Beautiful Hawaiian Beach Wedding Dress

Alfredo Angelo has been selling this dress for a long time and each time I see it I wonder why I have never had a bride who has picked it. Perhaps it is overlooked because the price is so reasonable. Brides often feel that their dress needs to cost alot - not true. A great dress is one that you feel comfortable, beautiful and feminine in. While, beach weddings provide a wonderful backdrop - navigating through sand in a long dress is really sweaty work. A shorter length it smart.

While surfing for the shorter length dresses on the Alfredo Angelo's website this cute mini wedding dress also caught my eye. It is suitable for the modern untraditional bride or for a vow renewal.



Oh - I love weddings!

www.alfredangelo.com

The Green - Top Hawaiian Entertainment on Tour!

It was a privilege to work last August with the Hawaii breakout band "The Green" at Marissa and Jason's wedding. Their album has been named by iTune's as "Best Reggae Album of 2010" and made it onto Billboard's top ten best reggae albums of 2010 list.

Weddings with great entertainment are supremely memorable and fun. If you happen to be a Hawaii destination bride or groom and are considering live entertainment for your reception (or you just need to get a dose of "Aloha" this winter) here is your chance to check them out. The Green's tour schedule can be viewed online at www.thegreen808.com

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!