The Ultimate Oahu Destination Wedding Budget Guide to Plan with Confidence

Photography: Jana Dillon

Planning a Hawaii destination wedding budget can feel overwhelming at first, but we’re here to guide you through it with easy, step-by-step strategies. Here are our top tips for creating a personalized, realistic budget for your special day in Hawaii! 

Step 1: Establishing your Wedding Vision, Vibe, and Guest Count 

With years of planning weddings in Hawaii, from intimate beachside ceremonies to elaborate events with 200+ guests, we know that every wedding budget is unique. Start by setting a clear vision for your wedding: think about your ideal wedding vibe, list your priorities, and set a max guest count. Having these details decided will guide your planning and spending, making the budgeting process more straightforward and will serve as a great way to officially kick off your wedding planning journey as a couple. 

Defining your Wedding Vibe 

Deciding on your wedding vibe from the get-go is essential. Choose three to five words to describe the feel of your wedding: maybe “glamorous, unique, and formal” or “intimate, organic, and casual.” Knowing your style can also help you estimate costs, as formal, high-end styles tend to be pricier than more laid-back setups. This simple exercise not only helps you stick to your budget but also sets the tone for a wedding that reflects your unique personalities as a couple.

Step 2: Prioritize Your Must Have Vendors 

Photography: June Cochran 

As tempting as it is to want it all, some elements are more important than others. Here is a quick checklist of typical wedding vendors. We suggest grouping them by priority: 

1. A top priority 

2. Mid range priority 

3. Nice to have, but not essential

Planner

Venue

Caterer

Cake

Liquor

Photographer

Videographer

Music

Officiant

Stylist 

Wedding Attire 

Rentals

Flowers

Graphic Design

Misc Decor

Transportation

Guest Count

This approach allows you to allocate your budget according to what matters most to you as a couple, creating a meaningful celebration without breaking the bank. 

Step 3: Set Realistic Budget Expectations Based on Hawaii Vendor Pricing 

Once you have your vision and priorities in place and a clear idea of what your final guest count is, understanding Hawaii’s unique pricing can help further refine your budget. 

Before diving into the next section, it's important to note that pricing can vary widely depending on the region. Vendors set their prices based on factors like local cost of living, demand, the time required for each project, experience, travel needs, and more. Since most couples reading this blog are planning to marry on O’ahu, we’ve tailored these price ranges to reflect typical costs here and what many of our clients experience. 

Coordinator/ Planner: $3,000 - $20,000 | Average Cost for Our Clients: $10,000

When beginning to select a wedding planner, it’s essential to assess your specific needs. If you only need someone to coordinate logistics on the big day, a day-of coordinator may be ideal. If you prefer assistance from start to finish, consider a full-service wedding planner. For something in between, partial planning services may be right for you, offering a blend of consultation and day-of coordination. The cost of a reliable, experienced wedding planner will vary based on the level of support required and their experience in the field. 

Venue Rental: $3,000 - $12,000 | Average for Our Clients: $8,000

Venue rental costs generally cover the basics: power, restrooms, parking, and waste disposal. Additional services, like in-house catering, rentals or getting-ready suites, may be included depending on the venue. Be sure to clarify all associated expenses when choosing your venue. For instance, some venues require you to use their preferred vendors for food and rentals, while others offer flexibility. Understanding these policies upfront will help ensure the venue meets both your vision and budget. Some questions to consider are: 

• Are you required to book all food and beverage through them OR are you able to bring in another company of your choosing? 

• Can you bring in your own rentals OR do they require you to book rentals through them in-house?

• Do they have ample parking OR will you have to hire transportation or valet services? 

Catering: $80-$250 per person | Average for Our Clients: ~ $150 per person

Your guest count directly impacts catering costs. If your venue allows outside catering, you’ll enjoy greater flexibility and potentially more affordable options. However, if your venue has in-house catering, you’ll need to work within their set menu and pricing. Clarifying this beforehand can help you manage your food and beverage budget effectively.

Cake: $40 - $2,000 | Average for Our Clients: $650

From a simple, single-tier cake to a luxurious, multi-tiered creation, cake costs vary widely. Some couples choose a small, 8’ cake from their favorite bakery, while others opt for a grand display with luxurious embellishments. Your venue’s policies may also affect this budget item if they have requirements for cakes from specific vendors.

