To have Parasols or not to have Parasols

[da.shmoopies]

I'm considering purchasing parasols for our wedding. Our ceremony is lasting from 4pm to 6pm in South Maui, and it doesn't seem like the grounds have a whole lot of shade. Any BDW Maui brides felt that they should have purchased parasols for the comfort of the guests? Or was it a waste of wedding funds?

 

I'm asking this because I order a parasol from Lunar Bazaar and I was very unhappy with the quality (it looks like it was pasted together by 2 year olds and it smells awful... though their paper fans are lovely). So I'm considering going with a higher quality parasol but that multiplies the price by about three times!

 

I need some personal experiences here to help make the decision and argue the cost with the fiancee.

[Chiquita]

I didn't order parasols. I brought 12 raffia fans with me in our wedding colours and not one person used them! We got married around 4:30pm in Wailea right on the beach and it was windy enough that no one felt super hot. In fact, I didn't really feel warm in my dress at all that I can remember. However this was november, maybe temps are slightly higher in october? I also remember there was slight cloud cover that day too which helped the temp a bit.

[da.shmoopies]

Thanks for the information, Chiquita. I'm thinking we'll pass on the parasols. My wedding coordinator offered the use of some that other bride had "gifted" to her. Then if anyone really needs one, it's there for them.

 

Bummer about your fans. I think Wailea is typically cooler than West Maui. I purchased paper paddle fans which I will probably use for the program... so if no one uses it for a fan, they can use it for that!

 

I hope your guests at least took them home as souveniers!

[Chiquita]

If your WC has some for you to use then for sure go for it. Save your money and use it elsewhere

 

No one wanted my fans I brought them home with some other stuff. I had sent them out to another bride on here but they got lost in the mail! Boo!

[da.shmoopies]

She keeps saying that they are "definitely used." LOL I figure I'll take 'em for those that really need them, and it will be fine.

 

Bummer about the fans! Bad fan joojoo.

 

Personally, I'd MAKE my guest take 'em!!

[dear tulip]

My future mother-in-law bought like 30 Chinese paper parasols. My ceremony is starting from 5pm and they said that it's still very sunny. I hope it wouldn't look too cheesy...

 

I'm not sure about fans though. It's very windy in Cancun..

[Erika J]

I wonder if the parasols are too poorly made... will the get destroyed if it is too wind??

 

I dont have a ton of experience in South Maui, more west maui butit gets really breezy int eh pm and at sunset.

[da.shmoopies]

The wedding is in West Maui, and the reception is in South Maui.

 

Thanks for the heads-up regarding the wind!

[purpleshells]

ive been looking at parasols myself....theres so many fabrics to choose from; lace,satin,bamboo, etc then you have colors......which is best my wed colors are aqua and white....should i get an aqua? or since im the bride stick to white? however my dress is ivory...so white might look weird.....i like the satin ones.look very elegant compared to the bamboo.but i do like those too...but worried they are very fragile and may tear on the plane or with the wind..once in Cuba...that would def. suck!! curious about what you other brides think?

[sleepyj]

I'm thinking of getting a couple of parasols for the wedding party for photo purposes. (getting married in the afternoon in November, don't think guests will really need them) . I don't want to ship them all the way there, though, or bring them in my suitcase.

 

Does anyone know if there is somewhere in Maui that these can be purchased?