Reception advice

[hunnyke]

Hello everyone!!! I need some help making this decision. My DW will be in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. My problem that I have been having is the reception...I was thinking of having it at a Luau. The ceremony is being held on the beach where supposedly "the biggest and best Luau in Hawaii" is held, just on a different side of the property. Right after the ceremony ends the luau starts and we can get escorted straight there. I would be getting the best tickets for all my guests for the best seats. The problem I am having is, is it okay do you think to have a public luau take place as my reception? I have read a lot of reviews on this luau and heard mostly good things, but I have heard it does get crowded. The tickets I am getting are table service so my guests don't have to stand in line for the bar or food. I just want them to be happy. So, I need your alls advice on if I should do this or not. We will be having a dinner for everyone the night before to welcome everyone and to thank everyone for coming, it will be like a rehearsal dinner. Help!!!! Thank you for any advice I can get.

[CourtneyV]

Why not?!! It sounds like a blast; and I think the fact that it is out of the ordinary is what'll make it special!

[Alyssa]

i personally like the idea but think about these things:

 

are you going to get upset if your guests are all spread out mingling with other people?

 

How are you going to handle speeches?

 

Do you have a WC who can get everyone back together if necessary?

 

Are you going to sit at a bunch of tables or 1 long table?

[Spazz]

I think it sounds like a great idea! I would love to do something like that after a wedding.

[katrina]

which luau company are you thinking of? i grew up on oahu so i know a bit about them.

 

the atmosphere of a luau is very lively and there's lots of entertainment, but it's much more about sitting and watching a show than it is about dancing with your guests. it also gets rather loud so mingling and speeches could be a problem.

 

but on the flip side, it's a wonderful way to experience hawaiian culture. the food is great- most people get a kick out of eating a whole roasted pig. also, do you know how drinks will be handled? many times each person just gets a few drink tickets. is it different with table service? and would they accomodate a wedding cake?

[hunnyke]

Thanks everyone for your support. Bouncikat, The one I am thinking about is Paradise Cove, that is also where the ceremony is held. I don't really mind about speeches and stuff, we can always do that at the dinner the night before. The cake I am going to have right after the ceremony and before the luau, like a mini reception at the actual ceremony site with cake and champagne! Since you basically grew up on Oahu, do you have any advice or suggestions for me, hotels, places to eat...etc. I was trying to have a private luau, but I couldn't find a company that would do it for such a small guest list, unfortunately. Anyway...any information would be great. Are honeymoon will be in Kauai!!!

[rodent]

I don't think the reception needs to be a private event. How many guests are you having? If you are not having a lot, it might be more fun to be at a non private reception. I think it sounds great.

[Sharonie]

It really depends on your envision of the reception. Do you want to mingle with your guests or simply want them to have fun? If it were later case, luau will be a great idea!

[starchild]

I think it is great too, but people wouldn't be able to mingle as much as another sort of reception. Have you already booked your welcome dinner? What about a luau to welcome & thank guests for coming and something more intimate for the reception? Whatever you decide you can't go wrong in Hawaii )