DW in Oahu/HI - What's your budget & what are the biggest costs we should expect?

kriskrispies

Hi - this message board has soooo many helpful posts, that I thought some of you could help me with our biggest question right now.... we just decided to get married in Oahu, HI, and now starting to take a look at venues, though still need to define a budget.

 

We're planning our wedding around May/June 2011, with around 75 guests (coming from South America to Europe). We fell in love with Lanikuhonua and would love to have our ceremony & reception there. 

If you had/will have your wedding there, would you mind sharing your budget and what you expect to pay or paid for Lanikuhonua's site rental, as well as other main costs (i.e. rentals, catering, photography, video, DJ, flowers, any other I'm missing?)

I know this may vary with each couple, but at this point I wanted to have a ballpark of how much it would cost for us to have a wedding there and determine a real budget or do some cut downs in our dream place....

Thaaanks!

PS: any other cost-saving tips would be highly appreciated as well!

caiandcullen

we're having ours at lani, and it isn't too bad. however, depending on what type of event you want (fancy vs. casual) and how many guests you have the number can vary a LOT.

we're currently at 290 invites, estimating 240 for about $31K.

however, that being said, we got discounts on pretty much everything: video, photo, flowers, rentals.

send me an email at candc.oneill at yahoo dot com if you have more questions!

HappyGoLuckyGal

Welcome to the board! It's an amazing resource for those of us who are planning from a distance.

It's possible to plan a wedding at Lani for a wide range of budgets. The site fee was $2800 when I booked. Not sure if it's changed since.

Because it's a private estate, you have to bring in EVERYTHING you need--tables, chairs, linens, dishes, glassware, servingware. I've found that rentals and catering take up a big part of the budget. Alcohol is actually cheaper at Lani, because you can bring your own and don't have to pay a huge markup like you do at hotels. Our guests are staying in Waikiki, so we also provided a shuttle which was ~$600.

Once you get the basics, your decor will determine your costs. Do you want a tent, fancy linens, lots of florals?

If you want more specifics, you can email me at kellieandpeter@gmail.com. I'll send you my basic budget.

destiny1108

We ended up 85 guests total and spent $28K total.     We had a full service coordinator, DJ, buffet, guitarist, brought our own photographer, tent, dance floor, chiavari chairs, etc.      Our WC gave us alot of ideas and had rental items such as candles, vases, beverage containers, etc. which saved us costs as well as made sure we got vendors that didn't have minimums

kaesha

On a totally different island (with a similar cost for site rental), I spent 17k for 31 guests.

islandparadiseweddings

IPW, which is located on the island of Oahu has changed their services from wedding planning and coordination to provided every type of service that our customers need for a one stop shop.
For brides, grooms, or guests that are coming to Hawaii for whatever reason we are offering all of the following services to make your trip that much easier.
Weddings - Full service planning and coordination, day of coordination or help fulfilling your vendors ( flowers, entertainment, transportation, ministry, photography, videographer, invitations, limo service, local wedding favors, gift baskets, etc ) we have a wide variety of wonderful vendors to choose from that will work wonders on your special day. We will all work within your budgets and make sure your day goes smoothly. We also work with fabulous bridal boutiques and tuxedo companies for those of you who need attire to rent, purchase or having your attire pressed before your big day.
High end serenity spa and retreat - for those of you who want to spend a few days at a secluded spa and resort we have packages that will work for you. Come join us at this spectacular resort on the North Shore and feel the relaxation and enjoy the organic treatments, full lunches, massages, yoga, one on one personal treatment and onsite chefs. This is a great place for bridal parties, for guests who want a high end venue and to obtain that special treatment. A magnificent place to relax, enjoy your time and sink in the spectacular views of Oahu's gorgeous North Shore.
Inner and outer island activities - For clients or locals who want to make reservations on any islands for boat dinner cruises, skydiving, fishing, luaus, hiking, helicopter rides, or whatever they would like to do while they stay here we have great connections on all islands and pricing is great.

Vacation rentals - We work with a lot of home owners for some pretty spectacular locations low end and high end for those of you who wish to stay at a beachfront, penthouse, or condo while you are vacationing on Oahu. For those of you who want to stay at a rental and have your wedding we do have many homes that will allow weddings from a party of 2 to 50 all over the island. Please note that the rates for those homes have separate pricing for vacationing and the wedding day. Time of the year and day also will determine on pricing and availability. We also have many venue connections on Maui as well for those of you who need a location for weddings, events, or just a private getaway.

Travel arrangements - We can help you plan your trip securing airlines and hotel packages for all islands. We can also help you create a honeymoon package for those of you getting married here on the islands and need a fast getaway to start your life as man and wife. Pricing will determine on airlines, dates and locations.

Corporate events - We have experience over the last 7 years on Oahu for planning large or small corporate events all over the island. With behind the scenes experience working with one of the top catering companies we have grown to learn how to setup, create menus, hiring staff, preparing layouts, hiring security, private celebrity entertainment, producing high-end government events, and so on. From events from parties of 2 to large corporate events up to 5000 people we have all the vendors you will need to create that last night on Oahu after coming to the island for a convention, business trip or just a business get together. From working events such as the USS Missouri, Hawaii State Art Museum, Iolani Palace. Working with Tiffany's, Mercedes, Saturn of Honolulu, The Wedding Ring Shop, Kaiser Permanente, HMSA, Loomis Sayles Financial Corporation, and much more we have vendors for every aspect of your event.
Personal staff for your luxury getaway - If you need a private and secured venue for your stay on Oahu for any type of reason we have many locations that will suite you. We also have staff that will come and take care of all your needs - private chefs, maid service, massages, tours, limo transportation, and personal concierge.
So with all these different types of services IPW is now offering we are sure that we can help you take care of everything.
Please email us today and let us know how we can help your trip to the islands fun and relaxing.
We look forward to hearing from you.
IPW

jjsmilebig

Would you guys mind if I email you too for more info?  Thank you! -Jenny

islandparadiseweddings

Hi Jenny, if you need anything for your wedding we can point you in the right direction. Our email is islandparadiseweddings@gmail.com

Congradulations!!!
IPW

jjsmilebig

Actually I meant if I can email the other Knot Users, not IPW.   Thank you.