Let’s talk about wedding rehearsals! In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of how we run rehearsals for our Maui destination weddings. Whether you’re feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or just curious about what actually happens, we’re here to walk you through it all.

We’ll share who should attend, how we set the ceremony lineup, why we rehearse in reverse (yes, really!), and how we ease those last-minute jitters the day before you say “I do.” From timing the music to giving pep talks to the wedding party, our goal is to make sure everything runs smoothly—and that you feel totally confident and calm heading into your big day.

If you’re planning a wedding in Maui, this episode will help you show up to rehearsal ready, relaxed, and excited.

Why we usually schedule rehearsals for 9 AM the day before the wedding

Who should be there—and who doesn’t need to worry about attending

What to expect if you're bringing your own officiant

How we plan your processional and ceremony layout

Why we rehearse in reverse and how it helps everything click

Our go-to reminders for pockets, sunglasses, bouquets, and more

Why we leave the music timing to the pros—and skip the Bluetooth speaker

How to use Canva to visualize your wedding party lineup

How we help families decide where to sit for the best view

What happens if someone forgets their cue (spoiler: we’re there to guide them!)

Planning your dream Maui wedding? We’d love to support you.

Not sure who to tip—or how much—when it comes to your wedding team? You’re not alone! In this episode, I’m breaking down suggested gratuities so you can show your appreciation without overextending your budget. We’ll talk about who to tip, how much is appropriate, how to prepare ahead of time, and some real talk about things like tip jars at the bar and those post-wedding “the check is in the mail” moments.

Whether you decide to tip or not, this episode will help you feel confident, organized, and full of aloha.

Who typically receives a gratuity on wedding day (and how much is standard)

Why gratuities are never expected when working with trusted pros

The best way to prepare and organize your tip envelopes (cash is king!)

What to do if you’re on a tight budget—but still want to show appreciation

The do’s and don’ts of bar tip jars (yes, we talk about it!)

Why saying “we’ll send something later” can unintentionally sting 

How thank-you notes, kind words, and great reviews are also meaningful ways to say thanks

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Follow on Instagram @adreamweddingmaui

Want help planning your Maui wedding? Let’s chat! Use the link above to view my calendar.

This is Episode 21—such a milestone! I’m so grateful to each of you for tuning in every week. I created this podcast to give you practical, thoughtful advice to make planning your Maui destination wedding as seamless (and joyful) as possible. Here’s to many more episodes to come. 💕

Ever wonder what a wedding planner carries to make sure your big day goes off without a hitch? In this episode of A Dream Wedding Maui, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing exactly what’s inside our wedding day toolkit. From fashion fixes to weather emergencies and tech must-haves, we are prepared for anything and everything — so you don’t have to worry about a thing!

Tune in to hear the full breakdown of what we pack for every wedding day and why having the right tools on hand can make all the difference.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

The must-have items in our emergency kit and repair tools

Beauty and fashion essentials we always carry

Tech tools and weather prep you might not think of

Little-known wedding day hacks (hint: baby powder and museum wax!)

Why being over-prepared = peace of mind for you and your guests

Mentioned in this Episode:

Liquid IV hydration packs

Clear umbrellas (our secret good-luck charm against rain!)

Fashion tape, fishing line, museum wax — and more toolkit essentials

Want more help planning your Maui wedding?

Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode, and if you found today’s tips helpful, please leave a review and share it with a friend who's planning their dream wedding too!

Mahalo for listening — see you next Wednesday! 

🎧 Episode Description:

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a very real behind-the-scenes moment: I almost didn’t record this because I’m currently dealing with a pretty brutal skin cancer treatment (shout out to anyone who’s been through the dreaded chemo cream). But that’s exactly what inspired this topic—because even when I’m not at my best, the planning doesn’t stop. And that’s the beauty of having a team.

If you’ve ever wondered why it might be better to hire a team of planners instead of just one solo expert, this episode is for you. I’m diving into how our team works together to support each couple with creativity, consistency, and compassion—no matter what life throws at us.

Here’s what I’m sharing in this episode:

Why I moved from being a one-woman show to building a full wedding planning team

How we support each other (and you!) through sick days, travel, and long event weekends

The benefits of multiple sets of eyes on your details—from guest lists to floor plans

How we play to our strengths and work collaboratively to serve you better

An exciting update about our new Design Specialist and what that means for your wedding!

📲 Let’s connect:

💬 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another couple planning their big day in paradise.

The RSVPs are in—yay! But now what? In this episode of my Let’s Get Maui series, I’m walking you through exactly what to do once your final guest count is locked. This phase is all about logistics, and I’m here to help you tackle it with confidence and ease.

