With same-sex marriage now legal in Hawaii, the wedding industry has no doubt been booming with business. So far, there’s only one company in the state that prides itself as being LGBT certified.
Perfectly Planned Hawaii announced its certification with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce – just a day after the law had passed. The Honolulu-based company offers destination wedding and event planning services to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. These services include everything from helping with event layout and design to assisting with travel accommodations.
The company’s website lists several wedding packages, ranging from $5,000 (up to 10 guests) to $32,000 (up to 50 guests). As an example, clients choosing the ‘Awapuhi package ($25,000 for up to 30 guests) get everything from fresh floral lei to a Hawaiian musical trio. If you’re looking for something more low-key, then the $5,000 package would probably suit your destination wedding best, since it’s more of a casual beachfront affair.
Perfectly Planned Hawaii is not only LGBT-owned-and-operated but also Native Hawaiian-owned-and-operated. Both owners have an extensive background in coordinating and planning in Hawaii, and judging by their website, are able to put together authentic Hawaiian weddings. So you can forget about anything cheesily tropical weddings you might see on TV and count on an experience more true to the islands.
In comparing package prices from my own research with Perfectly Planned Hawaii’s, they do seem to be a bit on the high-end. However, I’m sure that once more competition gets added to the mix, prices will drop and therefore, make it more affordable for those hoping to plan destination weddings in Hawaii.
PERFECTLY PLANNED HAWAII
• 1253 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814 • 808-561-1244 • www.perfectlyplannedhawaii.com
