Tropical Wedding Color Theme

Green is hands down the most popular wedding color in Hawaii. Green is used frequently either as a base color or an accent. One reason that it is so prevalent is because it is safe and it works.

As a planner I always encourage my clients to be unique. There are lots of elegant color combinations that work smashingly in Hawaii that don't rely on green. Check out how warm, modern and inviting the these colors are beach side. So don't limit yourself - think fresh and original by considering other colors combinations.

Do keep in mind that not all colors are created equal in the tropics. There are some combinations that don't translate successfully. For example, a 2010 color trend on the Mainland is the black & white wedding. While it is classy and clean in a ballroom location it comes across as formal and stuffy at an ocean side Hawaii wedding.

Although "Being Green" is a trend we LOVE at Parasol Events...,it does not need to be literal:)

Linens at www.BBJLinen.com

Destination Theme - Clever Favor Idea

Working with my July 2010 clients on options to incorporate a destination theme into their event in a smart & elegant way netted this original idea. By using the tags as napkin rings, their guests are sure to find them and appreciate the gesture.

The luggage tag is simple & elegant favor plus it totally connects with the destination wedding theme. Another nice feature of using the favors in this manner is that the table has a classic accent with out adding clutter. Very clever!!!

You can find these at http://www.favorideas.com/shopping/prod/SI-100.htm

Aloha!

Keeping the "Heart" in your wedding!

As a wedding planner I have many roles but helping my brides and grooms remember that this is about them at the core is one of the key responsibilities among an ocean of choices, details and decisions.

My wedding planner does not turn off even in down time...., so I wanted to share an excerpt page 68 of Erica Bauermeiser's new novel, "The School of Essential Ingredients" which totally captures the spirit of what I would want for each of my clients.

"I remember my wedding cake," said Claire. "I was so hungry - we hadn't eaten all day. Here was this incredible cake- layers of chocolate and whipped cream and all these curlicures of thick, smooth frosting - and they kept making us pose for pictures. I told my husband I was starving, and he took a fork and just stuck it in the side of the cake and fed me a bite. My mother and the photographer were furious, but I always tell James that was the moment when I married him."

The planning matters but being present and together is more essential.

Bridal Hairstyle for Hawaii

"How should I wear my Hair?" is a question that I am asked often as a wedding planner.

One of my favorite styles is the partial up do. It is more formal then wearing your hair down but still has a softness that fits the tropics. Including fresh flowers, a hair band, or diamond/pearl hairpins are other ways to add accents without going over the top.

This is a style that hair and make-up artist Beverly Kaneshige recreated for my bride on Saturday. It looked terrific with her Maggie Sottero strapless gown.

Valentine's Day Pick - Chef Mavro!

Valentine's Day in Honolulu and the most romantic meal I can imagine would be at Chef Mavro's.

I think it is the first place (even after visits to Napa and France) that I really understood how food and wine meld to become more significant as one. There are so many things that I love about this restaurant that I cannot even begin to list them all but let me list a few.

*Exquisite food and wine pairings
*Ambiance
*Professional table side service
*Lack of pretense

Chef Mavro's is a winner of the prestigious James Beard award and listed by Fodors as one of the top ten restaurants in the world! While in Honolulu, if you are a foodie, this is a must do! The menu changes so be sure to keep current at www.ChefMavro.com

Customize your Cupcakes!

Many of my brides & grooms have been serving cupcakes at their receptions for the whimsy of it. Cupcakes flavors choices for the cake and icing are similar to those available for traditional wedding cakes . So how do we make the cupcakes really pop?

Custom cupcake liners!!!! I found some really gorgeous liners online. All these little details really add up to make a significant difference. Being Hawaii.... this palm tree cupcake liner is a perfect way to enhance a tropical theme.

Have a look and view all of the different paper color options and laser cuts from Paper Orchid Stationary.
www.paperorchidstationery.com

Hot Hawaiian Days, Cool Hawaiian Smoothies

Brainstorming ways to make events fresher and better is just one of the ways I spend my days as a professional wedding planner and for years I have noticed how hungry, hot, and uptight guests are when they arrive.

Looking outside of the box for a solution, I realized how practical providing light substance at arrival would be (plus it is unexpected and fun). So consider stepping it up and adding originality to your event.

Instead of the typical scenario of meandering guests with empty stomachs - greet them with a custom smoothie bar and let them order a tasty tropical delight. It will give them immediate pleasure, take off their edge and be completely restorative . By the time the ceremony begins moods are uplifted and the atmosphere is both focused and happy.

Viola - the perfect setting for a heartfelt union!