What is your Dream Wedding Location?

 HAWAII

We here at First Class Weddings (FCW) are eager to help guide you through all the stages of the wedding planning process. However, there are some decisions that you must make on your own before we can help you.

Decision 1: Make a final decision on where your destination wedding will be.

You can spend countless hours researching the web and weighing your options ahead of time. To better help you, one site that FCW finds extremely helpful for clients considering Hawaii is www.gohawaii.com. This site will provide you with information on the seven Hawaiian islands and what each of them have to offer. Another site for those of you that may be considering France is www.hautewedding.co.uk. This site is great if you're looking for a European adventure. Finally, if you're wanting to get married in the Rocky Mountains we suggest www.coloradoweddings.com.

Whatever location that you're dreaming of it is important that you decide on a destination location first and focus your attention on this decision as your FIRST priority. This will save you TONS of time and literally add years to your life. Also, we hope that your decision does not rely on finding a wedding planner to help you first, but rather on the amazing destination itself.

Once you decide on a location then you can begin seriously looking for someone to guide and assist you in the State/area that  you have selected. First Class Weddings can then help you determine who will warrant your time and attention in the wedding industry. Keep checking back for the launch of our exclusive directory of qualified professionals.

Follow us on Twitter for other helpful website links: @FCWeddings

The Grand Wailea Resort Maui

GRAND WAILEA RESORT MAUI

This resort is an amazing place to stay while visiting Hawaii. From the moment you arrive you're greeted with a fresh Hawaiian lei and once you check in to your room you can choose to get pampered at it's world-famous spa, get a make-over at it's beauty salon, take a stroll down to it's in-house shopping district or simply grab a bite to eat at one of it's restaurants. If a pool side experience is what your looking for then you have a variety of options. From kids to adults there is a sweet spot for everyone. Located on one of Maui's best beaches, you can jump on a water trampoline, snorkel, or simply take a nap in a hammock. This property is very large and offers innumerable things to do nearby as well. Oh, and the rooms aren't bad either!

There is a quaint Hawaiian stained glass chapel on the property as well as a few other wonderful garden spots to choose from for a wedding location. There are numerous reception venues as well so if you're looking for something grand to either get married at, honeymoon at, or both then the Grand Wailea Resort may be the perfect location for you. First Class Weddings recommends having a large wedding budget if you choose this place, and remember that you can hire an outside wedding planner if you wish. Whatever you choose, do your research and watch our upcoming tips for the "real scoop" on this and other wonderful properties.

For more information visit www.grandwailea.com

The most luxurious Hawaiian Resorts!

The Top Hawaiian Resort - on 5 Islands

Oahu – Halekulani Resort
Surrounded by a city culturally rich and architecturally dramatic, overlooking the famous Waikiki beach, the Halekulani is recognized as one of the world’s most romantic wedding sites. Offering an oasis of seclusion and tranquility amongst the typical hustle and bustle of the Waikiki area here, couples can choose from a lush garden courtyard or a luxurious tropical lanai for their wedding location set in paradise. Enriching everyday life with its timeless elegance, the Halekulani offers an experience like no other. With world class cuisine and an endless commitment to excellence, the Halekulani remains faithful to ensuring a seamless occasion for both you and your guests. 

 

Kauai – Princeville Resort
With a level of sophistication and elegance unlike anything else found on Kauai, the Princeville Resort is undoubtedly a truly remarkable destination location. Engulfed in the fragrance of exotic flowers mixed with pure romance, the Princeville Resort sits gracefully on Pu’u Poa Ridge, terraced along the bluff facing the picturesque Hanalei Bay. Nestled amongst waterfall laced mountains with plantation-style wood furniture, original oil prints, and Juliet balconies luxury isn’t an indulgence, it’s a necessity. Offering a number of stunning outdoor settings for your wedding and reception, let your pleasantly sun-drenched days turn into soft candlelit nights as the Princeville Resort makes your wedding dreams a delightful reality with the attentive, friendly service that can only be found in Hawai’i.

Lanai – Four Seasons Resort Manele Bay
With tasteful Hawaiian themed décor, luxurious open spaces, fine dining, a world famous spa, and incredible views of the Pacific spilling onto white sandy beaches, the Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay is a secluded piece of heaven. Here you can choose from a selection of eight elegant garden settings, including one with a koi pond, blushing lotus flowers, and gentle waterfalls washing over black lava rock. Ideal for smaller weddings, because of the remoteness of this location, with meticulous attention to detail and flawless customer service there will be no question as to why the Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay is ranked amongst the best that Hawaii has to offer. Rest assured having your wedding in this unspoiled wonderland will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Maui – Four Seasons Resort Wailea
If it’s possible to improve on perfection, the Four Seasons Resort Maui is it. With distant views of Wailea Beach, tasteful architecture, low lighting, and fine art enhancing the lobby, the Four Seasons is as close to a Hawaiian palace as you can get, and can accommodate the most refined and sophisticated clientele. Offering three separate outdoor ceremony locations, this resort does only one wedding or event on any given day making you feel as though you are the prince and princess of paradise. Known for their world class cuisine and impeccable service offering all the amenities of home, the Four Seasons can accommodate any group for both their wedding and reception. Whether big or small the Four Seasons Resort Wailea has it all.

