Monday, March 20, 2006

Bridal Dream Hawaii Wedding Q&A site

We often receive similar questions about our Hawaii Wedding services in Honolulu, so from time to time, I would like to post your Questions on this site so you can find the answers right here.

Click the COMMENTS below to see our Most Asked Questions.

Aloha,

Robert Hamilton
www.bridaldreamhawaii.com

34 Comments:

At 4:51 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: How can we get our Marriage License in Honolulu?

A: To get your Marriage License in Honolulu, you will need to:
1. Appear together at the Department of Health.
2. Fill out a one-page Application.
3. Show your ID's.
4. Pay $60 cash.
For more details, and to download the MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATION FORM, visit: www.bridaldreamhawaii.com/license.html
RH

 
At 8:44 AM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: Do you do Weddings on Maui or Kauai also?

A: Yes, for Maui Weddings, visit: www.mauibeachwedding.net

For Kauai Weddings, see:
www.kauaibeachwedding.net

 
At 8:45 AM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: Why do Maui & Kauai Weddings cost so much more than Oahu Weddings?

A: Oahu has much more competition between Wedding companies, so the rates tend to be about half that of the outer islands.

I recommend visiting more than one island while you are in Hawaii. It's nice to have your Wedding on Oahu, where you can enjoy all the perks of Limousine service, Wedding Video, lots of Photos, Cake & Sparkling Cider, etc., and then go and visit Maui for a couple days for the Honeymoon. On the way back through Honolulu, you can pick up your Wedding Photos before flying home.
RH

 
At 8:52 AM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: How can I make a Wedding Reservation?

A: We will need to know:
1. Your Wedding Date.
2. Names of the Bride & Groom.
3. Hotel information & cell phone number so we can contact you.
4. Which Wedding Package you wish to order. (You may make your own changes to your Wedding Package as well, to suit your wishes for your Special Day.) Choose a Package at: WEDDING PACKAGES

When you are ready to make your Reservation, please fill out our form at:
WEDDING RESERVATIONS
RH

 
At 8:59 AM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: How much notice do you need for a Wedding reservation?

A: Some people reserve their Wedding a year in advance, while others only a couple weeks.

We recommend reserving your Hawaii Wedding at the same time you reserve your Air tickets & Hotel.

Our Wedding Calendar is first come first served. If you want to have an all day Wedding event, such as a North Shore Wedding, or our Deluxe Oahu Wedding, you will want to make your reservation early before that date fills up.

 
At 9:17 AM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: Can I choose your WEDNESDAY WEDDING on a different day?

A: YES, you may choose any of our Wedding Packages for the date you wish. Custom changes to the Wedding plan are fine, too.
RH

 
At 9:56 AM, Blogger bridaldream said...

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At 10:25 AM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: What Wedding locations are available in Honolulu?

A: By far our most popular Wedding location is Waialae Beach Park.
Our Deluxe Oahu Wedding visits 7 different beaches (Waialae, Kawaikui, Makapuu, Waimanalo, Kailua, Lanikai, & Magic Island), in case you have a hard time deciding which one you like best.

North Shore and Makaha are also great spots for the adventurous types who want to get further away from the city.

Paradise Cove is a nice (and private) location for larger Weddings with over 20 guests.

For Chapel & Church Weddings we have:
PRINCESS LAGOON CHAPEL
First Christian Church
Primarrie Church
Central Union
RH

 
At 12:23 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: Do you have non-denominational Wedding Officiants? How about Catholic Weddings, Jewish, or Justice of the Peace officiants?

A: On Oahu we use Christian Wedding Ministers. See: MINISTERS.
In Honolulu, Scott Nelson is our main Minister at this time.

On Maui & Kauai we use a number of Ministers, some are probably "non-denominational." (That term is quite vague in meaning, and nobody has given me a good definition to this point.)

As far as Catholic Weddings in Hawaii are concerned, generally Catholic churches perform Weddings for their members but are not actively seeking to serve non-members, nor do they have Weddings outside the walls of their own Church. Maybe your Priest can give you a referral to a Catholic Priest in Hawaii.

Bridal Dream Wedding Company would be happy to work with your own Minister or Priest. We can provide the other Wedding services, such as Photography, Limousine transportation, and Wedding Bouquet.

We do not know any Jewish Rabbi's in Hawaii, nor have we ever seen any Judges performing Beach Weddings. We would be happy to work with one if you wish to provide your own, however.

RH

 
At 1:13 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: We are not Americans. Will our Marriage in Hawaii be legal in our country?

A: It is common practice for nations to recognize Marriages performed in other countries.

We have couples come from Europe & Australia, and Asia, and we haven't had any difficulties thus far.

