Looking for something different? I hear it all the time! I get at least 12 brides a WEEK asking me for venues that are out-of-the-box, creative, unique... and can hold at least 300 people. WHOA! While Hawaii is filled with the crème de la crème of wedding locations, you have to keep in mind that hotels and country clubs were made to host large, lavish weddings day in and day out. They come equipped with a knowledgeable catering manager, food galore, dreamy ceremony sites and parking to your hearts delight!
While all brides want to walk to the beat of their own drum, there are some stop lights you should be aware of before booking that “straight-off-the-movie-set” estate.
KEY CAUTION POINTS for non-traditional venues ::1. Parking - If you're looking at an estate, keep parking in mind. No one wants to walk 10 blocks to get to your wedding site because of all the residential zoning. And double parkers beware... you don't want a parking ticket to be the last thing your guests remember of your swank reception. What to do? Book a valet service! There are handfuls of reputable valet companies in Hawaii (Prestige Valet rocks!) that take care of everything from scouting out parking spots, maneuvering cars into tight lots, greeting your guests, securing the car keys while at the reception and of course, making sure your guests get into their cars A-OK. Valets normally look for parking lots of schools, Churches or office buildings and obtain a permit for use. Talk about stepping it up a notch!
2. Noise - If you know your guests party like it's 1999, beware of the noise restrictions after 10p in all residential areas. Laymans terms? The cops can shut your party down if your oh-too-drunk guests start karaoke-ing to Bohemian Rhapsody! What to do? Start your party earlier! Typical ceremonies start at 4:30p with a dinner reception to follow. Why not have your ceremony at 3p and move dinner up to 5p? Gives you a couple extra hours to celebrate... at all levels! Or plan a fun after-wedding event like hitting up a dance club for more good times.
3. Permits - the ULTIMATE question to ask... Make sure your not-so-traditional venue is licensed by the state to host commercial events (Commercial = you pay a site fee and bring in paid vendors, too!). Make sure you sign a contract and get their permit number! Better to be safe than sorry.
Tanna's top 10 cool non-traditional venues?- The Bayer Estate
- Waterfront at Aloha Tower (the old Kapono's!)
- Willows Restaurant
- Hawaii State Art Museum
- Iolani Palace
- Lanikohunua
- Mariposa in Neiman Marcus
- Roberts Hawaii boat
- Haiku Gardens
- Ho'omaluhia Gardens
