Should we take a trip to Hawaii before getting married? This article is for all the couples wondering if they should visit their destination wedding location before saying I do. We answer when they should come and what they should do while on the islands.

Planning a destination wedding from afar is no cup of tea, and while you have a coordinator (AKA us!) to help out with most of the details you are bound to want to check things out for yourself before the big day. You are probably wondering if you should visit Hawaii before your big day! We say if you can and you have room in your budget for it you most definitely should!

We are so blessed to live in a day and age where phone calls, texts, video chats, and emails exist and can answer questions as quickly as they are asked. Especially when planning a destination wedding. While we can assure you that your team of vendors has your back, there is just nothing like being there in person. Not only does it save time going back and forth with emails, but it will also give you that extra, and much-needed peace of mind meeting everyone and seeing things for yourself. 

We cannot WAIT to meet you! While we (and most coordinators/planners in destination wedding hot spots) are professionals at handling logistics and taking care of things via emails, text, phone, and video calls there is just nothing like sitting down in person. We think it is important to get to know each other on a personal level and to build a relationship so that you can feel comfortable with us taking over all the details for your special day. Business-wise, what we cover in this meeting will depend on what stage of the planning process you are in. It can include everything from vendor recommendations, to timeline review, vision, decor and inspiration and helping set up or joining you for vendor meetings and site visits.

Schedule a time to go check out your wedding venue! If you plan to visit the islands before your big day we think this is an absolute must. Going to see your venue will help you envision the day and how everything will unfold.  Meeting the team at your venue will also give you peace of mind and allow you to ask any questions you may have.  It may also help you with design and decor inspiration. Pictures and layouts often don’t do the space justice and seeing things in person will give you a better perspective.

And, great news, and we would love to go with you on your site visit! We have experience working in your destinations and can also answer any questions, ask questions to the venue you may not have thought of and provide any feedback or suggestions we have learned from working there over the years.  

This is a great time to meet with your wedding vendors in person to get to know them and clearly communicate your vision and expectations for the day. This will also minimize all the back and forth emails and texts into one comprehensive meeting where you can accomplish a lot and narrow down details for your special day.  Haven’t chosen all your vendors!? You could also use this opportunity to schedule in person meetings with prospective vendors. It is much easier to get a feel for the right fit when you can sit down and “interview” them in person.

Ladies, you will not regret this! Providing inspiration photos for your hair and makeup artist can only go so far. Every look will turn out differently on every person! Take all your inspiration to your Hair and Makeup artist and do a trial run to see what works for you. If you don’t have time on your visit we highly recommend scheduling a trial when you come for the wedding just to test out your look before the big day. This brings us to our next point...

You got your wedding Hair and Make Up done (and even if you didn’t’) Why not have a photo shoot!? Hawaii is one of the most beautiful, photogenic places in the world. You’re getting married here so wouldn’t it be special to also take your engagement photos here! Not only is it a great way for you to get to know your photographer and how they work, but it is also an opportunity to showcase your destination wedding location to your guests! Trust us, taking time to do engagement photos in Hawaii is something you will NOT regret!

Tastings are so fun! They are also virtually impossible to do unless you are in person. If the cake and food are some of your top priorities for your wedding we highly recommend setting up tastings. You can get a little preview of what to expect on the day and narrow down menu options/ decisions in one fell swoop. 

You are planning a destination wedding in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, Hawaii! This is a great excuse to take a trip to not only iron out some details and check some things off the list, but also to take some time to explore our beautiful islands. Wedding week will be a full one and you might not get a chance to do everything you want. This will also give you an opportunity to make recommendations for your guests when they are visiting for your wedding.

Is there ever a bad time to visit Hawaii!? Not really! But if you are coming to check things out before your wedding we would recommend 6 to 9 months before the big date. This way you are far enough along in the planning process that most vendors are booked. You will also still have ample time to make adjustments as necessary after or during your visit.

That’s okay that’s why you hired the ABC team (or a coordinator)! Today technology is our best friend. Especially when planning a destination wedding. It is 100% possible to plan a wedding through virtual meetings, emails, texts, and phone calls! If it isn’t in your budget or you don’t have time to make it out to the islands before your wedding it is NOT going to make or break your day. your vendors, venue, and coordinator are all professionals when it comes to working with distant clients and we are all here to support you through the process. 

All that being said, we highly encourage you to arrive AT LEAST a few days (if possible, more) to check out your venue, meet your vendors, deal with your marriage license requirements in Hawaii (check out this BLOG for details) and tie up any loose ends. As well as get a lay of the land on the island and of course enjoy some well deserved rest and relaxation before your wedding day.

Finally, no matter what your decision is about visiting your destination before the wedding day we are here to assure you that your team of Hawaii vendors are pros when it comes to helping destination couples. They can be trusted to make sure your wedding goes off without a hitch. 

So what do you think? Will you visit the islands before your big day!? 

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