In this episode, I’ll share:

How to start (and survive!) your seating plan

What to communicate to your caterer—like entrée counts and food allergies

How your final headcount affects rentals, transportation, and your budget

Common mistakes I see with place cards and how to avoid them

My suggested RSVP and planning timeline to keep things stress-free

This is such an exciting milestone in your wedding planning journey, and I want to make sure you’re checking every important box before the big day. Let’s dive into these details so you can stay calm, organized, and ready to celebrate!

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a Wedding Tip Wednesday!

This week, I’m sharing three wedding details that I am absolutely loving right now — straight from a stunning event we just wrapped at the gorgeous Olowalu Plantation House. From bold color palettes to guest-friendly lei walls and unforgettable entertainment, these ideas are all about creating joyful, meaningful experiences that reflect you as a couple.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Why color is making a big comeback (and how to use it well)

What a lei wall is and why it’s such a wow-worthy welcome

Ways to elevate your guest experience — including my favorite surprise moment: fire knife dancing!

Whether you're just starting to plan or deep in the details, this episode will inspire you to personalize your celebration in a way that feels vibrant, intentional, and completely your own.

✨ Let’s make your dream wedding come to life — with aloha.

📍 Ready to plan your Maui wedding?

In this special Mother's Day episode of A Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to honor moms and grandmas on your wedding day. Whether your mom is there to celebrate with you or you're finding meaningful ways to remember her in spirit, there are so many thoughtful touches to make her feel seen and celebrated. From processional roles and bouquet dedications to repurposing her wedding dress, I’m covering it all.

How to include moms and grandmas in the processional (and why it’s so important not to overlook them)

Ways to involve both parents in the "giving away" moment

Special getting-ready moments and keepsake photo ops with mom

Including a mother-daughter dance, or even a family dance

Bouquet dedications and personalized gifts

Creative ways to repurpose your mom’s wedding dress into something new and meaningful

Honoring moms who have passed through memory chairs, heirloom jewelry, and more

How to celebrate grandmothers in special roles (including one of my favorite recent weddings where Grandma was the flower girl!)

I'd love to hear how you're planning to honor your mom or grandmother at your wedding! DM me on Instagram or send me a message through my website.

Website: aDreamWedding.net

Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui

Welcome back to A Dream Wedding Maui! This week, we're diving deep into one of the most important pieces of your wedding planning puzzle: your wedding day timeline.

I'm sharing why a great timeline matters not just for you, but for your guests and your entire vendor team — and how the right flow can turn your big day into an unforgettable experience. From when to schedule hair and makeup to building in those special sunset photo moments, I’m breaking it all down step-by-step.

You'll learn:

Whether you're planning an intimate beach elopement or a big oceanfront celebration, this episode will help you feel calm, confident, and ready to soak in every moment.

Book your complimentary consultation: adreamwedding.net

Follow us on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui

Welcome back to A Dream Wedding Maui! In this episode of our Let's Get Maui series, we're talking all about wedding table settings — one of the most important details that sets the tone for your reception. Whether you're dreaming of tropical elegance or laid-back beachy vibes, a well-designed tablescape can make your guests feel truly welcomed and wowed.

Ashley walks you through everything you need to know:

What’s included in a standard Maui place setting

The differences between buffet vs. plated service setups

How to elevate your design with chargers, glassware, napkins, and menus

Favorite tips for adding texture, color, and personal touches

What local caterers provide (so you don’t overpay!)

Budget-friendly ways to make a big visual impact

What to watch out for in breezy Maui venues (spoiler: we’ve got tricks for that!)

Candles, florals, favors, and how to bring it all together seamlessly

Plus, Ashley shares her behind-the-scenes process: how she creates mockups, sets every napkin fold with intention, and ensures no detail is overlooked when it comes to your guests’ dining experience.

Whether you're going all-in on tabletop decor or just want to make smart, impactful choices, this episode is packed with guidance to help you create a reception table that’s as beautiful as it is functional.

🌺 Planning a Maui wedding? Let’s chat!

In this episode of A Dream Wedding Maui, we’re talking all about wedding day signage!

Signage is one of the most overlooked — but highly impactful — details of a destination wedding. Not only does it help guide your guests and provide helpful information, but it’s also a beautiful opportunity to show off your style and personality.

From must-have signs like welcome signs and seating charts to fun extras like bar menus and directional signage — I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan for wedding signage that’s both functional and beautiful.

We’ll chat about:

The essential signs every wedding should have

Fun and creative signage ideas to personalize your day

Materials and design styles for signage

Where to source signage (DIY, Etsy, or hire a pro?)

Signage tips for Maui weddings (wind, weather, and logistics!)

The biggest signage mistakes to avoid

Wedding signage helps create a warm, welcoming, and seamless guest experience — and I’m here to help you get it right.

→ Learn more at: adreamwedding.net