Cherished in Hawaii Weddings Coordination/Planning

To hire a coordinator or not.. that’s the question...

(If you simply want pricing then scroll down to the bottom.)

If you’ve come to this page seeking information on wedding planning/coordinating in Hawaii then read on. There is so much to say! Ultimately the best thing you can do is speak to a potential coordinator and let your gut be your guide.

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What is the role of a wedding coordinator?
I have seen many lengthy definitions of the purpose of a wedding coordinator that articulate ever so beautifully this one thing:
...to ensure that you will be able to relax and enjoy every moment of your wedding day from the moment we start planning until it becomes a pleasant memory for years to come.

Do you really need a coordinator?
Great question! Here is my own story...
When I planned my own wedding I definitely did not want the stressful mess and anxiety I watched so many of my friends choose to deal with. I had no one to help me and I had no idea what to do. I opened the phone book, checked out every website, made appointments to see places, meet people.... family and friends were asking all kinds of questions about my dress, catering, centerpieces, and things I never even heard of! The only flower I could identify was a rose... HELP!!!!
Then I got lucky. My last appointment before canning the idea of a wedding was with someone named Brian at a nearby catering hall. He seemed nice over the phone - wasn’t pushy. When I got to the front desk they called him by his full name. Oh my gosh! My older sister had a good friend with that same name... he was like a big brother to me...could it be? After all these years?
When Brian walked out to welcome me - it was the same Brian! To him I was still just Noreen’s little sister. When we sat in his office I was completely comfortable venting about my wedding ignorance and my limited budget. He told me everything that I needed to know including the things I should not worry about. It was so easy!
The key here was my comfort and trust in someone.
So do you need a coordinator? All I can say is that it made all the difference for me! The only thing I needed to do was make a few simple decisions and show up. Now I can provide the same level of comfort and trust for my couples and the feedback tells all... read some testimonials... It just takes a simple phone call to see for yourself...

(Direct) 808-489-9547 * (Toll Free) 877-789-WEDD

How do I know which coordinator is right for me?
Find someone whose personality and demeanor are compatible with yours AND who is excellent at what they do.
I have observed many coordinators over the years and have come to this conclusion. While some are high strung, raving lunatics that bark out orders throughout a wedding, most are very good. This can certainly make it a difficult choice. Approach this decision as though you were choosing a friend. Friends provide us with various characteristics that meet our needs in different ways. One of the biggest differences among the many great coordinators is in their personalities and their approach to planning a wedding.
Find a coordinator whose personality fits with yours. For example - A bridezilla would never hire me because I do not do the drama. I plan weddings with extreme attention to those details that you should not have to worry about. We have a lot of fun and THERE IS NO STRESS. All correspondences will end with a :o)

What do you have to do on your wedding day?
SHOW UP AND ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!! This means a job well done. We make it so easy for you to enjoy the planning from the very first contact.

What are wedding coordinating fees? (Keep reading or scroll down for a direct answer)
What to charge for coordinating has always been a difficult decision for me. I bond so much with my brides that it is sometimes hard to separate the fact that this is how I make my living.
Some charge an hourly fee. To me, a skeptical native New Yorker, my only thoughts are - how do I know how long it took you? Or - why should I pay more if you are just a slow worker? Needless to say, this is not my chosen method.
Some charge a percentage of the total cost of the wedding. The reason this doesn’t fly for me is that my couples are looking for the best deals they can find without sacrificing quality. Many couples are choosing to get married in Hawaii to save money - especially in these current economic times. How will they trust that I am getting them affordable pricing if I am getting a percentage of the total? Yes, again - a New Yorker’s style of thinking. I have many tricks for saving money and love to share them.
That is what I don’t do - so what do I do for you?
(Bet you can’t wait to find out!)
First of all, hopefully you can tell by now that my approach is very laid back and fun. Our conversations will always end with you feeling really good about your wedding! You will be amazed at the amount of stress you feel - basically because you won’t be feeling any! Your friends and family will pose anxiety building questions to you and you will be able to respond with ease that “it’s all good.” You will watch those wedding shows on TV and think - what is wrong with those people!!!! You may even have friends who are planning their own weddings and losing their minds. You will simply smile knowing that you are enjoying the moments that are making them so crazy.
One of the things that made me successful as a teacher (who specialized in behavior modification) was that I was able to see things through the eyes of my students. What better way to meet their needs and show you care? People know when someone cares and knows what they are doing - it is that simple. I will talk with you as often as you like. E-mails will always receive prompt responses - even if you send 10 in one day. I encourage this to build rapport in order to get to know who you are and what would work best for you - not for every other wedding - but for YOU. I will also be able to see things through your eyes so that I can make it happen as you envision. I truly feel honored to be a part of your dream wedding - large or small - and enjoy being the one behind the scenes that made it all happen.
Vendors - I am extremely particular about the vendors I hire. Coordinators do not give out their vendor list for free so please don’t even ask. The time it takes to establish the necessary rapport with chosen vendors is priceless. Websites can be deceiving as we all know. My vendors have proven to me they they are not only excellent at what they do, they are reliable (you’d be surprised how difficult this can be to find!) and genuinely care about my couples as much as I do. I treat my vendors very well. This results in an awesome wedding! Good rapport with vendors truly does make a difference in the overall success and “happy feeling” that should be a part of every wedding :o)

PRICING (finally!)
There are 3 types of coordinating to choose from. Some brides like to have complete control over the details of their wedding and just need someone to pull it all together on the wedding day. Other brides have no idea where to start (that was me!) The choice is yours.
Basic Ceremony - anywhere from no cost to $750 depending on how much is involved and how many guests will be attending.
Day of Coordination (ceremony and reception)- begins at $1200. You provide me with all of your final contracts and I make it all happen.
Full Ceremony and Reception planning begins at $2250. Again, it depends on how much is involved and how many guests will be attending.
PLEASE NOTE - if you want to stay on a budget for coordination let me know. I am very respectful of budgets and will help show you how to stay within the budget you set. There is no limit to our communication, but please be kind. I will deal with all vendors, venues, confirming and re-confirming all necessary arrangements.
The goal is that you and your guests can simply show up and enjoy the unfolding of your very special day.
More questions?   808-489-9547 * 877-789-WEDD (toll free)
Or e-mail

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“After meeting with Carrie I felt like I just handed in 5 term papers”

More Testimonials

We are proud to announce that

Cherished in Hawaii Weddings

has been rated by local brides and voted

The Knot Best of Weddings 2011

The Knot Best of Weddings 2012

Wedding Wire Bride’s Choice Award 2012