Maui Wedding Planner: Having an outdoor wedding
Outdoor marriages in Hawaii are gorgeous - except when the weather is not. Consider these things when preparing your outdoor marriage (on or near the beach).
1)Write out a backup plan in case it rains. Scattered showers are typical in the islands and looked upon as a blessing. But torrential downpours make for a messy ceremony and/or reception - so, if you can, have a backup scenario. Options are renting a enclosure or scheduling an indoor location. Another option is having your marriage at a beach location with indoor facilities such as a resort or estate.
2) If you're holding your ceremony literally on the beach, try not to put chairs directly on the sand if you can help it. The sand is uneven and unstable, and many of your guests may not be dressed appropriately for remaining on the sand. Search for some grass to arrange seating for guests. If you do want your ceremony on the sand, discuss renting some type of deck for the chairs to be placed on.
3)Don�t forget the glare of the sun for your guests during your marriage ceremony. Aim to position everyone so that there is minimal time where the sun is shining directly into their eyes. The glory of the ocean backdrop gets lost when nobody is able to even open their eyes.
4)If it's a daytime ceremony, consider having bottled water available for guests as they arrive. Hawaii's sun can be quite warm; and folks can dehydrate quickly in the afternoon sun.
5) Opt for hand-held fans to distribute to guests as wedding favors or as keepsakes to help keep the sun out of their eyes and a cool breeze handy.
6) Keep up with the local weather service about tide and sunset times. And consider this information when determining your ceremony time.
7) Be certain to find out all the rules and regulations for the beach or park you are "Renting." Some rules you can expect are restrictions on number of guests; use or availability of electricity; use of amplified sound; how long you can be there. Usually public beaches and parks will only allow smaller events.
John has been a licensed and ordained minister for 41 years. He and his wife have served as Maui Wedding Planners for more than 1,000 Maui Weddings with his wedding planning business, Maui Me Inc. All of his ceremonies are original and he performed his first wedding 35 years ago. John has written almost 50 Christian books (which have been translated into eight languages). In addition to performing wedding ceremonies, he shoots most of the photography.
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