The Hawaii Department of Health will give you an official Marriage Certificate which should be sufficient for you to be able to apply for a new ID with your new last name.

Please contact your local Authorities to inquire as to how you should register your Marriage after your Wedding in the United States.

RH

 
At 1:22 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: Are your Officiants licensed by the State of Hawaii?

A: We only used licensed Wedding Officiants. We would like to stay in business for a long time.
RH

 
At 1:31 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: We called the Dept. of Health about our Marriage Certificate, but they said they haven't received it yet.

A: We occasionally hear this question, but our Ministers mail in the Marriage license the next day or two.

The Dept. of Health sometimes takes a few weeks to process their paperwork. Please give them 3 or 4 weeks before inquiring about the status of your Marriage Certificate.

Q: We haven't seen our Marriage Announcement in the Honolulu Star Bulletin?

A: BDWC is not associated with the Newspaper. We do not know how long it takes for them to print their Marriage Announcements.
RH

 
At 2:27 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: Does Bridal Dream Hawaii do Wedding Receptions? What kind of Dinner Packages do you have?

A: At this time we have two different Dinner Packages.
1. Paradise Cove Luau
Two of our Packages include Luau tickets for the Bride & Groom. Extra tickets for your guests may be added as well.
See our PARADISE PACKAGE and PARADISE COVE WEDDING.
2. Sunset Dinner Cruise
This is a lovely Steak & Lobster Dinner with Live Dancing and Entertainment aboard the STAR OF HONOLULU. Extra tickets may be added for your guests.
See: WEDDING & DINNER CRUISE PACKAGE

THE KAHALA Hotel is another nice place for a Gazebo Wedding and elegant Wedding Reception. See KAHALA WEDDING.

Other Resort Hotels in the area (such as Sheraton Waikiki, Hyatt Regency, or Hilton Hawaiian Village) would be happy to help you with a Wedding Reception Banquet. They are well prepared to provide Party services for your Event.

RH

 
At 2:35 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: Do you offer Marriage License assistance?

A: The Health Department Agents will assist you as much as you need to get your Hawaii Marriage License, at no cost to you (or to us) except your $60.00 Marriage License Fee. (Only cash is accepted, no checks or charge cards.)

I have seen this "License Assistance" mentioned on some Wedding websites. Please ask them to specify what that means, as it is likely something you can do yourself with one phone call to a Marriage License Agent. Remember, nobody can get your Marriage License for you. There is no shortcut, you need to appear in person before a Health Dept. Agent.

At Bridal Dream Hawaii, we offer an Escort and Transportation to the Dept. of Health for $100.00. You can also take a Bus or Taxi, if you wish to go on your own.

Please be sure to bring your Marriage License to the Wedding for the Minister to sign.

For more details see: HAWAII MARRIAGE LICENSE

RH

 
At 11:59 AM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: How long does the Wedding take? Can we see the Ceremony the Minister uses? Can we write our own Vows?

A: The Wedding Ceremony itself is less than 10 minutes. Our Minister also likes to have a short talk about Marriage and a brief explanation of the Ceremony before the Wedding begins.

We usually shoot Photos for about an hour, including during the Ceremony. Your Limousine is chartered for two hours, so you should arrive back at your hotel about 2 hours after you are picked up. (Limousine pickup time is 30 minutes before the Wedding time, unless your Wedding location is more than 20 minutes away from your Hotel.)

See Scott's Wedding Ceremony at HAWAII WEDDING #1.
See Robert's Wedding Ceremony at HAWAII WEDDING #2.
See John's Wedding Ceremony at HAWAII WEDDING #3.

You are welcome (and encouraged) to write your own Wedding vows, as they will be more meaningful to you than anything the Minister could say.

RH

 
At 11:52 AM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: What do we do if it rains on our Wedding day?

A: When it rains on your Wedding day, we have two choices:
1. Reschedule
2. Relocate

We can postpone your Wedding until later in the day if it looks like it will clear up, or until the following day.

Changing your Wedding location to a Chapel is another possibility, but will probably cost $300-$400.

RH

 
At 5:58 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: Do we need witnesses?

A: Witnesses aren't required. (Your Marriage License will be processed without any Witness signatures.) However, the Photographer will be happy to sign as witness on your Marriage License.

 
At 5:59 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

bridaldream said...
Q: When should we send in our payment?

A: First we request a $100.00 Deposit to confirm your Reservation. For certain Weddings such as MAUI or KAUAI, or our DELUXE WEDDINGS, we request a 50% deposit.

We will charge your card the balance due one day before your Wedding. However, Maui & Kauai Weddings should be paid for one month before the Wedding date.