Big Island – Hilton Waikoloa Village
Set in the heart of Hawaii, the Hilton Waikoloa is known as a once in a lifetime island getaway you won’t soon forget. Located on the Kohala Coast, this extraordinary location offers what some might say is the definition of paradise with tropical gardens, rich wildlife and sun drenched beaches that make the days simply fade away. Here couples have a number of locations to choose from for both their ceremony and reception. From a beautiful oceanfront chapel to an elegant garden setting, choosing the perfect setting whether indoor or outdoor is as easy as saying, “I DO.” With award winning cuisine and an array of activities including an interactive dolphin program, make memories that will last a lifetime and let the Hilton Waikoloa be the place where you explore the true spirit of Aloha.

Article written by: Sarah Makua

Follow our tweets at twitter.com/FCWeddings for the "Real Scoop" on your Hawaiian vacation.

Top 3 Hawaiian Beaches

Top 3 Beaches in the State of Hawaii

Sun, Sand and Surf.  Give me a cocktail and I am in Heaven.  Stretching my toes in the sand and watching the surf with an amazing sunset in the background, life really can’t get much better than this, can it?  Yes, it can, by getting married on one of the best and most pristine beaches in all of Hawaii.

Hulopo’e Beach on Lana’i

One of the more popular and yet rarely overcrowded beaches, Hulopo’e Beach is the beach you see in your dreams when you think of paradise.  The natural beauty of this beach, both on land and underwater make it a phenomenal location for the outdoor, adventurous couple.  This beach is a protected marine preserve so you can expect to see an entire community of sea creatures, from tropical fish to dolphins to humpback whales during the winter months.  With Manele Bay Hotel just a 5minute walk away, this beach offers any and all amenities that you may need for your special day.  With sparkling blue water and a golden sandy shore, Hulopo’e Beach is one of the best spots in Hawaii for a true island experience.  

Hanalei Bay on Kauai

A 2-mile long stretch of white sandy beach, carved into the base of a sheer cliff, Hanalei Beach offers an unparalleled beauty unlike anything you have ever seen.  Surrounded by emerald green mountains and breathtaking landscape, with Hanalei River to the east, Hanalei Bay offers more than just beauty as it is one of Hawaii’s premiere surf spots. 

This half moon shaped beach allows for almost any ocean activity imaginable, from surfing and body boarding to casual swimming and fishing.  And with the Princeville Resort nearby, couples can follow their simple and yet elegant beach wedding with a lavish reception nearby at the resort.  Composed of a natural beauty that is beyond belief, there really is no place like Hanalei Bay.

Hamoa Beach on Maui

Offering tropical views unmarred by man-made structures, this beach is a gentle reminder of “Old Hawaii.” With lush vegetation and sugary soft sand, the bright blue water of Hamoa Beach captures your eyes and captures your hearts as you surround yourself with the exotic East Maui tropical ambiance.  Located on the edge of Hana Maui, this breathtakingly beautiful beach shares some facilities with Hotel Hana Maui, the only major hotel in the region.  Very rarely crowded, this remote beach allows for the perfect tropical backdrop for your dream island wedding in paradise.  Simply kick off your shoes and say, “I do.”

Article by: Sarah A.K. Makua

For the scoop in Hawaii, follow us on www.twitter.com/FCWeddings

Paris vs. Hawaii from Frenchy in Hawaii

Bonjour Ladies!

FCWeddings French intern here... 

To Whom It May Concern: I’ve been in Hawaii for more than a month now and have experienced what is like to get married in Maui and everything is amazing here, landscapes, beaches, people, food… E-VE-RY-TH-ING !  

Sure I know that Paris is the most romantic city of the world but what about replacing the fake, Paris-Beach with an authentic beach in Hawaii ? Being from France myself and knowing first hand the différence between the two, I can no longer imagine getting married anywhere else. The beautiful sunsets and gorgeous resorts make it all the more magical.  

Sounds great, doesn’t it ? 

Still not convinced ? Let’s see what could be the problem…

The Distance?

Travelling from France took me 30 hours by plane but hell, this a Small price to pay to to get married in  paradise .  A wedding is already an adventure so why not make it the best adventure of your life ? Don’t let the thought of a long travel stop you !

