Introducing....Katy Castillo Weddings

I would like to welcome our newest member of the Elite Hawaii Weddings Community! Katy Castillo Weddings! Katy is an amazing coordinator with an eye for beauty and detail. You can learn more about her company on her private brochure page, or visit her website to learn more.



Katy, we are thrilled to have you part of our community!

Featured Wedding

We are still looking for gorgeous and inspiring Hawaii Weddings to feature on Elite Hawaii Weddings. Please email Susie@elitehawaiiweddings if you are interested. You can be a bride or a wedding professional, doesn't matter. As long as your wedding stands out and will aid our current bride-to-be's we would love to feature you!

:: Tips from Experts ::

We have another round of Tips from the Experts for your Thursday afternoon. This week we are hearing from the super talented Annie Sundseth of Bliss in Bloom....




1. Before you meet with your florist, have an idea of your theme and color
scheme. This will greatly help the florist guide the bride to the right
looks for the florals.

2. Be open and flexible with the actual flowers. Having a destination
wedding in Hawaii requires most flowers to be shipped in and sometimes the
florist needs to make creative changes if the integrity of certain flowers
are compromised during shipping. Sometimes I ask brides to send me photos of
the looks they like, but keep in mind that sometimes your actual flowers may
vary slightly. Don't get too stuck on a specific flower.

3. Don't choose your flowers too soon. If you select your flowers a year in
advance it will give you enough time to change your mind over and over
again. Look at ideas and keep a book of what you like, then consult with
your florist about six months prior to the wedding. This way you won't be
tempted to keep changing your mind.

4. Know your budget before you consult with your florist and don't be shy
about letting them know what you can spend. Because the florist will most
likely be shipping flowers in, the cost will most likely be greater than
something purchased on the mainland. Also, knowing your budget right away
will help your florist in guiding you to the right floral selections that
are in season and the caliber of the arrangements.

5. Don't be afraid to shop around for your florist/vendors. You want to make
sure you feel you can trust your vendor with your ideas and that you have
found a good fit for your creative needs. Don't just find someone on the
internet and commit. Make a few phone calls before you decide on one
specific vendor. If you find a vendor you really like, ask them for
additional recommendations. Chances are, here on the island, vendors will
know just about everyone in the business and they can be great resources!

Thanks Annie for your tips! For more Floral inspiration, check out Annie's website at
Bliss in Bloom

I hope you, find these tips useful. If there is a specific subject you are interested in, have a vendor that you would like us to feature, or want to share some tips yourself, please let us know. Email me at Susie@elitehawaiiweddings.com

Happy Thursday! Mohalo!

:: Tips from Experts ::

We have another round of helpful tips for the bride-to-be. This week coming from the very talented Tisha Woytenko, owner of Invitations by Kiku.



1. Delegate, delegate, delegate. When it comes to planning this wonderful event, you don't want to be stuck with unpleasant details. Put your matron/maids of honor, and groomsmen to work. Your family usually is more than eager to help you with the details. Have one great brainstorming session with your "team" and get people assigned to their duties.

2. The professionals you enlist to help with your special day are more than willing to give you advice to avoid pitfalls or potentially bad choices. If you are clueless, ask! We expect you to inquire of our experience during this time of planning.

3. Give yourself at least 4-8 weeks prior to the invitation send out date for your invitations. Put time on your side to eliminate the stress. So many times, I have brides coming to me at the last minute because their previous vendor spelled their names wrong or some other costly mistake. Nothing like a last minute rush to increase your stress level!

4. If you want to control the quantity of guests, add "We have reserved _____ seat(s) for you at the reception." YOU fill in that number. If they scratch it out, CALL THEM! You are the host, you are paying, and you need to know who else they are bringing if you allow them to. Some guests are not gracious and don't follow the names on the envelope. These are the ones NOT likely to be invited to your next party- family or not.

5. Professionals don't like to mention it, but constant email inquiries and calls don't get your issue resolved faster. These brides are likely the ones to be most stressed, on a maxed out budget and definitely not delegating. Sometimes, we have to face the fact that downsizing our party, and sending the rest of them announcements, is more practical. There are more important things to come, believe it or not, especially for young newlyweds.... a house? a baby?

You should enjoy the process and just make sure to relax once in a while. The day will come as fast as it goes. All the details you stressed to perfect will disappear beneath each happy year together.

Tisha Woytenko
Owner and Artist
Kiku Kami, LLC
Invitations by Kiku
info@invitationsbykiku.com
808.554.6441

Thanks Tisha! Be sure to contact Tisha for more helpful tips!

Happy Monday!

Featured Vendor :: October

I am thrilled to say that our featured vendor for October is the fabulous Orchid Isle Events. Cheryl has been splendid to work with, and I highly recommend her to help you plan the Hawaii wedding of your dreams. Take a minute to read her interview and view some photos courtesy of Frank Amodo, from a recent wedding they did together.