Resort/Hotel (reccomendations?) do they assist with locating vendors if i dont purchase a package

sophiazintzun

Hello, Im getting married in Maui in July of 2011.  First off, can anyone recommend a hotel/resort?  Perferably i would like my ceremony to take place on a cliff overlooking the ocean, if you have any suggestions that would be wonderful
Another question, as I am searching for a location, most hotels/resorts provide packages  and I would rather not purchase a package as they have items that i do not need or they are rather expensive.  If I book the site, will their coordinator still assist me if I would like to go with outside vendors? and on the day of, will they help set up??  Thanks!

MnMs Maui

If you're looking for a resort venue on a cliff that overlooks the ocean, you should contact Maria Alvarez at the Ritz Carlton.  We met with her while location scouting and she would do the best she can to accommodate your budget.  And the cliffside venue at the Rtiz is amazing!  

I had my ceremony and reception at 2 different hotel venues and one thing I've learned is that nothing in the package is truly set in stone.  If there were things in the package that I knew I didn't want, they would do their best to allocate that portion to something similar.  For instance, we didn't need a cake at the Hyatt where our ceremony was because we were having a cake at our reception at the Westin.  We couldn't just put that money towards anything since the $$$ was going to catering, but we were able to use it towards appetizers that we served to or wedding party.  As far as booking outside vendors, that would depend on the venue. We were able to bring in an outside photographer and purchased some leis on our own and both WC's assisted with everything.  You should definitely ask about all of that before you sign any contracts.  Good luck with everything!!!  And welcome to the boards!!!!  

kaesha

Welcome to the boards!

sophiazintzun

Thank you! I was looking at the Ritz!

JCSept

Welcome to the board!

Your question about the package, the venue where you're having your reception will tell you whether they only provide packages or not.  For example, we're having our ceremony at a church but the reception at the Four Seasons, which provides packages.  Given that we've booked the site for only the reception we didn't want a package.  Thus, we were able to book all of our vendors from outside except for the food and alcohol.  They told us from the beginning that we could book the vendors outside though they had recommendations except for the food and alcohol.  So I am sure each venue has its rules and that's something you can easily ask.  Keep in mind that some venues also have restrictions on the number of nights.  We were looking at a venue that wanted 30 room nights - that's right otherwise they would not allow us to use the site.  So I'd have a list of questions for the venue prior to signing the contract.

akan66

Hi and welcome!

I'm getting married on Maui, and I had been thinking about Ritz because of its awesome views and location, but after looking around, a lot of people mentioned that since that side of the island is so windy, and in that location in particular, it can make the event a bit more uncomfortable.  Obviously they have beautiful weddings there, but it was something I had never thought about, so I just wanted to share that information that I found while scouting.

As for the packages, we're getting married at The Four Seasons, and to use the facilities you have to have a package as well as a 3 night stay.  Our coordinator said to start with the least expensive package and work from there so you can add on things that you may want that aren't included in other pacakges.  Also, for us, they are reducing the cost for things we don't need like an officiant, so we're able to allocate that money to something else.  Unfortunately I think almost any hotel will have some sort of package cost and that they'll require you to purchase in order to use their property. 

We've found the coordinator's at the Four Seasons to be amazing!  They've done so much to listen to what we wanted, provide timelines, and they have some really great vendors, so I would definitely recommend them!  Also, in the Wailea area is the Kea Lani and Grand Wailea which are also really pretty, but if you are looking for cliff views, somewhere on the other side of the island would be more suited for that.  I hope you find someplace you love!

sophiazintzun

Thank you! I think Im going to check out Makena Beach & Golf resort.

Thanks for the FYI about the wind!

suwannee79

I'm also interested in the Makena Beach & Golf Resort but I'm curious what their pricing is like as I couldn't find any information on their website.  If you find out any information could you please post it, it would be much appreciated!

slflosi

Hey not sure if anyone is still monitoring this string, but we are planning a trip to Maui for our honeymoon next May. My question is about airfare. Currently round trip flight is going for $793. Does this sound like a good deal, and should I scoop it up now? Or wait it out to see if the price falls anytime in the next few months. I have a feeling it'll go up before it ever drops again. Do you guys have a sense of whether this is a good deal or not??

Thank you!