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I’m not sure if you noticed or not, but I’ve never posted about any reception details, mainly because I don’t have any reception details to blog about. In lieu of a traditional reception, we’re taking our guests to a luau for dinner instead. This means no hiring of a DJ, no linens, no centerpieces, no caterer, no menus, no cake, which equals no stress. Instead, we’re paying a flat fee per guest for a delicious Hawaiian menu, drinks, and fabulous hula dancers as entertainment.
This also means eating with random people (other guests at the luau), no first dance, no father/daughter dance and no cake cutting. I’m okay with this. I actually am looking forward to a laid back dinner with family and friends, no pressure, no spotlight attention (other than the fact that I will, most likely, be the only one at the luau wearing a wedding dress), and no stresses with vendors.
Yum… source
Anyone else having a restaurant dinner instead of a traditional reception?
I just got back from a trip to Maui for my big sister’s wedding, and there were two wedding parties at the Luau we went to on New Years Eve. The best part (it seemed) was that they got lots of well-wishing from other luau guests, and looked very relaxed and lost in each other (and their delicious hawaiin buffet!). My sister really wanted the intimacy of having her own reception with her guests, but it’s definetely a popular way to go amongst the DW crowd!
my fiance and i just did a total 180 with our wedding plans–we went from a tented wedding in may 2010 to ditching all that and finding a park to get married in and a restaurant to have the reception in–and now we’re doing it this coming june! eeks!
that is EXACTLY what we originally wanted to do, but were overruled by the mister’s parents. Good on you - everyone will be sure to have a great time!
Miss Sushi — I am helping my sister plan her wedding and we are thinking of doing something really similar for her wedding. Would you mind emailing me where you are doing your wedding and how you chose it? (Only of course if you have time.) My email is jrojakovick at gmail dot com. If you are able to email me, thank you so much in advance!!!
I love it! Such a great way of giving your guests a true Hawaiian experience.
this sounds so fantastic! maybe you could ask the place if you could bring a small cake so you could do a symbolic cake cutting, if that’s actually something that you’re truly going to miss.
Your guests will be talking about it forever! How exciting. I don’t think we ever have to do anything “just because everyone else does”. What a wonderful way to make your wedding “yours”.
a luau reception? yes please! i had a blast at the luau i went to in hawaii, and i’m sure your guests will too!
that is one REALLY GOOD picture that last one! 
Oh, I forgot to mention that at the luau we went to, the host asked all the newlyweds or vacationers celebrating anniversaries to get up for a dance together, so you may actually get yourselves a first dance! It was so sweet to watch all these newlyweds, so so in love, dancing together!
Low stress indeed! I’m getting married in Oahu in 2010 and we are doing a dinner at a restaurant. I think it is totally the way to go if you are having a small intimate wedding. I will be anxiously awaiting your recaps! 
Looks awesome. Can I come? I’ve never been to a real luau!!
Never been to a real luau either. Sounds wonderful and very low stress!
We could have a pretend one here in atlanta though..I can be the fire-twirler person! (in college I was featured twirler and could do the fire baton thing! lol!)
GREAT PLAN! That sounds fun and stress-free! We loved the luau that we went to in Ohau and your guests will have a great time!! Just be prepared that they may call you up on stage!
Not at a Luau, but we’re having ours in a restaurant. Its cheaper and more us. We didn’t want the stress of having to worry about a reception to ourselves.
We’re also having a very small wedding (FFIL is being deployed) and plan on having a big party with all of our family and friends when he gets back.
@AmberWaves: I’m planning a small wedding in Oahu as well and is looking for a nice dinner at a restaurant. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Hi. That sounds great. My fiance is actually pushing for a luau reception instead of the traditional as we are getting married in Hawaii. i was trying to have a cocktail hour and then the luau. He may get what he wishes. Can you tell me where you found the luaus? Please email them to me at bushwaterswedding@yahoo.com
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Mrs. Sushi, Hershey/Hawaii Age and Occupation: 27, Air Force Photographer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Laborer/Aspiring Hip Hop Producer Engagement Date: December 25, 2007 Wedding Date: March 2009 Blogging Since: October 9, 2006 Venue: Byodo-In Temple, Luau Reception About Me: I’m a notorious people-watcher who loves all things paper, food, traveling, grubbin’ on food, gossip magazines, food, sock monkeys…did I mention food?! Mr. Sushi and I are both haolepinos (half Filipino, half Caucasian) and hope to be able to somehow incorporate our cultures at our destination wedding in Hawaii. All while planning from the sweetest place in earth, Hershey!
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