No amplified sound at reception. HELP!

hotdognbuns

Our venue (Halekulani) says that they "do not allow for any type of amplified sound/music, horn and percussion instruments (e.g. deejays - dancing, karaoke, lion dances, band with amplifiers and speakers…)."

I'm trying to figure out:
1) How my emcee, if I even bother having one now, is supposed to run a program without a microphone.
2) How to keep my guests entertained when all I'm allowed is non-amplified music such as flutes and harps (yawn)  or vocalists, but then we have to keep all the doors and windows closed.

Any suggestions? 
Anyone use this venue and have any brilliant ideas for me?

jaymers99

Were you aware of this when you booked your venue?  It was one of the reasons we didn't choose it.  You also aren't allowed to have amplification for the ceremony...

Are you in the Hau Terrace?  I went to a wedding there, and I *think* you are allowed to have 1 microphone for your emcee.  If not, the room is pretty small, and a mic may not be necessary if the emcee can project well.  The wedding I went to had a guitarist/vocalist, and I enjoyed it.

If you are in the Ballroom, they do allow amplified music.

kaesha

Project your voices?

I like the guitarist idea!

hotdognbuns

We haven't actually booked it yet. 

We're scheduled to do a site walk on Tuesday, but we are strongly leaning toward booking with them if I can figure out a way around this non-sense.  He's going to show us the available sites.  We have a relatively small reception party...probaly 80, so I'm thinking no ballroom, probably terrace. But I think there are a couple options for reception locations.  I also saw something else called the Garden Terrace, I think?

In any case, I just need to try to figure how if anyone else has done it and how, or if any one has seen it done, or what ideas folks have. 

The contract that they sent us says that if we do have any entertainment the doors and windows have to be shut while they perform--even if they aren't amplified...go figure.  They don't want it to interfere with the serene nature of the joint and the existing on-site entertainment.  I'm sure it would be the other way around--we aren't being amplified and I bet they are.

Jburggraf

I'm having my wedding there in October.  I'm having a guitarist and then after she is done, will have an ipod ready to play back up music.  I've been to a casual rooftop wedding like the one we are going to have.  It was actually really fun and you got to know all the other guests.  I was thinking of playing a few games that I set up before I go down there, like the Newylwed game.  I'm still researching 1 other game that I could get everyone involved in, have fun, and have some laughs!

fabutan

Maybe you could have a projector set-up and include a slideshow in your reception?  It doesn't take up much time in the reception, but adds something special and personal. 

misslol

This is a major reason why we're hiring a private estate instead of going with a resort.

Plus we'll end up saving a ton of money!  (this is probably going to cost us 2/3 as much and we have a lot more flexibility).

I think with over a year to go, you should really loot at your options regarding a venue.  Give yourself a month or two to scout alternatives, and if you con't find anything better then stick with the resort.

I know not being able to play amplified music was a dealbreaker for me and we're only having between 40-60 guests!

akan66

This was the same at our venue, but we're actually only having about 16 people and weren't really looking to have a dance party.  We're going to have a soloist hawaiian guitar player during dinner, and then for during the traditional dances we're having two guitar players/vocalists so it will be a bit more lively for anyone who wants to dance a bit.  We're also going to have a hula dancer though for some entertainment and to keep the party going a bit.