GETTING MARRIED IN HAWAII CAN GET EXPENSIVE
Yeah, I’m not one to blow sunshine up your ass. That’s for other wedding companies, who make a living – lying to you behind a nice smile. I’ll tell it to you straight, that weddings in Hawaii are flat-out expensive, and that’s directly related to the cost-of-living going up, up, and more up. When I first started Dream Weddings Hawaii, I created the Patriot package for military couples who were on a budget. That package, which included a small photo package (1 roll of 24 pictures), and a minister, only was $295. That same package is now $777.95, with 75 digital photos. Why is it so expensive? Well, it’s because a freaking Extra Value Meal at McDonald’s costs $18! Geez Louise! Where’s the value in that?!! Everything is up. Gas, food, mortgage payments.
I constantly hear my couples complaining about the cost of food at their hotel. I almost want to tell them that when you vacation in Hawaii, it’s a good time to take up intermittent fasting and skip breakfast!
I’m sad to report that some of my couples had to cancel their wedding because they just couldn’t afford it.
What advice do I have?
Well, you need to save money where you can, and shop wisely.
First of all, if you’re planning on renting a car here, and you should, always go through Costco Travel. You know, the usual M.O. of these rental car places is to trick you into making a cheap reservation online, and then when you pick up your car, you’re hit with all of these other stupid-ass fees. If you book through Costco Travel, the rental company won’t hassle you at all. If you can, book your entire trip through Costco, and you will save a lot of money in the long run. A lot of times, the hotels won’t hit you with their stupid-ass fees. Yes, they are stupid-ass fees, let’s call them what they are.
While were at it, remember that Costco is your friend. If you want to buy an Aloha shirt, go to Costco. If you want to buy local food, go to Costco. If you want to buy gifts to bring back home, go to Costco. If you want to buy flowers, so you can DIY bouquets, go to Costco. Sam’s club is also great. Personally, I love Sam’s Club a bit more because I can bypass the long lines at Costco. They beat Costco in quality and selection, for everything except beef and travel.
Don’t eat in Waikiki. Waikiki is really expensive, except for Murakami Udon. They are freaking cheap, freaking good, and you need to freaking go there. Everything else is expensive, including iHop and Denny’s. If possible, take your Costco car and eat outside of Waikiki. Of course, it’s okay to splurge in Waikiki, but make sure if you do, choose an awesome place, and make sure it’s worth it.
Stay in vacation rental, rather than a hotel. Here on Oahu, vacation rentals outside of “resort zones” are actually illegal. They are still available to rent, but they are hard to find because you have to know someone, who knows someone. But even in the resort zone, you can find gems that are awesome, that are much cheaper than what you’ll find at hotels. Now, if you want to stay in a hotel, don’t book your stay directly with the hotel. Work with travel agencies, even online ones, and see if you can land some deals. More than likely, you can get an air/hotel/car package, that includes free breakfast, one night free with, you guessed it, COSTCO TRAVEL!
I think Costco should be paying me for this article. Trust me, I’m not getting paid for it…but I will gladly take the money if they offer, haha.
By the way, if you want more of an island feel to your honeymoon, check out Team Real Estate. They have legal vacation rentals. It’s actually pretty cheap if you split the cost between you and your friends. One of their awesome homes is $650 a night, which sleeps eight. That’s about $82 a night! The difficult part is finding 6 friends you won’t murder by the end of your honeymoon.
And now, let’s get to your wedding.
One of my adventure couples, jumping out of a perfectly working helicopter
I’m going to frank with you. I know my name is Steve Young, but I’m going to be frank. You’re really not going to get around to spending less for your Hawaii wedding. Things are just expensive. But, if you spend wisely, you won’t get ripped as long as you are satisfied with the value you’re getting. So, if you want to spend 20k on an adventure helicopter wedding, or $200 on just a minister, as long as your happy, it’s money well spent on this next awesome chapter in your life. And of course, you have to try not to fall into the many wedding scams that are out there, such as open bars and wedding license processing fees. Now, where do you go for great value for your wedding? Me! Of course! If you haven’t noticed, I’m a straight shooter, I will tell you the way it is, even if it’s a truth that you don’t want to hear. I’m lightyears better than my competition because not only am I honest and better looking, my quality is great. Plus, I actually work at all my weddings as a coordinator and/or a photographer/videographer, unlike the other owners who just tend to stay home, and collect money.
So, if you’re interested in a Hawaii Wedding, give me a call at (808) 497-0685, email at info@dreamweddingshawaii.com, or just fill out the form below. I’ll get back to you personally. I’ll get back to you. Not someone else.
Steve Young
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