How to Plan for the Perfect Hawaii Beach Wedding

Every couple has an idea of what their dream wedding should look like, and for some, it seems like a ceremony on a gorgeous Hawaiian beach. Like any other wedding, there are plenty of details to plan for. From the catering to the flowers to the person who will officiate the ceremony, the ingredients of a picture-perfect wedding are often pretty similar. However, there are a few extra details to consider when it comes to Hawaii beach weddings. For instance, some Hawaii beaches aren’t easy to get to, while Kona weddings are generally easier to reach. If you’re planning your wedding on a Hawaiian beach, you’re in the right place – below, you’ll find some tips that will surely come in handy.

Have a backup plan in case of rain

The promotional photos won’t necessarily show this, but it occasionally rains on the beach in Hawaii (especially during certain times of the year). Even if you’ve booked the best date for a sunny forecast, a surprise rain shower could turn all your plans upside down. Unless, of course, you have a backup plan. First, rent a tent that can be quickly set up on the beach if needed; that way, your ceremony won’t have to be relocated even if it rains. Second, if you plan on holding the reception at the beach, explore secondary options for the reception venue. Many Hawaiian beaches will have nearby oceanside venues, which can be rented for extra peace of mind as the big day approaches.

Windproof your décor

Some weddings are adorned with slender vases, towering flower arrangements, or delicate ornaments scattered across the tables. Regardless of your initial vision, it would be best if you considered the wind. Any beach is typically windy, and Hawaiian beaches are no exception. If you’re using lightweight objects, choose ones that can be fixed with adhesives or weighed down; otherwise, pick a relatively sturdy or secure décor that won’t be affected by the wind.

Get a sound system for the ceremony.

Have you ever attended an outdoor wedding only to find that you couldn’t hear a single bit of the vows? This problem will only be exacerbated by the whistling winds and crashing waves on the beach. However, there’s a solution: getting a sound system for the ceremony. Everyone there has come because they want to participate in your special day, and they deserve to hear you and your significant other say “I do”! Before renting the equipment, see if the wedding venue offers one you can use. Another great resource could be the sound system vendor (such as a DJ) you hired for the reception. They’ll be able to tell you how the setup should work, how loud the speakers should be, etc.

Choose fondant

Fondant may not taste as good as buttercream, but it does have one crucial advantage for a beach wedding: it’s far more resistant to melting. Even though a melted wedding cake will taste delicious, it’ll also cause a lot of stress and drama you shouldn’t have to deal with. No matter what flavour of cake you choose, make sure it’s covered in fondant for the best results. Pretty much any qualified cake maker will have experience working with fondant and be able to craft the type of cake you want.

Get heat-tolerant flowers

Frosting isn’t the only thing that can’t handle the Hawaii heat well; your floral arrangements could also take a hit if you choose the wrong flowers. Some options will wilt after 15 minutes in the sun, while others can stay fresh and robust all day. The good news? Your wedding florist should be able to recommend the best flowers for your beach nuptials. 

Find ways to beat the heat

A Hawaiian beach wedding may be windy, but the wind won’t blow away the sun’s heat. Unless you’re sure that temperatures won’t get above a certain point, you may want to plan on an early-morning or sunset wedding. This lets you take advantage of the views without subjecting you and your guests to the blistering heat of a sunny beach. If the wedding venue has shade available, this won’t be such a big issue; however, it’s always a good idea to have plenty of water on hand, plus some umbrellas, just in case. 

Get an experienced wedding planner

Assuming you don’t already live near where your wedding will take place, a wedding planner will be a lifesaver. Even if you can be on location to look after all the little details, hiring someone to take some of the burden off your shoulders makes more sense. A wedding planner with experience with Hawaiian beach weddings will know everything to include, what to watch out for, and even which vendors to use. The tips listed here are some of the most important to remember, but there are a million others that a wedding planner will already know to take care of.

Book the venue well in advance

This isn’t necessarily possible for every couple, but book your wedding venue as far in advance as possible. Knowing precisely what you want can give you tremendous peace of mind as you move forward with your other wedding plans. The best beach venues in Hawaii fill up well in advance, so if you leave this detail until the last minute, you could find yourself looking at a list of remote or sub-par locations. This isn’t to say that you can’t find a good spot at the last minute; you’ll have far fewer options.

The takeaway

Planning a beach wedding in Hawaii involves plenty of logistics, which isn’t the same as a traditional indoor wedding. Even so, as long as you know what to expect, your beach wedding should be as wonderful as you’d hoped.

Summary

• Accessibility Considerations: Choose a beach that is easily accessible; some Hawaiian beaches are more reachable than others, like those in Kona.
• Rain Backup Plan: Always have a plan for unexpected rain, such as renting a tent or having an alternative indoor venue for the reception.
• Windproof Decor: Opt for sturdy or secure décor that can withstand the beach’s windy conditions.
• Sound System Necessity: Rent or arrange a sound system to ensure that vows and speeches are audible over the beach’s natural sounds.
• Cake Selection: Use fondant instead of buttercream for the wedding cake to prevent melting in the heat.
• Heat-Tolerant Flowers: Choose floral arrangements that can withstand the heat, and consult with your florist for the best options.
• Heat Management: Plan for early morning or sunset weddings to avoid the midday heat, and provide shade and water for guests.
• Experienced Wedding Planner: Hire a wedding planner familiar with Hawaiian beach weddings to handle logistics and vendor coordination.
• Advance Booking: Book your beach venue well in advance to secure the best location and avoid settling for less desirable options.
• Overall Preparedness: Understand that beach weddings have unique logistics compared to traditional indoor weddings, and plan accordingly for a seamless experience.

FAQ: Planning the Perfect Hawaii Beach Wedding

What should I consider when planning a Hawaii beach wedding?

When planning a Hawaii beach wedding, consider factors like accessibility of the beach, backup plans for rain, windproof décor, a sound system for the ceremony, fondant for the wedding cake, heat-tolerant flowers, ways to beat the heat, hiring an experienced wedding planner, and booking the venue well in advance.

How can I prepare for unexpected rain at my Hawaii beach wedding?

To prepare for rain, have a backup plan such as renting a tent that can be quickly set up on the beach. Also, consider exploring secondary options for the reception venue, especially if it’s planned to be held at the beach.

What are some tips for ensuring wedding décor remains intact in the windy beach environment?

For windy beach conditions, choose sturdy or secure décor that won’t be affected by the wind. If using lightweight objects, ensure they can be fixed with adhesives or weighed down.

Why is a sound system important for a beach wedding, and how can I ensure it’s effective?

A sound system is crucial to ensure guests can hear the vows over the beach’s natural sounds. Check if the venue provides one or consult with your DJ or sound system vendor about the setup and volume needed.

What are some key considerations for the wedding cake and flowers at a beach wedding?

Choose fondant for the wedding cake as it is more resistant to melting in the heat. For floral arrangements, select heat-tolerant flowers that won’t wilt quickly in the sun. Consult with a qualified cake maker and a knowledgeable wedding florist for the best results.