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Excited but where to start?

luvbug2014luvbug2014
First Comment
in Hawaii
I got engaged 3 months ago and finally have time to start planning thanks to the long weekend.  FI and I are thinking Oahu because many of our guests have not been to Hawaii before.  Can anyone recommend a location?  We like the look of Lanikuhonua and Loulu Palm because they seem close to the ocean.  Am I missing something?  Any advice is appreciated Smile

P.S.  What budget range should I have if I like these locations?
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Re: Excited but where to start?

  • jmgentzjmgentz
    First Comment
    If your budget allows for a wedding planner, I highly recommend it. I tried planning my Hawaii wedding by myself and found it quite exhausting and stressful. Anyways, I have to pass along some advice my wedding planner gave me about Lou Lou Palms estate. She said the owner is in big trouble with the Feds and something along the lines that the estate was purchased with stolen money or something like that. My WP said she would NOT recommend this venue for me because of this investigation. There's no guarantee that the estate would be still be there and not seized. And in the event that it gets seized, you may never get your money back! Bottom line, I wouldn't risk my time or money on that place. I'm sure you can google information about that place to find out more. My WP said there's an article about it.
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  • luvbug2014luvbug2014
    First Comment
    jmgentz - *eek!* thanks for the tip!  we are in GA so will probably need a coordinator of some sort.  
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  • knockout7075knockout7075 member
    10 Comments
    edited September 2012
    Luvbug, Congratulations! I am from Georgia too and have been living in Hawaii for the year. Good choice, it's beautiful here. Before I list off some places, can you tell us approximately how many guests you will be inviting? Also do you have your heart set on being near the ocean like the 2 venues you had listed? That should help narrow it down so we can help you find what you need.
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  • luvbug2014luvbug2014
    First Comment
    Thanks, Knockout!  Not sure on the guest list yet but we're thinking that few people will come because it's so far.  Saw that Delta has direct flights though!  :-)  Maybe 50-75 people? While I'm not big on a hotel wedding (FI has no preference) we're trying to keep an open mind. Ocean view would be great, but not a deal breaker if there's a different kind of beauty at a non-ocean view location.  It's been some time since I've been to HAWAII!!!!!!!!

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  • destiny1108destiny1108 member
    Sixth Anniversary 100 Comments

    I highly recommend getting a wedding coordinator, we used Hawaii Weddings and Events www.hawaiiweddingsandevents.com and they were amazing, they definitely saved us alot of time and stress along the way.

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  • sunnyRNsunnyRN
    10 Comments
    Congratulations first of all!!!

    Not sure what type of wedding/location you're looking for but we're using Captain Howie and his crew @ www.hawaiiweddings.com. They've been great on the phone with planning and answering any questions I have (and I had many...I'm a bit OCD when it comes to certain things for the wedding LOL).  A few other ladies are also using their services.....

    Good luck with the planning!!!
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
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  • knockout7075knockout7075 member
    10 Comments
    Luvbug,

    Here are a few suggestions for you to check out:
    Kualoa Ranch, Dillingham Ranch, Haiku Gardens, and the Bayer Estate

    If you want to go the house route check out VRBO property #43928 or Homeaway property #161653 (this house is a great location). Both of these are event friendly.

    I'm not much of a hotel wedding person either... Look into those and see what you think!
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  • luvbug2014luvbug2014
    First Comment
    Thank you all for being SO helpful and welcoming!  I'll check into all of those options!!!  Hope you all had a great long weekend!
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  • knockout7075knockout7075 member
    10 Comments
    Hi Luvbug,

    I forgot to mention this venue the other day when giving you the list, so add one more to check out...

    It's in Kaneohe and it's called Kahaluu Fishpond... Here is there website : http://www.worldaloha.com/ They have several different areas... a pavillion, garden, chapel, etc. I love the look of this place and it's super private!

    Here is a "real life" wedding there on SMP if you want to see more pics: http://www.stylemepretty.com/destination-weddings/2012/05/17/kaneohe-wedding-at-kahaluu-fishpond-by-green/

    Good luck and let us know how you make out!
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  • RebeccaoahuRebeccaoahu member
    First Comment
    Aloha -

    I am getting married on October 25, 2012 at the Kualoa Ranch.  I found my planner on Wedding Wire.  She is so amazing and has taken care of us real well. I found her when we still lived on the mainland, then we moved 2 months ago from San Francisco.  She found all my vendors. She has the best vendors on the island and they all give her a wholesale rate.  She is designing my wedding and I must say I honestly don't have to do one thing except give my approval.  She is very creative and has extremely classy taste.  You see I do not have a creative bone in my body so she really helped my over all vision come together. I will send pics after our wedding day. Visit her website, she is amazing and worth every penny! She does way more than what her package price promises. She goes over and beyond. I highly recommend her!  www.zenjuweddingsnevents.com
    GOODLUCK!!!!! Aloha!
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  • RebeccaoahuRebeccaoahu member
    First Comment
    I used Yanicke from Zenju Wedding and Events of Hawaii. She is so amazing!!!!! <a href="http://www.zenjuweddingsnevents.com" rel="nofollow">www.zenjuweddingsnevents.com</a> ... I say get a planner!!!! It is worth every cent to have a peace of mind. She is so creative and has a grat list of top vendors on the island... 

    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_hawaii_excited-but-where-to-start?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:73Discussion:cf0f075a-b5ad-4115-8ff0-4bd221dcdb76Post:e8e7df37-5822-4b0c-b04c-4dcd4b750faa">Re:Excited but where to start?</a>:
    [QUOTE]If your budget allows for a wedding planner, I highly recommend it. I tried planning my Hawaii wedding by myself and found it quite exhausting and stressful. Anyways, I have to pass along some advice my wedding planner gave me about Lou Lou Palms estate. She said the owner is in big trouble with the Feds and something along the lines that the estate was purchased with stolen money or something like that. My WP said she would NOT recommend this venue for me because of this investigation. There's no guarantee that the estate would be still be there and not seized. And in the event that it gets seized, you may never get your money back! Bottom line, I wouldn't risk my time or money on that place. I'm sure you can google information about that place to find out more. My WP said there's an article about it.
    Posted by jmgentz[/QUOTE]
    Report Reply
  • XoxodreamzXoxodreamz
    First Comment

    You should at least get a DOC if not a planner for your wedding, I cant emphasize how helpful it is. If you are more of the DIY yourself type of bride a DOC is fine otherwise get a planner who can help you with selecting vendors and keeping you within your wedding budget. Also getting married on Monday through Thursday is cheaper than getting married Friday through Sunday at most locations.

    Congrats!

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