Can someone help point me in the right direction for my Maui Wedding?

Question

My Fiance and I decided we are going to have a Maui wedding. We are planning on inviting roughly 30 guests, but are expecting only half or so to actually be able to make it. But we need to be prepared to be pleasantly surprised also. The planning literally started yesterday and I'm already overwhelmed. We don't have any money saved up yet, I wanted to try and get a feel for how much we will be needing first. I want to ask, is my estimate of 12,000 dollars a good starting point or am I fooling myself?
Keep in mind it will be small, immediate family only and a few close friends. I'd like a ukulele player for the wedding music but need to figure out what to do for reception. Food will most likely be buffet and the cake will be small with real icing, not fondant.
My ultimate question is, I need to find a wedding planner, I've looked and all I can find is vendor planners. I want a solo planner who will work with any vendor I want, not one who has her hired for themselves. This way I can make sure I get what I want. I need help on finding such a wedding planner. I feel finding vendors for food, location, etc. will become much easier once I find her. And so will money issues. Please, someone help me to find a reliable, honest, thrifty wedding planner in Maui Hawaii!!! I will be forever grateful!!
Also suggestions if you had a wedding in Maui, recommendations for anything and everything will be also greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

There is one here: http://www.topweddingsites.com/Hawaii I think you'll like

Answer 2

I'm planning a beach wedding in Myrtle beach South Carolina.



We did look into a wedding in Hawaii. I think your best bet is to just type HAWAII WEDDING into yahoo. & start searching. Start calling hotels, Let them know the # of people. What your plans are. (then wait 30 years for them to call back) Keep a list of who you called, what they said, who you talked to. Also see about getting a vacation guild sent to you from Hawaii. I'm saying check into all the islands. Not just Maui. You may find you like another 1 better.

Depending on your date. If you go October-April, you may get a better deal. (That is what we are doing)

I'm finding planning a wedding over 12 hours away, is a bunch of trail & error. Making calls, leaving messages.

We are doing our whole wedding for under $5,000. I think $10,000 is about right for yours. Because of the plane tickets. (over $1200 when we priced them for Hawaii)

Also remember when buying your dress don't go to long it will only get covered in sand. I'm also having the groom & groomsman wear clothes from Tommy Bahamas wedding line. I can't wait to see them on the beach. Tux would just look stupid!



I'm finding because I will only have 16-20 guest, that getting married by some one privet & going to a nice restaurant is cheaper then going threw a hotel. Also make sure you ask about group rates.

I had 1 lady give me a price on a room. I called back 3 days later got a man. He gave me a price $24 a night cheaper. just gotta play the phone game if you want to save money. Also see what add ins you can get when you go with 1 hotel vs another.



GOOD LUCK

&

CONGRATS!



EDIT:

Found this website while searching just now for a wedding checklist!



http://www.hawaii-wedding-guide.com/wedding-checklist.html

Answer 3

Join The Knot. They have a wealth of information, especially from people who have gotten married in Maui. I've seen people name wedding coordinators on Maui before. I am getting married in Honolulu, so I can't help you there, but our wedding is only costing $379, lol. It's a very no-frills deal, on the beach, with 7 guests. That doesn't include the flight or the hotel or anything, but I think $12,000 is very reasonable (unless you're including your rings and dress in there, and those can get pretty pricey so be careful). Unless you're staying at a really expensive resort, the biggest cost will come from eating while you're there.



Plan your wedding with the money you have NOW. Don't count on having it later. It'll help you in the long run. Best of luck!