Picking colors for a Hawaii wedding

There are so many colors to choose from that it can be mind boggling. Alternatively, we are the rainbow state! But seriously, when it comes down to picking the colors for a tropical wedding it is best to limit the palette to 3 or less colors. The big tip is that an amazing palette is developed by mixing and matching hues, shade, tints or tones of those colors!

Here is the low down -
*Hue - bold, cheerful & exciting - these colors progress around the primary color wheel.
*Tints - soothing, soft & romantic - these colors are often referred to as pastels and they actually don't work well in Hawaii's very strong light. Pastels wash out.
*Shades- mysterious, powerful & traditional - these are colors with black added.
*Tones - sophisticated, complex & subtle - these are among my favorites and work well with any of the above.

Working with my clients to develop an inspiration board is exciting and by selecting the right color combinations we are guaranteed a fantastic look! A tool that I use for my own reference is a totally cool blog - www.theperfectpaletteblog.com
Check it out and enjoy creating fresh color ideas!!!!

Pointers for Hair & Make-up on your Wedding Day

Hair & Makeup services are on our "must have" list for your wedding day. At minimum, brides should book these services for themselves. However, it is a gracious gesture for bridesmaids, the bride's mother, and the future mother- in- law who will all appreciate looking their very best for photos too.

Here is our top ten list of pointers for planning/coordinating Hair & Make-up services.
1) Work with a reputable stylist who SPECIALIZES in weddings.
2) Be sure to have a trial session.
3) Use images of make-up and hair styles as a communication tool between you and the stylist.
4) Make sure you have enough space in your hotel room for the stylist/s, photographers and wedding attendants.
5) Be sure to have your payment prepared in advance for services.
6) Discuss parking with stylist - is this an expense the bride needs to cover?
7) If the stylist is putting flowers in the bride's hair be sure the florists delivery time works.
8) Logistics to plan for - adequate table top space for make-up, outlets (for curling irons), and chairs (one for each person being styled).
9) Check & then double check the start and end times for services.
10) Communicate, Communicate, Communicate- if something does not look or feel right let your stylist know right away. Constructive feedback is always desirable.

Hawaii - Do it Yourself - Photo Booth/Bar

There are a myriad ways to produce a customized photo booth and it is a personalized alternative to the standard commercial photo booth. Photo back drops also require less space and since there is no rental cost it is a budget friendly .

Things you will need -
1) A location for the Backdrop
2) A frame for fabric or installation - PVC is light and sturdy
3) Backdrop fabric - deep solid colors work really well and can coordinate with your event. You can also get great vinyl ones customized with a wedding logo*.
3) Good lighting- eliminating the need for flash will improve the photos. Check with your photographer to see if they have studio lights you can use/rent.
4) Digital Camera or a Polaroid (hassle free - no printer necessary)
5) Photographer - although you can ask some guests to volunteer to shoot - Hiring a second photographer for a 2 hours will ensure that no one at your wedding gets locked there
6) Portable Printer w/Photo paper
7) Paper Frames for Photos
8) Accessories are fun - with a Hawaii destination wedding it would be simple to have a prop box that includes leis, hula skirts, hakus, and ukuleles but your options are unlimited and an opportunity to further personalize your event

Weddings are such a wonderful time to interact and connect. Use the Photobooth concept as yet another way to bring everyone together.

*http://www.marilynskeepsakes.com/products.php?criteria=photo+booth

Photobooth Ideas for your Hawaii Wedding

Photobooths continue to be popular in 2011 in Hawaii. Since this trend began several years ago, the Islands have arisen to the demands and there are more photobooth vendors available now then ever. In addition to having more vendors to select from and better availability the pricing has become more competitive.

Some basic tips when considering a photobooth -

* Be sure you have the budget for this. I have heard stories of couples who booked this service early only to find themselves at the end of the planning process resorting to a cash bar (a big no- no) because they have depleted their budget.
* Is there enough space at your venue. The booth has space and power requirements that need to be met.
*When and how long do you want the photobooth on-site. Cocktail hour is a ideal time since it is a casual time for your guests and there is generally no formal program during that time.

Here are three vendors you may want to consider...
www.bluecheesehawaii.com
www.bambooth.com
www.hawaiidigitalphotobooth.com

In addition to the traditional photobooths, look for our next post on alternatives to the booth style that are becoming popular.

Pineapples - a Hawaii Wedding Theme Idea

Pineapples have long been associated with hospitality and with Hawaii. That makes it a natural option for a destination wedding theme. Pulling together a theme is one of the most enjoyable aspects of wedding planning. There are so many ways that you could play with this sweet and sour fruit.

*stationary - escort cards, invitations, welcome bag tags
*food - grilled pineapple, pineapple desserts, drinks, candies, shaved ice
*gifts - pineapple plants, pineapple scented soaps
*colors- greens, greenish blues, blush, yellow
*floral design - baby pineapples in centerpieces, boutonnieres, bouquets

Welcome & Aloha!

Hawaii Venue Spotlight - Lanikuhonua

Lanikuhonua "Where Heaven Meets Earth" is an incredible private estate venue on Oahu. This tropical setting is pristine and ever ready to host an event. As a favorite among both wedding couples and professionals this property, located on the west side of the island, also possesses spectacular sunsets! Other advantages of this outdoor site are on-site bathrooms, functional huts, and an experienced support team (Annette, Auntie Nettie & BoBo).

Having a private estate wedding is undoubtedly a treat. However, be sure you are well prepared for additional wedding costs which are specific to an outdoor venue reception.

*General Equipment - tents for catering & guests , tables, chairs, lighting, etc
*Coordination -because off site outdoor events have a significantly higher level execution of detail (vs. hotel venue) a designated "Day of" coordinator is absolutely a must.
*Service Rentals - plates, ice, coolers, silverware, barware, all linens etc.
*Caterer - menu costs, staffing costs, service charges, equipment rentals (grills, woks,coolers, trash cans, etc)
*Trash Removal - yes, see what I mean about details!

We have several photo galleries online that feature Lanikuhonua. Feel free to follow this link and check out the "Alex" "Kristen" "Malia" "Marissa" "Rosalie" & "Tiffany" events.

http://www.parasolevents.com/hawaiiweddingphotos/

2011 trends for Hawaii Weddings

Today I read that the #1 trend for 2011 is Outdoor Weddings.

That is great news for Hawaii since we are home to some of the most stunning outdoor venues in the World.

Two other trends worth noting are the return of rustic chic and DIY (Do it Yourself). Bonus - they happen to go hand in hand very well.

For a Rustic Chic and DIY ideas start with details that simple & important rather then huge & opulent such as...,

Cakes frosted with buttercream and natural flowers instead of fondant

Decorations that include mason jars or tea tins for flower arrangements/favors

Floor plans with old fashioned long banquet tables instead of rounds

Menus that are traditional & homey with a twist of modern and special attention to quality

To read more go to -http://stylishweddingideas.com/articles/wedding-trends-for-2011