 
At 6:03 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: What are your Cancellation policies?

A: Our most up-to-date Cancellation policy is found on our DETAILS PAGE.

For Beach Weddings on Oahu:
* Cancellation Fee three or more days before the Wedding Date: $100.00.
* Previous Day Cancellation: 50% charge
* Same Day Cancellation: 100% Charge

For Church or Chapel Weddings on Oahu:
(including Princess Lagoon Chapel, Primarrie Church, First Christian Church, Waimea Falls Park, and Paradise Cove.)
* Cancellation Charge (8 days or more before Wedding): 50% Charge
* Cancellation Charge (0-7 days before Wedding): 100% charge

On islands other than Oahu, payment is non-refundable 30 days before Wedding Date. Also, some Wedding Packages (such as Kahala Wedding and Paradise Cove) have non-refundable deposits to hold the Wedding Location. Luau Tickets and Dinner Cruise Tickets are non-refundable unless cancelled due to weather. See the webpage with your Wedding Package for details, or contact us if you have questions.

RH

 
At 6:24 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: Our Wedding Package says we can choose our Bouquet style and Cake Flavor. When should we let you know our choices?

See our Bouquet styles and Cake flavors at WEDDING FLOWERS.

Please let us know your Flower preference at least a week before your Wedding. (We usually order Tropical Bouquets and Coconut cake, however we also have Rose or Orchid Bouquets, and Strawberry or Vanilla Cakes.)

RH

 
At 7:05 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: Do we need to show our Marriage Certificate for a Wedding Vow Renewal?

A: Vow Renewals are personal ceremonies rather than legal ones, so no paperwork or proof of marriage will be requested.

 
At 8:57 AM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: May we choose our Minister?

A: You may request a certain Minister at BRIDAL DREAM MINISTERS if you have a preference (and if that Minister is available).

Scott Nelson performs most of our Waialae Beach Weddings.

RH

 
At 9:29 AM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: Is Airfare & Hotel accomodations included in your Wedding Package?

A: Airfare & Hotels are not included in our Wedding packages, but our Travel Agent can assist with your travel arrangements if you do not have your own travel agent.

 
At 9:34 AM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: Do your packages apply to weddings that take place in Kauai?

A: For Kauai Weddings, please visit KauaiBeachWedding.net.

For Maui Weddings, see MauiBeachWedding.net.

 
At 1:29 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: What is said at a Vow Renewal? What should be worn?

A: A Vow Renewal Ceremony is nearly identical to a Wedding Ceremony. We recommend that you add something to it by writing a letter to your partner that you will read to them during the Ceremony.

See our Ceremonies at WEDDING CEREMONIES

You may wear whatever you wish to your Vow Renewal, though we recommend you come ready to have your photos taken, and wear "Earth" colors, such as white or beige, rather than pink or purple which tend to overpower the photos when we shoot two rolls of film.

 
At 11:19 AM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: May we bring our own Flowers?

A: Yes, you are welcome to bring your own Flowers. We can make changes to your Wedding package to suit your wishes and adjust the price accordingly.
RH

 
At 10:37 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The awesome service. Bridal Dream is so awesome. We booked my sister wedding. Fast, Friendly, and professional service. Awesome photos. You guys rock.

 
At 3:44 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

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At 11:34 AM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q: What happens if you get married in las vegas and have a las vegas marriage license, but want to
have a marriage license in Oahu also, can this be done and how?

A: If you are married in another State you will not be eligible for a Hawaii Marriage License, which is only given to unmarried persons.

Your Wedding in Hawaii will be a Vow Renewal. No Marriage License or proof of Marriage is necessary.

 
At 7:28 PM, Blogger fastchic3649 said...

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At 8:05 AM, Blogger Doris Le-Truong said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

 
At 1:20 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

Q:
Can all your Wedding packages be used for sunset weddings?

A:
Yes. Our Beach Wedding packages may be requested for sunset time, though East Oahu (Waialae Beach, Waimanalo & Lanikai) does not have good lighting at sunset, or a clear view of the sun setting.

Q: Can you help with Chairs and an Arch?

A: Our PARADISE COVE WEDDING has chairs, and a Bamboo Arch is available.

The KAHALA RESORT has chairs & a Gazebo. See: KAHALA WEDDING.

We do not carry chairs and arches to public beaches.

RH

 
At 4:43 PM, Blogger Cindy said...

What is the site address for weddings at Paradise Cove, one that can be printed for directions on the invitations?

 
At 5:30 PM, Blogger bridaldream said...

For invitations to weddings at Paradise Cove, this is the address:
92-1089 Alii Nui Drive
Kapolei, Hawaii 96707

 

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