! I am in the same boat as you, I have been  looking into the Makena Resort? Have you checked it out at all??

[kristyoar]

I'm also planning a Maui wedding from Michigan! I did hire a wedding planner, and she's great! Here name is Kara from Your Aloha Wedding. She's been VERY helpful. We are having our ceremony at Molokini Lookout and the reception on the Lower Lawn at Gannon's. I suggest you check out that location. Good luck!

[mauiphotog808]

The best bet for a budget friendly wedding on Maui is to have your ceremony on the beach, then choose a nice restaurant for your reception dinner. A venue wedding will cost you around $25,000 to start if you want the full she-bang (dinner, decorations, dj etc.) A restaurant can cost as little as $75 per person for dinner. I would also recommend hiring a quality coordinator. Maui is a word of mouth kind of place, it really is a small town, so coordinators know lots of vendors you would never be able to find on your own, some that don't even have websites, they just rely on coordinators booking them!

 

best of luck on your Maui wedding!!

[Nicole119]

Hi! I would definitely recommend that you search for and hire a good wedding coordinator, that will help to relieve so much of the leg work such as minister, florals, hair & makeup, etc. I've worked with Kara before too and she is awesome! I live here on Maui so feel free to pick my brain if you have any more questions!