The cost?

Sure, weddings can cost a lot, even Destination Weddings. But what do you prefer? A gigantic home wedding with 200 people (some of which you don’t even know), or a more intimate destination wedding with your closest family and friends? It’s really up to you, but for me, it’s a no brainer. I’d go to Hawaii and make my wedding day, the most unique day in every way possible.

Working here at First Class Weddings it has made me see the value of a wedding planner and all that they can do for you. My advice is to hire a wedding planner that already knows all those things, their package will make you save some money and the planning will already be done when you arrive on the Island :) 

You live only once so…do everything possible to make your wedding dream come true.

A bientôt!

Emi -  A French Intern in Hawaii

Follow my tweets at at www.twitter.com/MacDraemie

Planet Saving Tips for an Eco Wedding!

GREEN WEDDINGS

Go Green!  It sounds like we’re cheering for a college football team.  But no, instead we are promoting eco friendly weddings to help our environment, and in some cases help your pocket book.  Consider this; a simple destination wedding can actually have less of an impact on the environment then a large lavish wedding at home. 

Eco friendly weddings are possible no matter where you plan on getting married, however, when planning a destination green wedding, you have to think “compromise!”  No matter how hard you try, not everything can be eco-friendly.  However, with these easy tips you can do your part to help preserve our environment.

PLANET SAVING TIPS!

PAPER PRODUCTS

Eliminate Paper Products wherever & whenever possible!  Send out your save the date cards, invitations and programs via special emails or e-vites.  Also, allow free seating which eliminates the need for place cards and you can have one menu card displayed in the center of the reception table instead of providing individual menu cards at each place setting.

VENUE

Select an outdoor setting that is naturally beautiful, eliminating the need for lavish décor and decorations.

ATTIRE

Select attire that your bridal party can wear in the future! Your bridesmaids will love you…

RENTAL ITEMS

Rent as many items as possible! All rental items used at your wedding will be reused for other weddings and events.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Make it mandatory that your caterer’s uses recycle bins!  Liquor bottles, juice cans, water bottles and more can all be recycled to cut down on waste.

CENTERPIECES

Use live plants, trees or succulents for centerpieces.  Guests can take these centerpieces home to plant them or you can donate your centerpieces to a non-profit organization nearby.

TRANSPORTATION

Car-pooling is a must! Otherwise, group transportation is the best alternative.

SMART GIFT OPTIONS

Offer a list of non-profit organizations that your guests can donate to in your name.  Shop for items that promote healthy living such as organic linens, solar system, his & her bikes, vita mixer, a private yoga session or an eco-friendly retreat. 

For more wedding tips on eco weddings and other hot topics follow us on www.twitter.com/FCWeddings

Why should I jump on a plane to get married?

Anyone can have a back yard wedding, or a traditional religious service yet how many people can say they got married on a white sandy beach in beautiful Hawaii? Or, how about a sculptured garden in Paris? Whatever your heart desires the world is your oasis.

When you close your eyes and dream of your wedding day...what do you see? 

There are many options available to you. Your wedding day is now (more than ever before), a true reflection of who you are. A wedding catered to your specific style is a testament of your unique personality.

Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience so why not have it in an unforgettable exotic location? Make a statement! Choose a location unlike any other...a location that brings your dreams to life...

Everyday is full of opportunities that are often missed. Don't let this be one of them!

Outstanding Wedding Location on Maui

The Haiku Mill

Located on the Island of Maui, this location is by far one of the most unique venues we've ever seen. Not only is this site historical in nature (an abandoned sugar mill dating back to the 1800's) it now has built in chandelier lighting, a waterfall that can change colors, a glass colored pavilion and much more.  First Class Weddings supports this venue's management and it's wedding planning team. This is a completely legal Maui wedding location that is absolutely stunning.

Which comes first - Wedding Venue or Wedding Planner?

WHICH COMES FIRST, the Wedding Venue or the Wedding Planner?

The Pros & Cons of choosing a Wedding Venue first:
PRO: Client has full control over the venue.
CON: Wedding Planner does not.

*The planning process can be challenging for a planner if the wedding venue is secured first. Reason being is partly caused from needing to control the deliver, set-up and removal times as well as managing any of the on-site details. This would create a much less stressful experience for you.


The Pros & Cons of choosing a Wedding Planner first:
PRO: You have an expert at your fingertips, orchestrating your dream.
CON: If you choose the wrong planner.

*While interviewing planners can be tedious work, it may will be the most important first step in the overall planning process. This is where you have to ask yourself what is more important. Finding an expert to help you or simply doing everything yourself.

SO, WHICH COMES FIRST FOR YOU? The Wedding Venue or the Wedding Planner?