Destination Wedding Planning Timeline:
Your Month-by-Month Guide to Planning a Dream Wedding in Hawai‘i
Planning a destination wedding in Hawai‘i is one of the most exciting journeys you’ll ever take—but it also comes with unique considerations that make having a clear timeline essential. From travel logistics to island vendor availability, getting ahead of the planning curve is the key to a seamless, stress-free celebration.
To help you feel confident and prepared, we’ve created a 12–18 month Hawai‘i-specific wedding planning timeline that breaks down what to book first, what to prioritize, and how to stay organized along the way.
12–18 Months Before Your Wedding: Start Dreaming & Start Booking
Choose Your Island + Rough Guest Count: O‘ahu or Maui, each has its own charm. Determine which island fits your vision, guest logistics, and season. A rough headcount helps with venue sizing and budget planning.
Hire Your Wedding Planner (This Is Truly Step One!): Having a planner early ensures you get priority with top venues and vendors. Your planner will also help shape your vision, budget, timeline, and guest experience.
Secure Your Venue + Date: Venues in Hawai‘i are in high demand—especially beachfront properties and private estates. Booking 12–18 months out gives you the widest selection and aligns your timeline with trusted vendors.
10–12 Months Before: Build Your Vendor Team
Book Your Photographer & Videographer: Top artists often book a year or more in advance. If capturing the magic is a priority, lock them in early.
Secure Your Caterer, Florist, and Rentals Team: Island availability varies, and certain florals or specialty rentals may require more time to source. Your planner will guide you to trusted island vendors who fit your style. At Opihi Love, we are deeply rooted in the wedding communities of Maui and O‘ahu, with long-standing relationships with the island’s most talented and trusted vendors. From florists and photographers to caterers and entertainment, we know exactly who to bring onto your team to match your style, priorities, and vision. Our couples benefit from a carefully curated network of professionals who elevate every detail.
Reserve Hotel Room Blocks + Travel Info for Guests: Make it easy for loved ones. Reserve room blocks early and begin sharing preliminary travel details.
8–10 Months Before: Design, Details & Logistics
Start Your Design Plan: Mood boards, color palettes, florals, layout ideas—your planner will begin translating your vision into reality.
Purchase Your Wedding Dress: Bridal gowns can take months to arrive, and even longer with alterations. Island weddings often pair beautifully with lightweight, breathable designs.
Plan Engagement Photos (Optional but Beautiful): Schedule a session during a planning trip, or ask your wedding photographer about an additional event shoot.
6–8 Months Before: Bring the Celebration Together
Send Save-the-Dates: Especially important for destination weddings, guests will be arranging travel early.
Book Entertainment: Live musicians, DJs, specialty performers, hula dancers. Hawai‘i has incredible talent but limited availability during busy seasons.
Lock in Hair & Makeup: Beauty teams book quickly for island weddings, especially during peak months.
4–6 Months Before: Finalize the Experience
Finalize Menu & Bar Concepts: Local island cuisine, signature cocktails, and seasonal ingredients shine at Hawai‘i weddings.
Confirm Floral Designs & Decor Elements: Tropical florals require advance planning to source sustainably and seasonally.
Book Transportation: Shuttles, car rentals, private transportation—lock these in early for guests and wedding party logistics.
2–4 Months Before: Finishing Touches
Mail Invitations: Include travel info, transportation details, dress code, and any pre/post-wedding events.
Plan Welcome Bags & Guest Experiences: Local treats, itineraries, sunscreen, island keepsakes—your planner can help curate something special.
Final Dress Fittings: Make sure everything fits perfectly before heading to the islands.
1–2 Months Before: All About Coordination
Final Walkthrough (Virtual or In-Person): Confirm layout, timeline, and vendor logistics, finalize seating chart + ceremony details and work through your day with your planner.
Reconfirm Travel Plans: Ensure you and your guests have all the details they need.
Wedding Week in Hawai‘i: Take a Breath, You’re Here
Have Your Rehearsal: Your planner will handle the details, just enjoy it.
Spend Time With Loved Ones: Plan a welcome party, beach day, or casual get-together.
Relax & Trust the Team: You’ve done the work. Your planner and vendors will bring everything to life.
A Hawai‘i wedding is truly like no other, with sunset views, ocean breezes, and moments filled with aloha. With a thoughtful timeline and a trusted planner guiding you every step of the way, your dream celebration can come to life effortlessly.
At Opihi Love, we intentionally take only a limited number of weddings each year, because we believe in quality over quantity. Your love story deserves our full attention, creativity, and care, never a cookie-cutter approach. By limiting our events, we ensure every couple receives a deeply personalized, high-touch planning experience from start to finish.
If you’re ready to start planning your Hawai‘i destination wedding, we’d be honored to help bring your vision to life.
