Planning a wedding or elopement can be challenging even under normal circumstances. Add in travel restrictions, safety protocols that vary by state, and coordinating with family, and the prospect of putting together such an event can seem overwhelming at best. But this doesn’t mean you have to postpone your wedding indefinitely. Given some adjustments to your ceremony and careful selection of venue and vendors, it is still possible to have a safe, enjoyable, and low-stress experience. Our wedding experts here at the Holualoa Inn put together some tips to help you navigate your way to your wedding day.
Go Virtual
It can be hard to think about having a wedding ceremony without your family and friends in attendance. After all, the joy of a celebration is sharing it with other people. Fortunately, it is still possible to share your big day with those you love even if they cannot be there in person. Although physical gatherings are restricted, Zoom has become a popular option for sharing a wedding ceremony with a large group of people. All it takes is a smartphone or iPad, a 4G connection and an extra set of hands (When you book and Estate Elopement package at the Holualoa Inn, your Wedding Coordinator will be more than happy to assist!). If you are interested in capturing even more of your special day, consider hiring a professional videographer or a drone photographer so you can share photos and video once you get home.
Keep Things Small
It is still possible to have an intimate ceremony with just a few close friends or relatives in attendance. Our Estate Elopement package is perfect for the two of you plus a few others. If you do decide to have guests celebrate your wedding with you in person, be sure to keep your group size small (the current group size limit for gatherings in Hawaii is 10 people). Doing so will make coordinating with guests easier, reduce everyone’s risk, and respect local gathering ordinances.
Choose Your Venue Carefully
Small venues or secluded locations provide the safety and tranquility you’ll want to enjoy on your big day. This goes for Anniversaries, Engagements, and Vow Renewals as well. The Holualoa Inn is located on a private 30-acre estate with verdant lawns, tropical orchards and gardens, and fantastic vistas looking out on the endless blue Pacific Ocean. Any of these can be the location for you to say your vows when you book our Estate Elopement package. Or opt for an intimate ceremony for two on a secluded beach with our Toes in the Sand package. For accommodations we have a private cottage and a secluded studio in addition to the rooms at the Inn, and there is always the option of a Whole House Rental.
Check Cancellation Policies
There is plenty of reason to be hopeful that things are improving, but it’s important to know the exact terms of your contract in the event you have to postpone or cancel your ceremony. Minimize the risk of losing out on deposits by asking your site coordinator and vendors lots of questions and looking carefully at contract policies.
Book a la Carte
All-inclusive wedding packages can be convenient, but if one aspect of the package is compromised, you are at risk of having to cancel your whole wedding. Although it might be less convenient under normal circumstances, booking your venue and vendors individually will allow you to find a replacement vendor in the event that one of them has to cancel due to COVID-19.
So remember, although it might seem daunting, it is still possible to make your wedding dreams come true this year. Although a traditional gathering might not be possible right now, you can plan your romantic elopement in paradise!