Liquor Costs: $20 - $200 per person | Average for Our Clients: $50 per person

Liquor costs vary significantly based on your venue’s policies. If you can bring your own alcohol, buying in bulk can save you a substantial amount ($3 per drink). Venues with in-house bar services may charge per drink ($20) or per guest. Typically, we suggest budgeting for one drink per person per hour.

Photographer: $3,500 - $10,000 | Average for Our Clients: $6,000

The average amount of time our clients will book a photographer is 6-8 hours. This usually covers the tail end of getting ready through to the first 30 minutes of an open dancefloor. Each photographer's price will depend on the photographer’s expertise, team size, travel requirements, and the final products they deliver after the event (albums, prints, etc.) 

Videographer: $2,000 - $10,000 | Average for Our Clients: $6,000

Similar to photography, the average amount of time our clients will book a videographer is 6-8 hours. This usually covers the tail end of getting ready through to the first 30 minutes of an open dance floor. Videography costs are influenced by the videographe’s experience, team size, same day edit inclusions and the products they deliver after the event (highlight reels, social media content, etc.)

Music: $500 - $25,000 |  Average for Our Clients: $6,000

When choosing music for your wedding, you’ll find a variety of options, from DJs and live bands to a combination of both. On the more budget-friendly side, you could simply rent a sound system and play a playlist you’ve curated. On the higher end, you might choose a live band or ensemble to provide music throughout the entire event, creating a more elevated experience. 

Officiant Services: $0 - $1,000  |  Average for Our Clients: $500

Many of our clients opt to have friends and family perform their ceremony, which can often be free. This typically requires more work on their end, but often leads to more personable ceremonies. For a unique or religious ceremony, some may bring in officiants from other locations not available on island, which can add in travel costs. 

Stylist Services (Hair & Makeup): $150 - $600 per person | Average for Our Clients:  $350 per person

Styling costs depend on the experience and availability of the stylists, travel expenses, and the number of stylists required. Most brides book their stylists for pre-ceremony services only, but there are the occasional few who pay the additional fee to have their stylists at their venue for either touchups or hair and makeup changes.

Wedding Attire: $100 - $10,000 | Average for Our Clients: $4,500 (dress), $600 (suit), $200 per person in wedding party attire

Our clients have chosen wedding attire across a wide spectrum of options. Some find beautiful dresses for under $100 from stores like Lulu’s, while others opt for luxury bridal boutiques. It’s also essential to decide if you’ll be renting or buying suits and tuxedos and whether you’ll cover attire costs for your wedding party.

Rentals: $12,000 - $35,000 (for ~100 guests) | Average for Our Clients: $20,000

Rentals needs vary greatly depending on your venue’s amenities. A full setup with tables, chairs, lighting, and decor may be necessary for some locations, while others may only need minimal upgrades like linens and decor accents. Our budget price range above is based on the latter.

Flowers: $5,000 - $25,000 (for ~100 guests) | Average for Our Clients: $10,000

Floral expenses vary based on arrangement size, flower types, and the complexity of the designs. Experienced florists may charge higher fees, reflecting the quality and artistry they bring to your wedding.

Graphic Design: $150 - $5,000 | Average for Our Clients: $800

From printable to custom calligraphy, design costs fluctuate. Many couples start with online templates, while others invest in unique, hand-crafted signage and invitations to create one-of-a-kind products. 

Miscellaneous Decor: $200 - $4,000 | Average for Our Clients: $1,000

This budget covers items like guest favors, signage, and any unique decor details that add a personal touch to your day. Often these are smaller items that pull together the overall wedding aesthetic and items that don’t fit into the categories above. 

Transportation: $200 - $4,000 (for ~100 guests) | Average for Our Clients: $3,500

From a limousine exit to shuttle services for guests, transportation costs depend on vehicle types and travel distance. If your venue is remote or lacks parking, shuttles may be necessary for guest convenience.

Setting your wedding budget doesn’t have to be daunting. With these steps, you’ll have a realistic framework for creating the wedding of your dreams within budget. If you’re interested in learning more about how Love Letter Weddings can make your Hawaii wedding planning journey smooth and stress-free, check out our services page!